Stitches not straight
 

The stitches on my Featherweight seem to be a little on the slanted side instead of straight. I have adjusted the tension, re-threaded, re-wound the bobbin, changed the needle and cleaned everything but they still are not straight. Have I missed something? Is this a common problem with the Featherweight? Mine is a 1953 221. Thanks

Are you using the same top and bobbin thread? Different threads and different weight threads will make your stitching off.

At first I was using a bobbin that was wound a while ago with different thread....so I rewound with the new thread and that did seem to help some. But, the stitches still aren't as nice and straight as when I first got the fw. Thanks for your comment.

What's the tension on your presser foot? If it's loose the stitches could be wavering a bit.

The type of thread you use and the different sorts of fabric are all going to have some effect on the stitching and sometimes a new needle (or larger or smaller! based on thread type and fabric) will give you better results. And it's possible your top and or bottom tension needs adjusting.

I recently bought a 1/4" foot for my fw.....maybe that is the problem. Tomorrow I will change back to the one that came with the machine and see if that works. Thanks.

Thank you....that is good advice. I did change the needle but not sure of the size as it was not in the case it came in. I need new ones anyway so will buy some and see if that helps also.

Check out Jenny's blog on stitches.

http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/10/...-about-it.aspx

This should explain why you get slanted stitches.

Cathy

Cathy - most helpful and interesting. Thanks for posting.

Thanks for sharing this link. I bookmarked it so I can reread it when I notice crooked stitches again.

Connie

MIZKAKI.......thank you so much for the link, it has explained a lot!!!! :)

My Grandmother had that problem once and it was the stitch length dial. She had gone from a basting stitch back to her regular stitch and the arrow was between stitch lengths.

Thanks for sharing. Have come to realize my stitches are straight, I just have to guide it better. it most often is the operator of the machine.

Jenny's site is a wealth of information. Despite the years of practice I've had, I still struggle with verbal or written explanations and I frequently turn to Jenny. She does a wonderful job explaining things.

Cathy