I just discovered the quilt pieces I have been working on have broken stitches!
 

I was ripping stitches from one of my pieces I have been working on and I discovered that every 5 or 6 inches a stitch was broken! I am so upset because I don't know if it was the thread (Aurafil), my needle, the tension or what????

Could it be the needle? I bought new needles yesterday because I heard clicking when I sewed. I didn't know if the needle was dull or broken (bought at Walmart), but thought it best to buy new needles at the sewing center where I bought the machine.

Does this mean I need to rip all my pieces out and start over?

Unhappy,
Janan

What kind of machine do you have? On mine, if either the top thread or bobbin thread is broken, no more stitches are formed.

No need to rip. If you determine a seam is compromised, all you have to do is sew over it again (or just to the right of the previous stitches to reinforce them). No one will know.

Honestly, it sounds like an issue with your timing belt. You could try all the basic troubleshooting tips (change thread, change needle -- should be an 80/12 sharp or microtex, floss thread run, oil machine, re-thread, switch direction of spool pin) but from what you're describing I'd guess it's the timing and would probably take it in for annual service.

EDIT: here's a link for how to check if it's a timing issue. http://www.sewitworks.com/timing/

Try all the tips from Bree123 and see what happens. If this happened with my bernina it would be a new needle.

Bree123 thanks for the link.

Bree123, thanks for the tips and Prism99, thanks for the reassurance.

My machine is a new Husqvarna Viking Opal. I have done all of the troubleshooting advised, so next I will look at the link to check on timing. I will also see if my new needles make a difference.

Thanks to all of you!

Janan

When I've had this happen in the past, it was caused by a damaged needle. Hopefully that's all it'll be for you, as well!

For any sewing problem, I first retread from scratch and then change the needle. Needles are cheap in bulk and generally less than a dollar even in small quantities. It just isn't worth your time to mess with it.

Hope the new needle works. In general timing issues affect every stitch, not just every few stitches.

Pam

I agree, just stitch over your broken stitches. I have been using Aurifil for all of my piecing and have never had a broken stitch on my Bernina.

Do you mean every 6 or so the stitch thread is actually "cut". Is it top or bottom thread? I cannot imagine, if the thread actually breaks in two pieces, how you are able to continue sewing.......if when sewing, bobbin thread breaks and I continue to go I just get that long top thread line.......if it's top thread...just holes in fabric and thread waving in the breeze along side the needle or sucked up into head.....even on my L/A. Now skipped stitches....that's different.