SuzieQuilts

I just read on QB the adivce given if the BSR is skipping stiches, but now I can not find it. I was machine quilting this afternoon and I skipped threads. It was still stiching fabric, as I could see the needle holes, but could not remember what was said on this QB what was going on if that was the case. Can anyone help me?

dunster

If the needle is going down but not picking up the thread, the first thing to do is clean the bobbin area and try a new needle. If that doesn't help, it's likely that you are pulling on the fabric and deflecting the needle so that it isn't positioned correctly to make the stitch. It's not really the fault of the BSR, but of free motion quilting in general. (You can prove or disprove that statement by trying free motion without the BSR engaged and see if you have the same problem.)

Tartan

You may be moving the fabric faster than the eye can read? Also use a soft cloth and make sure the eye isn't fuzzed up with lint. Check your needle to make sure it hasn't developed a burr on the bottom and check to make sure it hasn't slipped down in the needle holder. If the needle isn't good and sharp the slight pause going through the fabric might make it skip? Put a drop of oil on the bobbin case hook in case it needs it. I think I remember something about it not reading well on certain colours but I can't remember which ones. I have never had a problem with mine not reading certain colours. That's all I can think of.

GemState

I have a Bernina 440 with a BSR. I use it quite a bit and find that every so often I have trouble with skipped stitches so I take it back to the dealer and they 'upgrade' (or something) the BSR and it works great again.
On the other hand I just tried using the BSR to quilt a baby quilt and the top was mostly white on white and it wouldn't work on that at all, but was fine when I tried it on other fabric.

An Arm Long

If you are using the round plastic foot, be sure it is not covered with lint. You need the eye to be able to see through it.

onaemtnest

Repeating Dunster's advice.....

We just had a lecture at our guild about skipped stitches. Very experienced long time in sewing machine sales and service and long arm repair person. We were told that so many issues with skipped stitches is the needle. This may not be your issue but we were told that even 'new' needles may have microscopic irregularities invisible to naked eye or touch. So their advice before panic sets in and you call or run to the repair shop just try changing the needle.

Favorite Fabrics

Has it been oiled recently? I have an (old) machine that gets lots of weird, cranky problems if I don't keep it oiled. And oil is such a simple fix!