If your sewing machine is dropping or skipping stitches, first rethread the machine top and bottom threads, test to see if it’s still having problems, then replace the needle with a new one and test again. Make sure you have the needle installed in the correct direction. Still? Remove the needle plate (throat plate), and make sure that it’s not packed with lint. This will cover most issues.

If you still have problems with your machine skipping stitches, It may be something as simple as the tension being too high or too low (top or bottom tension). Set the upper tension at 5 (or in the middle), and run a line of stitches, then run a line with the tension set at 7, and then a line with it set to 3 and see if you see an improvement with higher or lower tension.

If it’s still skipping, and if you’ve changed the thread or fabric that you’re using recently, change back to the thread and material that last worked correctly and test to see if you still have a problem. If not then you may be using the wrong needle type or size for the thread or material you are trying to sew.

If this hasn’t cleared up, or at least helped you identify the issue then it may be time to contact your local sewing machine technician. If you’re in the vicinity of Tallahassee Florida you can use my contact form to get in touch with me.