How to Fix Skipped Stitches on a Sewing Machine

Skipped stitches can make an otherwise neat garment look uneven and poorly finished. Fortunately, the cause is often simple to identify and fix. Work through these steps before taking your machine to a repair shop.

1. Check the Needle Type

Using the wrong needle for your fabric can prevent the needle from forming the correct loop for the hook to catch.

Fix:

• Match the needle to your fabric and thread.
• Use a ballpoint or stretch needle for stretchy fabrics.
• Use a sharp/regular needle for woven fabrics.
• Replace old or worn needles regularly.

2. Check for a Bent or Damaged Needle

A needle may look fine but still be slightly bent, blunt, or damaged.

Fix:
Remove the needle and inspect it carefully. If it is bent, blunt, or has any visible damage, replace it. Always install the new needle fully and in the correct direction according to your machine’s manual.

3. Re-thread the Machine

Incorrect threading or thread that has slipped out of a guide can cause inconsistent tension and skipped stitches.

Fix:

1. Raise the presser foot.
2. Remove the thread completely.
3. Re-thread the machine carefully, following every thread guide.
4. Make sure the thread passes correctly through the tension area and take-up lever.
5. Check that the bobbin is inserted and threaded in the correct direction.

Useful Tip: Thread the machine with the presser foot raised so the thread can properly enter the tension discs.

4. Check the Bobbin

An incorrectly inserted, damaged, or poorly wound bobbin can also contribute to stitch problems.

Fix:
Remove the bobbin and check that it is evenly wound and free from cracks or damage. Clean lint and thread fragments from the bobbin area, then reinstall it correctly.

5. Check the Needle and Hook Timing

If you’ve tried a new, correctly installed needle and re-threaded the machine but stitches are still consistently skipped, the problem may be timing.

The hook needs to meet the needle at precisely the right point to catch the thread loop. If the needle bar or hook timing has shifted, the hook may miss the loop.

Fix:
Check your machine’s manual for timing specifications. If timing appears to be out of alignment, avoid forcing or adjusting internal components unless you know how to service the machine. A qualified technician may be needed.

Quick Troubleshooting

Before calling a repair technician, try this sequence:

1. Replace the needle with the correct type and size.
2. Confirm the needle is straight and installed correctly.
3. Completely re-thread the upper thread.
4. Check the bobbin and bobbin case.
5. Clean lint and thread from the hook and bobbin area.
6. Test the machine on a fabric scrap.
7. If stitches are still skipped, investigate timing or mechanical problems.

In many cases, a fresh needle, properly wound bobbin, or replacement machine part is all you need to get sewing smoothly again. Obepro stocks quality replacement needles, bobbins, and sewing machine parts to help tailors and fashion designers solve common machine problems without an unnecessary trip to a repair shop.