Can anyone help explain why my sewing machine is dropping stitches?
It was sewing fine and then all of a sudden it started just sewing blanks... after I re-did the bobbin actually. I double checked the threading instructions and made sure I had the bobbin threaded correctly but it's still doing it. Every now and again athread will catch so it can look like my threads are 1cm long when they are supposed to be about 2mm.
When did you last change your needle? Is it an appropriate needle for the fabric (I.e what type of fabric is it? And if it's pul then I am running for cover...I have to use my industrial machine on that stuff).
Hmmmm...otherwise I would suggest checking your bobbin to make sure it's thread properly.
It's only a little cheapie machine. I've had it for almost 3 years, its had minimal use and never been serviced... how much does a service generally cost? I've never changed the needle- maybe I should try that? I am sewing PUL (and filling it with holes!!!)... but I'm repairing nappy covers and have done a few already with no problems so surely the fabric isn't an issue? How do I know what type of needle I need?
You ARE sewing PUL? Arrgghh! Okay, here is what I found:
*The best needles are leather needles, or ones that "spear" down (so not a ball point needle).
*The stitching can muck up if you are sewing it shiny side down, because it doesn't seem to slide easily through the teeth. I have found a walking foot helps a lot with this (thus why I use my industrial because it is a walking foot, although I have a special adapter for my domestic, I just can't be arsed to change the feet all the time).
*The stitching can also muck up if sewing lots of layers, because the plastic coating of the PUL makes it hard for a domestic machine (and motor capacity).
So, after all that, I am not sure if I am helping. If you have done a few nappy covers already I would hazard a guess your needle might be blunt, because the PUL is tough stuff.
Maybe just pop in another needle and see? Any one that's not ball point will do at this point.
GL! I have found different brands of PUL are stickier/thicker than others and my machine reacts differently.
I'm actually sewing PUL pocket nappy covers- so the slippery side is contained within the cover and shouldn't effect the movement- thanks for the walking foot tip though.
So a blunt needle can possibly cause this? Think I'll change the needlethen because it's very possibly blunt! I've had to sew some very thick parts of the cover with layers of elastic etc.
Well it might just be that the fabric is too thick. I am thinking that perhaps the needle isn't feeding into the bobbin properly (when it goes down below the bed) and so is not making a stitch. A blunt needle would mean you're not piercing the fabric enough to reach the bobbin properly, but likewise really thick fabric might be the issue.
Can you try going reaaaaally slowly, say using the hand wheel and see if you pick up the bobbin thread at all? How is if sewing on other parts of this garment? Or have you tried similar garments since this one?
I did find if I was sewing slowly it worked a little better. I'll change the needle this weekend and try again. Have to unpack the sewing machine now after putting everything away in frustration
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