I am making hats and scarves for kids, some for my DGK's and some for charity. I am having a problem with my machine skipping stitches; I am using fleece. I noticed with the last quilt I used the fleece for I had the same problem. I have torn the machine down and took out a pile of "fluff" and oiled the machine, and changed the needle. Does anyone have a solution to this delemma? I am getting VERY frustrated. I have a Janome 6282 and a featherweight, both seem to have this issue. I am sure it is the fabric. Thanks for any and all help.

I know how frustrating that is. I agree that it's not the machine but the fabric. Any fabric that creates a lot of lint is a problem. I would suggest that you stop often and clean the fuzz. I don't know of any way to stop creating fuzz.

Try using a top stitching needle. It is longer and should catch bobbin thread better. This just seems to be problem with sewing fleece. also try sewing slower.

What needles are you using? Use a Schmetz or a comparable, not Singer. I even had a defective Schmetz that caused skipping.

When I sew fleece (I make a lot of double layer fleece mitts) I don't use a straight stitch. I use a slight zig zag stitch and loosen the tension and foot pressure a little and this seems to help prevent skipping.

Yes, I was thinking to use a small zigzag stitch and change your tension for knits. Fleece is a knit afterall.

Try using a needle made for knit fabrics.

i think it's a needle issiue more than anything else

Try using a ball point needle. That used to be the solution when sewing knits or poylester.

I agree plus try a specialist needle such as a ball point your LQS should be able help with these

Also you can put a layer of tissue paper on the bottom and it helps prevent the lint getting into your machine. If your machine has an adjustment to increase the pressure on your foot, that will also help.

Using the right needle makes a big difference. I think I used a denim needle
last time I sewed microfleece but Schmetz also makes Stretch and Microtex
which should also work. Also, remember that fleece/synthetic fabrics tend to
dull needles quickly.

Thank you guys for all the help! I knew i could count on you! I got a needle for knits and that did the trick. Something soooo simple. Thanks a bunch.

Try using your walking foot when sewing on fleece, the extra thickness of the fabric could be confusing your machine. I believe on Berninas it is called the differential foot which means the machine will sew on any thickness. Use a longer length stitch too.

Carol J.

I would use a washable stablizer on top it helps I do a lot of embroidery on fleece material.shrabar

Whether by luck or design, I don't have any problem sewing this material. It is easier than other fabrics. So here is how I have it set up (if it is any help): I have a top stitch needle, usually 90 or 100 and a stitch length of 3 - 3.5. Best of luck.

If you have a walking foot, it might make a difference too. When I notice the fuzz building up on my needle itself, its time to stop and brush it all out again. Its a pain, but worth the effort

try a larger needle like one used for sewing denim.

I always use a ball point needle on knits