barnbum

Thanks, joeyoz!! I read and read about needles and didn't get that. I think I changed the needle on my old machine twice a year! This new fangled thing is complicated and quirky!

I rewd about Topstitch--they seem wider and more apt to make holes? What do you like about them??

enelra

i have an electronic singer sewing machine.mine acted the same as yours when i was using a needle that was not a singer , but with the naked eye looked exactly like my singer needle. i got a new singer needle and replaced the other one, wow my machine was working perfect, when i realized it had to be the needle, i took a magnifying glass, looked at both needles, the hole for the thread was not excatly as low as the hole in the singer needle, amazing but that was the reason. hope this will help someone out there. arlene

joeyoz

The hole is bigger to accommodate different size thread. The groove for the thread is longer so less chance of thread breakage. Doesn't mean thread doesn't break, just less chance. Nice sharp point.

Needles get dull and need to be changed often. When they get dull, it is more work for the needle to get through the fabric and stitches are not as uniform and straight.

Here are a couple of sites to learn about different needles from Schmetz.
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/education.html

http://www.schmetzneedles.com/pdf/ne...20ABC_GB_S.pdf

Hope these are helpful.

mar32428

First thing I do is check my thread (after all the usuals) cause I have learned over the years each machine has is peculiarities and thread is the worst. I have even seen this problem on the same machine owned by several sewers in a class.

kimjacobsquilts

Try a large eye needle and loosen your tension.

Dkm

If you have a Bernina you can do the adjustment yourself. There is a balance on the machine. When you get the split picture up ...the one on the right is the one you adjust to look like what is stitching out. The machine will then adjust and this should take care of the problem. I made sandwiches and did a sew out of all. I had several that were off, but for some reason after I adjusted one they all corrected themselves. Crazy HUH!!!

judi wess

When I used a Singer I had a lot of trouble with skipped stitches. I finally decided that Singers need Singer needles, they are ever so much longer and for a reason. Try using the smallest size possible for the project and a drop of Sewers Aid on the spool of thread often helps.

aardvarq

These machines were not meant to be temperamental, they were meant to be easy to use.

Change that needle and get that machine's timing checked and adjusted on a regular basis, at least once a year, or sooner if it continues to be temperamental.

timing between needle lowest position and bobbin thread/hook rotation completion

and

timing of needle throw from left to right, right to left

These can have a big effect on all stitches especially anything that zigs and zags like decorative stitches.

Most of all, don't forget to have fun!

JanetM

You are exactly right. For some reason Singers are designed to use Singer needles which are longer. For that reason they are not recommended for use in European machines.