Originally Posted by
dunster
If you are moving the fabric too quickly it will catch the needle and slightly deflect it, causing the stitch not to form.
Ditto This: You may be moving the fabric sandwich too fast and the needle is bending just enough to miss the take up.
before you do anything else try moving just a bit slower and see if that works.
I do like my top stitch/ metallic needles for all my sewing on DHMs.
If slowing down doesn't work try all the other stuff.
peace