Stitch Quality an Issue?
Consider These Three Checkpoints
You’re sewing frantically and suddenly your sewing machine rebels. The threads keep breaking . . . . or the machine begins to skip stitches . . . . or the seams pucker. If you’ve experienced any of these situations, you are not alone. Sometimes the answer is simple; you need to know what symptoms to look for.
Almost every sewer, from novice to advanced, has times when everything seems to go wrong. I am going to share with you a few simple troubleshooting guidelines.
When stitch quality is an issue; consider these three important check points:
Check point 1: The first is the needle. Most often we blame the machine, thread or fabric, when the real culprit is the needle. A needle that is bent, burred, dull or simply the wrong type or size, can wreak havoc with the machine. Just because you can’t see any damage to the needle, doesn’t mean there isn’t any damage. As a rule of thumb, with each new sewing project you should have a new needle. However, sometimes it is necessary to replace a needle during a project.
Check point 2: The second is the way the machine is threaded. Before you begin stitching, unthread both the upper thread/needle and the bobbin. Clean your machine following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure both the bobbin area and the upper part of the machine are lint-and-dust-free. To remove lint, use a brush or a small vacuum cleaner attachment. DON’T use compressed air – you’ll run the risk of blowing the lint back into the machine. If your machine is overdue for an oiling, now’s the time to do it. Consult the machine’s manual for instructions. Not all machines require oil. Rethread the machine.
Check point 3: The third is the thread itself. Bargain thread is no bargain. It sheds tiny fibers that create lint buildup in your machine. Even if you purchased quality thread, a machine sometimes may have a “personality conflict” with a certain thread brand. Experiment with different brands to find out what works best in your machine.
Every sewing machine manufacturer uses a specific thread type and weight when calibrating tension settings. Ask your dealer what thread was used to set your machine’s tension, and then use this thread to troubleshoot tension problems and determine what adjustments are needed to accommodate other thread.
The best troubleshooting of all is to read and follow the information in your sewing machine owner’s manual. If you can’t find your manual, search for one on-line or write to the manufacturer for a new one. Include your machine’s model number with your request. If the model number isn’t readily in view, you’ll probably find it stamped on a small metal plate secured to the machine.
Happy Sewing!
Blog By Cynthia Shuster
Resources: What’s the problem? By Anne Marie Soto – Sew News Magazine, 1996
10 Tension Tips by Susan Beck – Sew News Magazine, April/May 2011