Need help! Bernina BSR skips stitches when sewing on appliqued pieces
 

The BSR on my Bernina skips stitches when I am machine quilting on top of applique pieces. Because of this, I avoid the applique, but then my applique is "puckery" (If that is a word) especially if it is a larger piece of applique. I would like to go over it while free motion quilting or do free motion embroidery on it while quilting. I thought it was the sensor on the BSR, but someone told me it might be the size of the needle or type of thread. I would appreciate help on this before I experiment and ruin future projects. Thank you for your imput.

When I use cotton sateen I get skipped stitches with my BSR. I found out it was because the weave of sateen is much different than normal cotton and the sensor can't read it. Check the weave of your fabric. If it's sateen or coated chintz that might be a reason.

Next, try a new needle. Dull needles will sometimes cause skipped stitches. Then make sure your bobbin case tension thingee doesn't have lint stuck underneath it.

If you're going over an applique, you are going over at least two extra layers of fabric (if they have folded edges). So, backing, batting, quilt top and applique would be a lot of layers. So, yes, odds are you need a larger needle.

Once in a while my BSR will start skipping stitches. I take it in to my Bernina dealer and they 'reprogram' it (I guess that is what you would call it.) When I get it back it works perfectly. It might be the fabric you are stitching over, but it would be worth taking it in to have it checked.

Have you had your BSR updated? I just got mine back from the shop and there is a new stiffer spring they put on the BSR which is suppose to help with the skipping of stitches.