Replies

1. 
   HeartFire | May 10, 2005 12:44am | #1

   the skipped stitches on the t-shirt fabric is is possibley due to the needle you are using, do you have a ball point needle ? when you buy the sewing machine needles, they will say "sharp, or ball point or possible 'jersy' quilting etc. look for the ball point ones and try that. also make sure the size of the machine needle is appropriate for the size of the thread you are using, a size 70 or 80 (11 or 12) should be good for most threads, which brings me to the issue of thread - what brand are you using? some are better than others. Mettler/ metrosene is a good brand to try.
   (and you thought it would be a simple answer!)
   Judy

2. 
   stitchwiz | May 10, 2005 12:55am | #2

   Start with the obvious, since your machine has been serviced recently.  I am not familiar with your particular machine, but the basics apply to all machines.

   1. Make sure you are using a new needle for knits.  An old or damaged needle will cause skipped stitches.  If you hit a pin, you can damge the point.  Try pulling out your pins as you come to them to prevent hitting them.
   2. Check how you have threaded the machine.  Make sure that the top thread goes through all the guides and the tension discs properly.  Sometimes the thread may be just sitting on the discs but is not actually in the discs. 
   3. Also, check that the bottom thread is going where it should. 

   Good Luck!

1. 
   madcarrot | May 10, 2005 01:57am | #3

   Thank you both! I will try all of these things. I think I am using a jersey needle but am unsure of its size.

    

1. 
   SewTruTerry | May 10, 2005 08:45pm | #4

   Also you did not mention it but did you have the skipped stitches before taking the machine in for service?  And have you changed the needles since the servicing?  Does you service person only work on Pfaff machines or all brands?  If they service several brands of machine they may have put a generic type of needle into your machine before returning it to you.  Try putting in the type/brand of needle that is recommended for your machine. I know that with Singer machines that you must use Singer needles.  Good Luck.

   Edited 5/10/2005 1:47 pm ET by Terry

2. 
   mem1 | May 11, 2005 02:20am | #5

   The other thing that might help is to use a Zig Zag stitch with a small amplitude and a 3mm width. This works much better than a straight stitch if you dont have an overlocking stitch . I actully use this all the time if I am not using my overlocker.Also use good cotton and a new needle.

3. 
   SewNancy | May 11, 2005 04:56pm | #6

   The first thing that I do is check the needle.  At the beginning of every project I put in a new needle.  It is a cheap solution to a lot of problems. 

   I also clean my machine out.  I take out the bobbin case and clean it and under the feed dogs.  Do this religiously.  I used to have lots more prolblems before I started doing this.   Check thread tension setting and  stictch size.  Third if I am still having a problem I use a needle lubricant like sewers aid but this is usually only necessary on synthetics like slinky or if  I am sewing over clear elastic.

   Nancy 

1. 
   bodro1962 | May 18, 2005 12:03am | #7

   Does it also break the thread? Check the needle to see if it in correct and not backwards.

   I had to bring my daughter machine only to find she had the needle in backwards, also the needle was too large for the fabric. I just didn't think about it at that time.