Replies

1. 
   sanderson | Mar 13, 2003 05:53am | #1

   What kind of thread are you using?  My Janome/thread store has finally convinced me that cheap thread is no bargain;  skipped stitches can be caused by rough thread.

2. 
   rjf | Mar 13, 2003 02:26pm | #2

   Take out the bobbin case and brush it clean and also where the bobbin case goes back in.  I don't think the needle size affects whether the upper thread catches the bobbin thread.  But perhaps if you have a needle for knits, rather than woven, that might make a difference.       Do you have an instruction book for your machine?  Singer used to put out very good instructions with their machines.     rjf

1. 
   Hansi | Mar 13, 2003 06:29pm | #3

   Thanks for the suggestions.  I'm going to try a new thread; the ladies at the sewing store all hated the brand I'm using.  Someone also suggested that I might be changing my rate of sewing very suddenly, which definitely happens with this particular machine.  I'll also do the bobbin case cleaning thing.

   Jay

1. 
   Dove | Mar 15, 2003 08:23pm | #4

   In my many years of sewing, the most common reasons for what you are describing include bad thread, dull needles, problems with the bobbin case, and incorrect threading.  Any time your skipped stitches happen, check the threading of your bobbin and needle path.  There can be something wrong even if it looks OK.

   I started sewing all those years ago on a 1956 Singer & still use it occasionally.  My sister still uses my mother's Singer from about 1948. 

   Happy sewing!  Dove

1. 
   Hansi | Mar 17, 2003 02:38am | #5

   Thanks for the info. Dove.  I replaced the needle and the thread and cleaned the bobbin case before I called the Singer Center in my town.  It turned out to be that I needed to adjust the tension.  It sewed well after that and I finished my daughter's dress.

   I'm finding my old machine pretty fun to explore.  I actually went to a sewing machine shop Saturday thinking I would replace it.  The new machines are tempting, (especially the computerized ones) but when I went home and looked at mine and looked at the manual, I realized there really wasn't a good reason to replace it.  While I was at the store, another customer told me that people like those old Singers and actively look around to buy one.

   Again, thanks for your reply to my post.

   Jay

1. 
   Dove | Mar 18, 2003 11:55pm | #6

   Dumb me!  I am so used to my newer computerized machine, I forgot that you have to adjust the tensions on the old ones.  I guess I was thinking of that when I said to check the threading.

   Now that you have started sewing again, keep it up! 

2. 
   Hansi | Mar 19, 2003 02:00am | #7

   Thanks for the encouragement, Dove!  Hope all your projects go well!