I bought a Singer Simple sewing machine at JoAnn's about 3 months ago to carry to quilt classes. The other night I used the zig zag setting for the first time on some applique. At first it did great, then it start skipping anywhere from 2-6 stitches at a time (or making a straight stitch instead of zig zag). There was no rhyme or reason to it. At first I thought it was just when I was going around curves, but then it did the same thing on straight lines of stitching. I tried various adjustments and settings but nothing solved it. It was totally inconsistent, working fine for a bit and then off a bit, with no way to predict when it was going to mess up. Has anyone had this problem or know a fix for it, short of an expensive repair bill? I checked with Joann's and they won't let me swap it cause it's been 3 months since the purchase.

I would call Singer or send them an email ?

Did you change the needle? My Brother used to skip stitches when the needle got dull or when it needed to be cleaned.

It could be the machine too, but try the basics first.

Have you tried a different needle? Maybe the size isn't right for your thread or your fabric. Were you trying to sew on batiks? If so, I would definately try a new needle, perhaps a jean needle.

Hate to tell you Dforesee - was at Joanns the other day - there was a woman returning a machine she just bought there. The manager said to the sales clerk "You're going to have to give her a refund - even though it's been too long, because we're having a lot of problems with these machines." I recommend you continue to persue a refund. I believe it was a Singer Simple machine as well. She also bought it to take to class and hadn't gone to any, so only just tried it and same complaint. Go higher up in Joanns management. Our store is in Spring, Tx. Go on line as well and put it out there. I think they got a bunch of lemons or one part in them is wrong. Whatever it is, you're not alone. Hope this helps. But, don't keep a machine that doesn't work. Try brother if Joanns won't help. I think they would want to know - Joanns isn't helping you.

did you check really really well to see if a tiny bit of thread is caught somewhere near the bobbin underneath or recheck your bobbin to see it is turning the right direction. sometimes a new machine hasn't made friends with you yet. they can tell :lol: :lol: :lol:

get your owners manual that came with the machine out go through the maintenence section and give the machine a good cleaning/oiling, then a new needle, rethread and it will be like new. most machine manuals tell you to clean it every time you change the bobbin and change needles with every new project or 8 hours of sewing. most people do not bother...then wonder when their machines are not happy machines any more. i think we have probably all been guilty of this at some time. but you need to think of your machine like any power tool, it has to be taken care of if you want it to last and take care of you.

That's why I always recommend to anyone I hear buying a new machine to buy it from a sewing machine dealer. Wal Mart, Jo Anns & these hotel deals where you can buy refurbished machines don't have the support behind them that you get from your local sewing shop. You don't necessarily have to buy from a quilt shop but sewing machine shops have every price range you can imagine & they are more than willing to help you. But like the others said, try changing the needle, check for threads in the bobbin area, rethread it. If all fails, DON'T GIVE UP. Keep moaning & groaning until you get something done. My first Bernina was a lemon & the shop I bought it from would not stand behind it. I didn't know at the time that if they don't do something for you, go straight to the company. If you don't hear back, write them again or call them. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. But you will get it replaced if you keep it up until you get someone's attention. Good luck

Good luck with Singer management their machines are not as good as their real old molds I had a bad experience with a Singer model Athena 2000 never sewed everytime I went to use it it would just hum, sent it back to the factory 3 times after the fourth time it happened I sent a letter to the President of the Company and told him I would not own another Singer machine even if they gave it to me for free. I finally threw the machine out I was soo discussed with it. I would take it back to Joann's and demand my money back.

Sad to say, but today's Singers are not our grandmother's Singers. Today's are plastic and are pretty much "throw away" machines when they break. As Izaquilter says, go to a reputable lqs or sewing & vac shop; they have a huge price range. The best deals are often "previously loved" machines that do come with a warrantee and service contract. I teach quilting at a local shop and we see lots of disgruntled Singer owners coming over to us from the box stores. Eventually most of them buy new or previously owned Berninas rather than putting any more time or money into inexpensive machines. It makes me so sad to see people struggle with box-store machines when they could be spending their time having fun making quilts. You can also check Craig's list, eBay and yard sales for an older machine of better quality, although you won't get any guarantees with them. Good luck!