Sewing Machine Is Not Catching Any Stitches – A Troubleshooting Guide
Sewing is a fun and rewarding hobby for many people. However, it can quickly become frustrating when your sewing machine suddenly stops catching stitches properly. You press the foot pedal and hear the familiar whir of your machine, but no stitches form on your fabric!
Not being able to get your project started because of skipped stitches or a lack of stitching can be incredibly annoying. But don’t worry – in most cases, this issue can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the most common reasons why your sewing machine is not catching stitches and provide fixes to get your project back on track!
Common Causes For Skipped Stitches
There are a few key things that could cause skipped stitches or prevent your sewing machine from forming stitches properly:
- Incorrect threading – The upper thread or bobbin thread may not be threaded properly. This can prevent the threads from connecting.
- Thread tension problems – The balance between the upper thread tension and lower thread tension may be off.
- Using the wrong needle – A bent, dull, or improperly installed needle can cause stitch issues.
- Lint or debris – Built up lint around the feed dogs or bobbin case can interfere with the thread paths.
- Hook timing being off – The hook timing refers to the synchronization of the needle and shuttle hook. If it’s off, stitches may be skipped.
- Fabric issues – Very thick or slippery fabrics can sometimes cause stitch problems.
Below we’ll explore these common causes in more detail and provide troubleshooting tips.
Troubleshooting Steps For Skipped Stitches
Follow these steps to troubleshoot skipped stitches on your sewing machine:
1. Check Threading
Incorrect threading is one of the most common causes of skipped stitches. Before doing anything else, re-thread both the upper thread and bobbin thread. Refer to your machine’s manual for the correct threading paths.
When re-threading:
- Make sure the presser foot is raised
- Check that the thread is following the guide points
- Ensure the take-up lever is threaded properly
- Double check the tension disks are threaded correctly
If stitches are still being skipped after re-threading, move on to the next steps.
2. Inspect the Needle
The needle plays a key role in forming stitches. A bent, dull, or improperly inserted needle can cause all kinds of stitch problems.
Replace the needle with a new one and make sure:
- The new needle is the correct type and size for your thread and fabric
- It is pushed up fully into the needle clamp
- The flat side is facing the back
- It has a sharp point and is not damaged
Using the proper needle for your project makes a huge difference. Consult your machine’s manual for the recommended needle types.
3. Check Bobbin Tension
For stitches to form properly, the tension of the upper thread and lower bobbin thread must be balanced. If the tensions are off, skipped stitches can occur.
To check bobbin tension:
- Remove the bobbin case and bobbin
- Make sure no lint is stuck in the tension spring area
- Clean with a small brush if needed
- When re-inserting the bobbin, check it is unwinding in the correct direction
Refer to your manual for the proper bobbin tension settings. Doing a tension test on a fabric scrap can help you identify any tension issues.
4. Clean Lint and Debris
With regular sewing, lint and debris can build up in the bobbin area and along the thread paths. This can interfere with the thread flow and cause skipped stitches.
- Use a small brush to clean out the bobbin case area
- Remove the needle plate and clean the feed dogs
- Carefully brush out any lint in the tension disks
- Use compressed air to clear dust if needed
5. Adjust Thread Tension
If you are seeing loops or loose stitches on the underside of your fabric, the upper thread tension may be too loose.
Tighten the upper thread tension incrementally until the stitches look uniform. Make sure to test the tension on a scrap piece of the same fabric you are using.
Too much tension can also cause issues, so find the right balance. Consult your machine’s manual for the recommended tension settings.
6. Check the Hook Timing
The hook timing refers to the positioning of the shuttle hook in relation to the needle. If the synchronization is off, the threads won’t meet at the right time to form a stitch.
Checking the hook timing usually requires removing covers and observing the stitching components. It’s best to have a sewing machine technician evaluate and adjust the hook timing.
7. Change the Needle Plate
For very thick or heavy fabrics like denim, a standard needle plate may not provide enough clearance for the fabric to feed under the needle. This can cause skipped stitches.
Switching to a specialized needle plate designed for thick fabrics can help improve stitching. Check your manual to see if your machine offers alternate needle plates.
8. Slow Down Sewing Speed
Sewing too fast can sometimes outpace your machine’s ability to form stitches properly. This may occur more frequently at high speeds on heavy or slippery fabrics.
Try reducing your sewing speed incrementally to see if it improves the stitch formation. Take care not to pull or push the fabric yourself. Let the feed dogs advance the fabric.
9. Upgrade Presser Foot
A standard presser foot may not provide enough consistent contact with slippery or thick fabrics leading to stitch issues.
Consider upgrading to a roller foot for smooth fabrics like vinyl or leather. A walking foot is ideal for thick fabrics like denim because it feeds the top and bottom evenly.
FAQs: Sewing Machine Not Stitching
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dealing with skipped stitches:
**What causes my sewing machine to skip stitches?** – Incorrect threading – Unbalanced thread tension – Bent or wrong sized needle – Lint build up in bobbin area – Out of sync hook timing
**Why does my needle keep breaking?** – Needle is too small for thread – Fabric is too heavy for the needle – Machine timing needs adjustment – Needle hits the presser foot
**Why is my sewing machine making weird noises?** – Lint or debris is stuck in mechanisms – Hook timing needs adjustment – Gears or motor may need lubrication
**What causes loose stitches?** – Top thread tension too loose – Wrong type of needle for fabric – Lint buildup near feed dogs – Unintentionally pulling fabric through
**Why does my thread keep shredding?** – Needle is too small for thread size – Top and bobbin threads are different weights – Debris or dirt on take-up lever
When To Take Your Machine In for Service
With regular care and maintenance, you can resolve many common stitching problems yourself. However, some issues may require taking your sewing machine in for professional service.
Signs you may need a technician to inspect and service your machine include:
- Persistent stitch problems after troubleshooting
- Unusual noises or grinding coming from machine
- Threads shredding frequently
- Broken needles even after replacement
- Mechanisms becoming very stiff and hard to turn
Look for an experienced sewing machine repair technician in your area. Be sure to ask about their experience with your make and model.
Some periodic preventative maintenance can help avoid issues needing service down the line. Be sure to keep your machine cleaned and oiled according to manufacturer guidelines.
Sewing Machine Won’t Stitch – The Takeaway
We hope this guide gives you a helpful starting point to troubleshoot stitching problems on your sewing machine.
Nine times out of ten, the issue is something that can resolved yourself with a little investigation and TLC for your machine. Re-threading and replacing the needle are your best first steps.
Pay close attention to the details like thread weight, fabric type, and machine settings. Taking time to identify the specific cause will lead you to the right solution.
With some persistent yet gentle troubleshooting, you’ll have your machine happily stitching again in no time! Let us know in the comments if you have any other stitching tips to share.