I have a Brother and my machine actually has a stitch like that. You might want to check to see if it didn't get set on that stitch type.

I have this issue with my Brother 450Q, too. Since I don't make anything to sell, it doesn't bother me that much, but I notice the difference between stitches on it and my much older and yet wonderful -- I don't care what anyone says! -- Singer Golden Touch 'n Sew. The Brother 450Q, a gift, had been a demonstration model and I think it may have been abused. Part of the housing is also slightly askew; it's possible it was dropped. Everything works; I just get slightly angled stitches.

I agree with Friday--love my Touch and Sew machine--always ready to sew unless it is sewer error--that happens !

I've been sewing for 40+ years; never had it explained so clearly

thank you

Thanks for the SewClassic link, QuiltingVagabond! Bookmarked for future reference.

Thanks for this information, I've run into this problem with my Viking and thought it was the machine even after taking it in for servicing. I'll have to recheck my needles and thread.

That's your problem. Set your stitch width at zero..it should always be at zero when straight stitching.

I'm assuming that 2.5 is your stitch width not length. Is that correct?

I've noticed that many more modern machines have this problem with their stitches. My husband (the designer/mechanical person) has always said that a machine that is made to do one thing will normally do that one thing much better than one that is designed to do many things. That's why the old straight stitch only machines are so great at their one thing. The straight stitch.

I have done a great deal of garment sewing using many types of fabrics. Lighter weight fabrics always do better with a smaller needle and lighter weight thread. I would definitely use a 80/12 needle and if it's lighter than regular quilting cotton, I would even try a 70/10. I don't know what weight your Mettler thread is but a 50 wt would probably be good.

If you have a pressure adjustment on your presser foot that might be something to work with also.

The sew classic link is absolutely correct. Several years ago I had a service person tell me not to use universal needles - they are imbetween a ball point and a sharp and make those wiggly stitches. I now use only sharps or quilting type needles and a size 75/11 if I can find them. My stitches are great - I also sometimes use a 2.0 stitch length instead of the machine set 2.5 - the smaller stitches work better for me.

Thank you Kathy, I did not know that. I have had the problem too. I printed of that file so I can refer back to it. Thanks again.