The hand sewing machine does not stitch. Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?

I think that every craftswoman who sews has met with such a problem ... I offer a few tips.

Advice from "very skillful_hands"
Jeans... whose cars are missing in thick places? It’s clear that the industrial one wouldn’t let it through .... but our change houses can also do a lot, you just need help, and since it’s better to see once ... In general, when your foot climbs onto the thickening, put the same thickness in a checkerboard pattern , here is a piece that was cut off or stitch a pillow from as many layers,

When the foot has already sewn through the thick place completely, lower the needle, remove the backing.

That's it ... there are no passes ... they sew jeans, even if they're not wet, even if it's not like that, but they sew :)

And this is advice from mageta.
I have one interesting book from the Singer series. It is advised to go through thick seams using a gasket (for example, a piece of cardboard)
Seam start. To straighten the foot, place a pad (such as a piece of cardboard) under the foot and sew from the edge of the fabric.
Passing through a thick seam:
1. Sew until you reach a thick seam and the foot begins to rise. Place the pad on the back of the foot to line it up.

2. Move along the thick seam until the presser foot begins to lower. Place the spacer in front of the foot to straighten the foot.

Move on until the foot is completely on the pad. Remove the gasket and continue working.

Thread breakage and skipped stitches are the most common sewing machine problems. They can interrupt the production process, affect the quality of products, reduce the profit of the garment factory and the efficiency of the sewing machine operators. What can cause the thread to break or cause the machine to skip stitches?

the wrong thread for the sewn material has been selected in terms of thickness and characteristics
the thread is of poor quality, uneven in thickness
The thread thickness does not match the size of the needle or the size of the eye of the needle.
Worn or defective thread guides and eyelets
the thread is not threaded correctly
excessive thread tension
defective or poor-quality needle, incorrect needle installation
burrs or sharp surfaces on sewing machine parts
the sewing machine is out of adjustment, not set up properly
malfunction in the fabric feed mechanism
operator mishandling

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons why the thread breaks or why there are skipped stitches in the line. Let's start in order.

The loop must form correctly

The loop in a lockstitch sewing machine is formed by a shuttle, and in an overlock or cover stitch machine, by a looper.

If something goes wrong, then the stitch forming device may hit the thread - and it will break, or the device may not have time to make a loop, then we have skipped stitches in the line. Why is this happening?

The thread is stretched too much, i.e. it lengthens when the stitch is formed.
The cause of trouble may lie in the direction of twist of the fibers of the thread, and the degree of twist of the fibers, that is, the thread breaks into fibers during the formation of a loop.
Flexibility / stiffness of the thread is also an important factor.
Smoothness, roughness of the surface of the thread, on which the force of friction of the thread on the thread guides depends

If you have an inadequate ratio of needle size and thread thickness, then also expect trouble. The fabric will drag behind the needle when it reaches its highest position. This the most common reason for skipping stitches!

Sometimes it happens that the machine skips stitches when you cross another stitch. The problem occurs due to a sudden change in material thickness. The foot ceases to securely clamp the material, in addition, the thread tension increases sharply.

Elongation, stretching, thread pulling

The extensibility of the thread depends on the nature of the fibers, the nature and degree of their twisting. Nylon and polyester threads are much more stretchable than 100% cotton. Cotton thread stretches by 3-4% and breaks, while polyester can stretch by 17-20%. Due to its properties, polyester thread can provide a more elastic and durable seam. To ensure proper loop formation, use polyester threads with a high initial stretch threshold. Resistance to stretch will not allow the thread to stretch during the formation of stitches.

Thread slip

The slip of the thread is another factor on which the correct formation of the stitch depends. Perfect glide ensures uniform tension on the thread passing through the tension adjusters and thread guides. Excellent glide allows you to form a stitch with minimal force.

The thread must be homogeneous to pass well through all mechanisms. What is a uniform thread?

uniform thread construction along the entire length of the thread
uniformity in thickness
uniform in tension
uniform in strength

It is possible to note such sewing qualities as the uniformity of the color of the thread, the stability of the color, the resistance of the thread to abrasion and wear. Synthetic threads are usually lubricated silicone-based or wax-based lubricant so that they do not heat up the needle when rubbed. The faster the sewing speed, the more heat generated when the thread rubs against the needle. It is worth noting that the lubricated thread penetrates the fabric more easily. The friction of the thread also depends on its structure (twisted or monofilament) and the nature of the fibers (cotton, wool, polyester)

Surely everyone who more or less regularly uses a sewing machine has encountered this problem at least once. It would seem that I checked the correctness of the filling, and changed the needle, and cleaned the shuttle device, but the machine still skips stitches! Why is this happening and what to do in this case?

Let's try to find the reason for skipping a stitch when working on a sewing machine. The problem in most cases is as follows - the thread lowered by the needle down is not picked up by the hook nose, that is, as a result of any disturbances in the operation of the machine, a sufficiently large loop cannot form that the shuttle nose could capture, and, accordingly, the stitch is not it turns out. Let's see what malfunctions can cause a skipped stitch?
Why?

Firstly, a good reason for skipping a stitch can be a needle that is not suitable for the type of work being done, the type of material being processed, or, in the end, is simply bent or blunt. For example, getting into the thread of the fabric, an excessively thick needle pulls it down, forms a loop that prevents the formation of an overflow loop from the upper thread.

Secondly, the sewing machine may skip stitches because the sewing threads do not match the needle type and number. For example, with a thin needle and a thick upper thread, a loop-overlap may form on the opposite side of the needle, where the hook nose cannot pick it up.

Thirdly, often the sewing machine skips stitches when sewing elastic synthetic fabrics. If the fabric you are working with is elastic, then a thin needle will not be able to make a sufficient hole in it. When the needle passes through the hole in the needle plate, the fabric clings to it.

Fourth, skipped stitches often occur when changing from a thick to a thin section of a seam (for example, when hemming the bottom of the trousers in jeans).

Fifth, a skipped stitch can be caused by a mismatch between the shuttle and the needle.

What to do?

If your sewing machine starts skipping stitches, proceed as follows:

1. Check that the upper and lower threads are threaded correctly.
2. Loosen the upper thread tension.
3. Change the needle. An old needle can become blunt, bent, and dirty as a result of long use. When doing this, it is important to know what type of needle your machine is set to. All needles have their own markings and calibers, write out the markings of recommended needles from the instructions of the sewing machine and then you can find exactly what suits you on sale.

When buying needles, you should choose the smallest suitable needle thickness for a particular fabric. It is preferable to use a universal needle, or a needle with a medium or wide round point, or a finishing needle. For sewing stretch fabrics, use special needles marked "stretch".
The needle must be inserted into the needle holder correctly, until it stops. But in especially difficult cases, it can be lowered a little, sometimes this method helps so that a sufficiently large loop can be formed from the upper thread.

4. Check that the presser foot is set evenly, sometimes you need to increase its pressure (or even pull the nose of the foot down while sewing), as a result of which it will hold the fabric much better. In this case, the needle will not pull the fabric down through the needle plate. It is preferable to use the straight stitch foot (with a small round hole). If you don't have a straight stitch foot, try turning the needle all the way to the right.

5. Use a needle plate with a small hole, if you do not have a needle plate with a small hole, then try to cover a part of the wide hole on the ordinary needle plate with adhesive tape.

6. Change sewing threads. Perhaps the threads you are using have an increased twist. Due to the highly twisted thread, the overlap loop may immediately fold to the side when formed, resulting in a skipped stitch.

7. When sewing elastic synthetic fabrics, you can try to stabilize the fabric with a special water-soluble material, in the absence of such, soak the fabric with a solution of gelatin or starch. You can put thin paper under the fabric, which should be carefully torn off when sewing is completed.

8. When transitioning from a thick to a thin section of the seam, use a special foot to go through thick places. Some models of sewing machines have a special mechanism that simplifies the transition from a thin to a thick layer of material - carefully read the instructions for your sewing machine.

9. If none of the methods worked for you, your sewing machine may be skipping stitches due to a mismatch between the movements of the shuttle and the needle. In this case, the best way to fix the problem is to call a sewing machine repairman. If you are ready to comprehend all the secrets of repairing a sewing machine yourself, the book by A.I. Zyuzin "Repair of sewing machines".

SEWING MACHINE SKIPS STITCHES IN THE STITCH Any sewing machine will sometimes skip stitches in the sewing stitch. Why do skipped stitches appear? In this article, you will learn the main common causes of skipped stitches and how to fix them. To eliminate skipped stitches in a line, you need to contact a sewing machine repairman, but most often, the cause can be eliminated with your own hands. 1. The main reason for gaps in stitching Lockstitch sewing stitches are formed as a result of the interaction between the bobbin and the needle. The nose of the shuttle approaches the needle, removes the loop, circles the upper thread around itself and a stitch is formed. The stitching of the sewing machine will not have gaps if the hook nose and needle interaction settings are followed. Let's look at the conditions under which and the parameters of the interaction of these two parts, the appearance of skipping lines of the sewing machine is excluded. The main reason for skipping stitches The gap between the needle blade and hook nose should not be more than 0.3 mm, and even less is better. Sometimes, this gap is more than a millimeter. In this case, the spout passes next to the loop without grabbing it. There is a gap in the stitch. It should be noted that this gap is one of the main parameters, but not the only one. Other factors also influence the formation of the needle loop and its reliable grip by the nose of the shuttle: the tension of the upper and lower threads; quality of fabrics, threads; condition and type of needle, etc. However, the gap between the nose of the shuttle and the needle is the main parameter that affects the occurrence of skipped stitches. And if it is more than the norm, then it is necessary to regulate it. If the sewing machine skips stitches, and you have already checked the thread tension, the condition of the needle, and followed other recommendations, then there is only one thing left - to adjust this knot. It is very convenient to use a magnifying glass with this adjustment. And before setting up this node, inspect it with a magnifying glass and make sure that all parameters are normal. If so, then perhaps the reason for the omissions is another adjustment, which is discussed in other articles on the site. 2. Parameters for setting the gaps between the needle and the nose of the shuttle When you make sure that the parameters of the interaction of the needle and the nose of the shuttle are violated, then none of the methods below will be able to eliminate skipped stitches in the line. Try to independently set the interaction of the nose of the shuttle and the needle as follows. If your sewing machine sews a zigzag stitch, first set the stitch type switch to a straight stitch. Remove the needle plate, presser foot and lower the needle to its lowest position. At the moment the needle is raised by 1.8 - 2.0 mm from the lowest position, the looper nose should pass above the eye of the needle, by about 1.1 - 2.0 mm, with a gap between the needle blade and the nose of the hook 0.15 - 0 .25 mm. Theoretically, the gap between the blade of the needle and the nose is better, the smaller. But, keep in mind that "busting" can lead to breakage of the needle and dulling of the nose of the shuttle. When adjusting this parameter for sewing thick fabrics, it is better to set the nose of the shuttle above the eyelet with the maximum parameter, up to 2.0 mm. For thin fabrics, it can be reduced, but not less than 1.1 mm. Therefore, set the average value to 1.5 mm. If gaps appear, try changing it. Sewing machine Chaika For sewing machines Chaika, Podolsk 142 and other models of sewing machines of this type, these parameters are also suitable. But, the main guideline when setting up the shuttle for these machines is the position of the nose (above the eye of the needle) at the time of the left and right needle injection, as well as a number of other settings. So that the sewing line on zigzag machines, such as Chaika, Podolskaya 142, does not have gaps, it is important to take into account the parameters of the interaction of the needle and the nose of the shuttle when performing a zigzag line. In addition, the formation of a line in these machines is influenced by the maximum exit of the shuttle nose behind the needle at the time of the left and right injection. You can read about this in the article "Repair of the Seagull sewing machine", see below. However, it should be noted that setting up the Seagull sewing machine is quite difficult on your own. This is due to the fact that many factors influence the formation of the line at the same time, and only an experienced master can ensure that the line does not have gaps, the thread does not loop or break. An inexperienced tuner will not be able to maintain a "balance" between these three points. There will be no gaps, so it will loop or in another combination. 3. Using a needle with a round tip causes gaps The reason for the appearance of gaps in the stitching may be a needle that is not suitable for a household sewing machine. If a needle of a different type is installed, for example, with a round (industrial design) flask or a household needle, but with a smaller diameter of the flask, then the line will definitely have gaps. Most often, this "breakdown" appears when the seamstress is careless about the choice of needle and inserts any one that comes to hand. Use only needles designed for your sewing machine. Outwardly, the needles are very similar, but they have a different thickness of the flask, the depth of the saw cut, and the length of the needle. As a result of installing the wrong type of needle, there is an excessive gap between the nose of the shuttle and the blade of the needle, and a gap occurs. You should install those needles that are indicated in the instructions. All needles are marked and gauged. Write out the marking from the instructions, and when buying a new needle in the store, the seller will select a similar one for you. As a last resort, take an "old" needle with you. 4. Use special needles for sewing knitwear, leather Use special needles for sewing machines for different types of fabric (denim, knitwear, leather, etc.). Their design features will make it easier for the thread to pass through the tissue, prevent tearing of the tissue at the puncture site, and possibly eliminate the problem of skips. The tension of the thread during the formation of the loop often depends on the shape of the needle point and the characteristics of the weave of the threads of the fabric. 5. A bent or dull needle will cause skipped stitches A bent needle will also cause skipped stitches on the sewing machine. At the slightest curvature, blunting of the needle, it should be replaced. Never trying to align the needle or sharpen. Metal for sewing needles of a special brand and it is impossible to straighten it perfectly. Make it a rule to change needles more often, even if it is not clearly necessary. This is especially important after prolonged use or when a thud appears. This sound means that the "blunt" tip of the needle no longer pierces, but breaks through the tissue, which is why a characteristic sound appears. 6. Mismatch of the size of the needle with the thickness of the upper thread The thickness of the thread must always correspond to the needle number, according to the table in the manufacturer's instructions. The use of a thin needle with a thick thread necessarily leads to a break in the fibers of the thread and its subsequent breakage. This "combination" makes it difficult for the thread to pass through the eye of the needle and form a loop as it exits the fabric, and as a result, skipped stitches appear. 7. Needle plate hole severely broken A severely broken needle plate hole also causes gaps in the sewing stitch. The fabric is pressed into the broken hole of the needle plate along with the needle, which prevents the thread from passing freely through it, as a result, a loop is not formed on the needle and a skipped stitch appears. Such a needle plate must be replaced, since this defect can cause other malfunctions and breakdowns of the sewing machine. 8. Poor quality thread is another reason for skips A heavily twisted top thread, or as they say, "twisted" thread, behaves like an elastic band, constantly twisting into knots. She behaves in the same way when a loop is formed near the nose of the shuttle. Sometimes it is formed too small, sometimes it does not form at all and the spout passes by the needle without grabbing the upper thread. You can tie an elastic band around the sleeve of the sewing machine and pass a thread under it. But it is desirable not to use such threads unnecessarily at all. Use sewing threads that are elastic, of uniform thickness, strong, and do not have much twist. The thickness of the thread must be matched to the number of the needle, the choice of the number of which depends on the thickness of the fabric.

Like any mechanism, a sewing machine is subject to various breakdowns, however, there are typical and most common cases for devices of this type. For example, why does the sewing machine skip stitches while guiding? To answer this question, you need to look inside the device and find out the features of its functioning.

The so-called sewing line appears as a result of the interaction of the needle and a special shuttle device. The bow of the shuttle moves close to the needle and lifts the loop from it. After that, the part wraps the upper thread around itself and creates a lock stitch.

If the mechanisms work smoothly, and the setting of the sewing machine is not disturbed, gaps in the line during sewing are excluded. However, if the operating rules are not followed or as a result of worn parts, failures may occur in the process. Consider examples of situations that lead to the formation of gaps in stitches, and ways to eliminate them.

The distance between the tip of the needle and the nose of the hook exceeds allowable indicator of 0.3 mm. In some cases, the gap may diverge more than a millimeter. This causes the shuttle to pass the loop without being able to catch the thread and form a stitch. This happens as a natural result of the use of low-quality fabrics and threads, defective needles, defective parts. Also, gaps occur due to a poorly stretched thread and an incorrectly selected needle size. To eliminate, carefully inspect the shuttle part of the device and perform the necessary procedures to restore operation.

damaged needle

Incorrect sewing machine settings may cause the sewing machine to skip stitches. Over time, especially after frequent use, the sewing machine needle may change its position or even bend. This can affect not only the evenness of the line, but the whole work as a whole. To fix the problem, remove the bobbin case and carefully inspect it.

Adjusting such a precise mechanism requires special attention and scrupulousness. If you do not have enough patience, or you do not have the right tools at hand, contact a competent specialist.

The wrong thread

Seagull sewing machines, like models from other companies, may not work properly due to a mismatch in the thickness of the thread to the needle. A small or too thin needle simply cannot handle bulky material, skipping stitches or making them uneven. The overlap loop will be easier to form on the other side, breaking the harmony of the work. To eliminate, select a thread that is suitable for numbering. Before use, do not forget to check the operating instructions for the device.

High lap angle

The loop required for the stitch is formed on the side opposite the hook. A higher angle increases the chance of skipping a stitch, as does too small a stitch. What to do in such a situation? Try to give the needle bar the correct angle, be careful not to damage the device. In addition, the part can be upgraded by sawing on it a new flat. Select an angle suitable for your device and carry out the necessary procedure.

Formation of a loop-overlap on the opposite side of the needle

The phenomenon is common in mechanisms using polished threads. Their elasticity is several times higher than that of unpolished threads. Since most manufacturers are focused on the use of non-glazed materials, malfunctions may occur in the operation of the device.

To eliminate it, it is necessary to achieve the optimal angle of deflection of the thread. In extreme cases, you can slightly increase the course of the shuttle by creating an elevation on its body. To do this, use tin, applied with a soldering iron. Solder it opposite to the needle stroke, leaving a 0.8 mm gap between the elevation and the needle. It may also help to replace the thread with a better one.

Problems with nylon threads

The Seagull sewing machine may skip stitches when using nylon thread. This is due to the special properties of the material, which can negate friction with the needle. When the needle is lifted, the thread simply does not form a loop-overlap. Also, nylon can be deformed and reach for a needle. All this disrupts the natural process of work, creating malfunctions.

This vulnerability makes it necessary to comply with the following instructions for all models of sewing machines.

Almost any device can be configured to work with nylon, but all manipulations can go to waste if the quality of the threads is unacceptable.

Wide hole needle plate

If the owner has repeatedly violated the rules for using the machine, do not be surprised at the rapid wear of some of its parts. For example, "Seagulls" are characterized by breaking a large hole in the plate with a needle. The needle carries the thread along with it when lifting, and the thread, in turn, does not have time to form a loop-overlap sufficient to capture. This can only be corrected by broken plate replacement to a new one. You will have to spend time finding a suitable part and installing it in place of the old one.

Twisted thread

In the event of an incorrect position of the thread or its twisting, the overlap loop goes to the side. In this position, it deviates too far from the required angle of ninety degrees, and the shuttle cannot capture it. The breakdown will be fixed if replace the threads with tighter ones. It is also possible to check the condition of the entire shuttle mechanism and replace it in case of a malfunction. This is an extreme measure, do not rush to acquire new parts. In most cases, breakdowns are perfectly repairable even at home.

These are the main reasons why the sewing machine sometimes skips stitches. Carefully check the condition of the small elements of the device, because they are very easily damaged. Timely inspection will help to avoid serious damage.