if you are moving your fabric faster than the machine is stitching you will also get skipped stitches- ensure the needle is inserted correctly (the needle size should be the correct size for the thread being used) rethread the machine- reinsert the bobbin- put together a small practice piece & try speeding up the machine speed & slowing down your fabric manipulation--it takes time/practice to find that perfect combination of speed/movement...i don't see a larger needle making a difference- unless the first one was not the right size for the thread you are using.