Core skills

Fixing Common Stitching Problems

A checklist for the most common machine problems: thread nests, skipped stitches, broken thread and loose or tight stitches.

Beginner20 minMachine

What you will learn

Diagnosing by symptom
Rethreading properly
Judging stitch balance

Before you start

Stop sewing. Switch off and unplug the machine before you clean or remove thread. Work through the checks in order.

Step by step

Thread nest under the fabric: the usual cause is the upper threading. Raise the presser foot, remove the thread and thread the machine again from the spool, keeping the presser foot up.
Check that the thread sits inside the tension discs and passes through the take-up lever. Lower the presser foot and pull the thread; you should feel firm, even resistance.
Check the bobbin. Remove it, check that it is the right type, wound evenly and sits in the tension slot. Reload using the manual.
Skipped stitches: fit a new needle of the correct type and size for the fabric. Check the flat side orientation and that it is pushed up all the way.
Thread breaks: check for lint, a burr on the needle, an old thread or a thread that catches on the spool notch. Rethread and use new thread.
Loose loops on the underside: the upper tension is too loose or the thread is not in the discs. Rethread. If it persists, turn the tension dial up by one number (on most machines a higher number is tighter).
Tight, puckered stitches, or bobbin thread showing on top: the upper tension is too tight. Lower the dial by one number and test.
Test on scrap fabric after each change. Change only one thing at a time and check the manual if the problem remains.

Tips for a neat result

Most problems are caused by threading mistakes. Rethread before touching the tension dial.
Keep a scrap sandwich ready: two layers of the real fabric to test on.

Common mistakes and fixes

Thread nest or bird's nest under the fabric.

The upper thread was threaded with the presser foot down or missed the tension discs. Rethread with the foot up.

Stitches skip or fall off the fabric.

The needle is dull, bent or the wrong type, or is not inserted fully. Fit a new correct needle.

The needle keeps breaking.

Fabric is being pulled, the needle is too fine, or it hit a pin. Let the feed dogs move the fabric and use the correct size.

The bobbin thread shows on top.

The upper tension is too tight, or the bobbin is wrong. Check the threading and lower the tension slightly.

Safety and fabric care

Switch off and unplug before clearing a jam. Never force the handwheel. Cut the tangled thread free.

Check your result

A test seam on scrap shows even stitches on top and underneath, with threads locking in the middle.
The machine runs smoothly and quietly.

When to use a professionalIf problems continue after rethreading, a new needle and cleaning, the timing or another part may need service. Take the machine to a repair shop.