What is Skip Stitching?
Skip stitching is a problem that can occur when a sewing machine’s fabric passes underneath the needle and is mis-matched with the thread. When this happens, it causes stitch skipping and it’s an issue that can be extremely frustrating for those using sewing machines to complete sewing projects. This is especially true for those who are new to sewing, as they do not understand the mechanics of their machines and may struggle with understanding what has gone wrong. In this article, we will explore the causes of skip stitching and provide some tips for how to remedy and prevent this issue from happening.
What Causes Skip Stitching?
There are a number of causes that can lead to skip stitching in a sewing machine. Generally, these issues result from poor machine maintenance, incorrect thread tension, and incorrect needle placement.
Poor Maintenance – When a sewing machine is not properly maintained and cleaned, it can become clogged with lint and thread. If it is not regularly serviced and cleaned, it will eventually diminish its performance, and this includes its stitching capabilities. This can create a “skip” pattern in the stitches, resulting in the fabric being mis-matched with the thread.
Incorrect Thread Tension – Tension is a term that refers to the amount of force applied to the thread as it passes through the machine. If the tension is too high or too low, it can result in the thread being mis-matched with the fabric and thus, cause skipped stitches.
Incorrect Needle Position – If the needle is incorrectly placed, it can also cause the fabric to be mis-matched with the thread. If the needle is inserted into the fabric at the wrong angle or not deep enough, it will result in the fabric being mis-aligned with the thread and thus, cause stich skip.
How Can Skip Stitching Be Prevented?
The most effective way to prevent stitch skipping is to ensure that your machine is properly maintained, as mentioned previously. Regularly clean and service your machine, as this will help to reduce the amount of lint and thread that may clog its mechanism. It is important to check your thread tension regularly to ensure that it is set correctly, as this will help to avoid the mis-matching of thread and fabric. Also, ensure that the needle is correctly inserted into the fabric before beginning your stitching.
Advanced Tips to Prevent Skip Stitching
In order to further reduce the problem of skip stitching, there are a few tips that you should follow. Firstly, consider replacing your needle regularly, as an old or a blunt needle can also contribute to the mis-matching of thread and fabric. Secondly, choose the correct type of needle for the specific fabric and thread being used in the project. Lastly, use the correct type of thread for the fabric being used, as this will reduce the amount of tension needed.
Using the Right Balance of Upper and Lower Thread Tension
It is also important to make sure that you have the correct balance between upper and lower thread tension. A balanced tension will ensure that the upper and lower threads move in harmony and will also ensure that the thread is properly matched with the fabric at all times. Generally, the upper thread tension should be looser than the lower thread tension to ensure a balanced tension.
Using an Anti-Skip Device
For those who are regularly having issues with skip stitching, they may wish to consider using an anti-skip device. These devices are used to limit the amount of friction that the fabric and thread encounter whilst moving through he machine, and thus, reducing the amount of skipped stitches.
Consulting an Expert
If you are still having difficulty with stitch skipping after following the steps outlined above, it is a good idea to consult an expert. A professional will be able to identify the exact cause of the issue and provide more specific advice on how to remedy and prevent it from happening in the future.
Using the Right Type of Stitch for the Project
It is also important to consider the type of stitch being used for the project. Different types of fabrics and designs require different types of stitches, and thus selecting an inappropriate stitch can contribute to skip stitching. Choosing the right type of stitch will ensure that the fabric is properly matched with the thread and will help to reduce skip stitching.
Using High Quality Thread
Finally, using a high quality thread will also help reduce the amount of skipped stitches. High quality thread is less likely to become tangled or misaligned with the fabric, resulting in skip stitching. Furthermore, when using high quality thread, it may require less tension and thus, be less likely to mis-match with the fabric, which will reduce the amount of skipped stitches.
