My machine is skipping stitches even after changing needle 2 times--what else ??
 

A month ago, after using a needle from a new pack for several weeks, my machine started skipping stitches. I changed needles and it worked fine for about a month. Then, today it started skipping stitches again so I changed needles. Well, it started skipping stitches again after only a few minutes. I rethreaded the top thread and exchanged bobbins as well to see if that helped. Nope, still skipping a stitch every 2o to 30 stitches maybe. If I sew really slow, it didn't skip stitches during the past maybe 3 feet of sewing but I don't think that is a "fix".

What should I be checking or changing? All of these needles come from a new pack I purchased in August --Schmetz Microtex Sharp 70/10. I'm using them for a combination of batik and 100% cotton piecing. Maybe the pack is defective? I don't have any other Sharp needles I can try and that is what I've been told to use on batiks.

you've mentioned changing needles...but when did you clean under the bobbin area last?
quite often a piece of lint can cause all kinds of frustration...take the bobbin & case out - give the machine a good cleaning- then rethread- put the bobbin back in & see if that helps. it is recommended to clean at each bobbin change but i know people forget sometimes until they start to have problems..also make sure you are not turning the needle in the wrong direction when putting it in- sometimes having one backwards will do that too.

I would also try different thread in the top and bobbin.

The first time it started skipping stitches a month ago, I had just cleaned the bobbin area. So that wasn't it that time. Just now, I took out the bobbin and there was a good layer of lint on most sufaces down there. I cleaned it so hopefully that helps. I have to do some washing and pressing before I can continue so I won't know if it helped until tomorrow.

Be sure that the thread in the top and bobbin are the same weight/thickness.

Isn't that a tiny needle? Someone on here said the bottom number is the one u use. You are using a 10 if that is right.

I am thinking maybe I need to be using a larger needle for the type of thread I'm using (Connecting Threads cotton thread). The smaller needle was recommended for the batik.

I agree I think a 70 is way too small. First try a 80 and see what happens then try a 90. Superior thread recommends a Topstitch (bigger eye) 90 for sewing.

Great advice. Good luck. I had I this problem awhile back too. I changed everything and haven't had any problems since.

Also, make sure that the needle is inserted all the way up the shaft. If it's not all the way in, it will skip stitches, although it probably would have done so from the get go. Just another thing to check.

I think you need a 12 or 14 needle, I'm not sure what the larger number would be. I started sewing back around 1960 and the needle sizes have changed. I now use what manufacturer says to use.

What is the brand of sewing machine you are using? Is it a home machine or Longarm? If a home machine, I agree, clean out the bobbin area...use a small brush and clean it out. Check your manual on how to do this.
Marge

Mine will skip stitches if I don't have the right size needle for the type of fabric/thickness I'm sewing.