skipping stitches in zig zag mode
 

Hi. I occasionally like to zigzag on my quilts...whether applique, edging or just to do a different pattern. I find my stitches are skipping. I have a Brother CS5000i. It only skips in zigzag mode. I have changed the needle and the thread. I am afraid of messing with tension...any suggestions! thanks

Try a larger needle.

Can you move the needle position to the left or right? That can sometimes change the timing just enough to make a difference.

It may also be the needle/hook distance that is too wide. If you remove the needle plate, and turn the handwheel until the hook is directly behind the needle, there should only be 1 thread's distance between the needle and hook. On some Brother machines, there's a hole behind the needle bar, on the back of the machine. If you put the right tool in there (Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, torx or hex) and twist, you can close the needle/hook distance. Not all Brothers have internal frames, so not all can adjust needle/hook distance. It may be worth trying.