I looked on the Janome website and this machine takes the HLX5 needles.

I've never heard of the DB needles and my instruction manual says to use HLx5 so that what I'm using currently. I'll look to see if I have a size 16 needle and give that a try. Not sure how to clean the tensions discs...do you have to brush it out or take it apart?

i have one and all my setting are on 3. it was set that way from dealer. i use so fine thread on mine which i was

told to use when i bought the machine. keep it oil good according to book. i use the same size needle. havent had a problem.

you arent not moving too fast are you?

Thank you Joset....if I understand this correctly, your stitch length and tension are on 3....what about foot pressure when you free motion?

Lindaschipper you should be able to clean the tension discs with a stiff paintbrush or floss. Make sure your bobbin case is also clean. Run the paint brush around the inside of the case, lift up this little flap with a pin - you'd be surprised at how a bit of thread dust can accumulate underneath it and throw things off.

Try cleaning the tension disks with dental floss. Anything stuck in there might just cause this problem.

Is it possible your bobbin case got bent or scratched? Or that you have a bad batch of bobbins? Any another check to be sure the bobbin is turning in the correct direction. You must be so frustrated!

Peckish....never would have thought of that. Thank you!

It's happened to me, that's how I know! 😉

This is usually an issue with the stitch regulator or encoders. Here is a video that demonstrates the stitch regulator very well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pijhu8Cyew0

Check your encoder wheels. Are the skipped stitches going side to side (back encoder X) or for/backwards (side encoder Y ).
If they have rubber around it may need replacing, or the tracks simply need a good clean. These are issues I have with my Lizzie, & can be a real pain.