Sponsors
Sponsors
Brand new machine is skipping stitches! Help! (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 5/21/07 11:00 PM ET
Thanks to the wise advice of you ladies, I recently bought a Kenmore 19110 to replace my worn-out Janome. I've had it for almost a month now and it's been a dream to work with, up until a few days ago. Now my zigzag stitch is skipping. Everything else seems to be fine, and if I didn't really need the zigzag I wouldn't care.
I've tried everything that the manual says will fix it: changing the needle, rethreading the machine, changing the tension, cleaning out the works, all of it over and over and over, and nothing helps. It's still skipping. The thread also breaks often and zips up into the machine so I have to fish it out.
I haven't been doing anything different, I'm sewing with the same kind of fabric, same foot, using the same kind of needle and same kind of thread, doing the same kind of projects that I've been doing since I got the machine. I haven't been abusing it either - just a few hours of sewing every day or so, nothing too crazy or strenuous for the machine. The one thing that's different is that I started putting Velcro onto some diapers I'd put together. The first diaper went fine, and then when I started the second one the zigzag started doing this crazy loopy thing, and when I got that figured out, it started skipping instead. But I've never had a problem with Velcro on my old machine. I decided to forgo the Velcro for a while until I got this figured out and started on another diaper, thinking that it would probably be fine, only to have the zigzag continue to skip and thread continue to break, so I gave up.
I looked up "skipped stitches" on this board and an old thread suggested that the timing may be off, but the machine isn't even a month old - can the timing go off so soon? I beat my old Janome into the ground for a whole year before the timing went out on it, and I kinda expected more from a more expensive machine.
Someone please tell me what to do. I don't want to have to hitch a ride out to the repair shop that's out in the middle of nowhere only to have them tell me that I need to change my needle (which as I mentioned I've done a few times to no avail!). I'm really annoyed at this and want to get back to my sewing. I'm starting my own business soon and I don't want to put it off any longer. Thanks in advance!
-- Edited on 5/21/07 11:03 PM --
I've tried everything that the manual says will fix it: changing the needle, rethreading the machine, changing the tension, cleaning out the works, all of it over and over and over, and nothing helps. It's still skipping. The thread also breaks often and zips up into the machine so I have to fish it out.
I haven't been doing anything different, I'm sewing with the same kind of fabric, same foot, using the same kind of needle and same kind of thread, doing the same kind of projects that I've been doing since I got the machine. I haven't been abusing it either - just a few hours of sewing every day or so, nothing too crazy or strenuous for the machine. The one thing that's different is that I started putting Velcro onto some diapers I'd put together. The first diaper went fine, and then when I started the second one the zigzag started doing this crazy loopy thing, and when I got that figured out, it started skipping instead. But I've never had a problem with Velcro on my old machine. I decided to forgo the Velcro for a while until I got this figured out and started on another diaper, thinking that it would probably be fine, only to have the zigzag continue to skip and thread continue to break, so I gave up.
I looked up "skipped stitches" on this board and an old thread suggested that the timing may be off, but the machine isn't even a month old - can the timing go off so soon? I beat my old Janome into the ground for a whole year before the timing went out on it, and I kinda expected more from a more expensive machine.
Someone please tell me what to do. I don't want to have to hitch a ride out to the repair shop that's out in the middle of nowhere only to have them tell me that I need to change my needle (which as I mentioned I've done a few times to no avail!). I'm really annoyed at this and want to get back to my sewing. I'm starting my own business soon and I don't want to put it off any longer. Thanks in advance!
-- Edited on 5/21/07 11:03 PM --
Posted on: 5/21/07 11:33 PM ET
In reply to gypsyincarnate
Well, since it isn't quite a month old, have you thought about returning the machine and asking for an exchange? Tell them it's skipping stitches and you don't think a machine a month old should be doing that, and that you want another one. It's what I'd do. Sorry I can't offer you a fix. You seem to have done everything I think anyone else would tell you to do. It's really terrible you have to go through this problem with a new machine. What a bummer.
Maybe someone who owns your machine and has experienced the same problem will come along with an answer for you. Fingers crossed.
Maybe someone who owns your machine and has experienced the same problem will come along with an answer for you. Fingers crossed.Posted on: 5/22/07 9:19 AM ET
In reply to gypsyincarnate
Just wondering if you've changed the spool of thread. (I'm gussing that you have) sometimes you can get a "bad" spool.
------
"Some people grow up in a house. I grew up at The Pond, where we swam, fished, caught tadpoles, went ice skating, played baseball, and hung out with friends. The Pond is home."
------
"Some people grow up in a house. I grew up at The Pond, where we swam, fished, caught tadpoles, went ice skating, played baseball, and hung out with friends. The Pond is home."
Posted on: 5/22/07 10:16 AM ET
Have you checked to see if it is skipping stitches with the ZZ on other types of fabric? Try it on two pieces of cotton to see if it is the stitch or if it is just on the velcro that it skips stitches.
------
------
Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
Posted on: 5/22/07 1:29 PM ET
Yup, I changed the spool, and yes, it still skips on other fabrics. I started making another diaper to see if it was just the Velcro, and the zigzag skipped while putting the soaker in.
I suppose I will have to return it.
It will be a pain in the butt since it was an online purchase and I won't be able to exchange it, I'll just have to take it to the nearest store and then buy another one.
I suppose I will have to return it.
It will be a pain in the butt since it was an online purchase and I won't be able to exchange it, I'll just have to take it to the nearest store and then buy another one.
Posted on: 5/22/07 1:50 PM ET
In reply to gypsyincarnate
Assuming the Velcro was not the sticky back kind (if it is the needle gets gummy and has to be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or replaced):
You have replaced the needle, cleaned out the bobbin case and re-threaded.
Check your manual to be sure the bobbin is feeding the right direction. Some machines, it is clock-wise, and some machines it is counter clock-wise.
If this doesn't help take it to a trusted machine repair person, or Sears/K-Mart since it is their brand.
It may just be a minor adjustment. Don't feel bad - I just had to take a 4 mo old, $4,000 machine in for adjustment.
Good luck.
------
You have replaced the needle, cleaned out the bobbin case and re-threaded.
Check your manual to be sure the bobbin is feeding the right direction. Some machines, it is clock-wise, and some machines it is counter clock-wise.
If this doesn't help take it to a trusted machine repair person, or Sears/K-Mart since it is their brand.
It may just be a minor adjustment. Don't feel bad - I just had to take a 4 mo old, $4,000 machine in for adjustment.
Good luck.
------
OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
Posted on: 5/23/07 7:15 AM ET
In reply to gypsyincarnate
Quote: gypsyincarnate
I suppose I will have to return it.
It will be a pain in the butt since it was an online purchase and I won't be able to exchange it, I'll just have to take it to the nearest store and then buy another one.
I suppose I will have to return it.
It will be a pain in the butt since it was an online purchase and I won't be able to exchange it, I'll just have to take it to the nearest store and then buy another one. Umm….if you take it to the store and they return it and then you can buy another one, isn't that pretty much an exchange?
Anyhow, Is the machine skipping stitch on the left or right side of the zig-zag?
Try setting the machine to straight stitch with the needle positioned so that it is on the side that skips. What happens?
Lastly, when sewing on the Velcro, you may want to try a sharp #14 or #16- not an universal point needle. If that doesn't do the trick try a denim point or a stretch needle. I would probably try the stretch needle first. I suspect that the Velcro might be hanging up on the needle just enough during stitch formation to screw stuff up. The offset scarf on the stretch (SP) needle will help with proper loop and stitch formation in that case.
If you are constantly sewing very thick, heavy fabrics with many multiple layers, you can push the needle bar up, especially on many of the "modern" machines (this would inc. your old Janome). This woud result in the needle bar depth (a part of the timing adjustment) being off. If the timing on your machines needs to be reset on a yearly basis, I dare say that you might need a beefier machine. Timing issues do happen but are not all that common. Usually, it is a threading error, wrong/bad needle, etc... tha give us fits.
I think very highly of the 19110, and I do not consider it a delicate machine. However, you may want to consider augmenting it with something even sturdier/beefier.
I have a stupid question. Why are you using a zig-zag to sew on the Velcro? There is a narrow strip along the edge in which I just sew a straight stitch. That way I'm not abusing my needle or thread through the hard, prickly stuff as much.
-- Edited on 5/23/07 8:50 AM --
------
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
www.Sew-Classic.com
Posted on: 5/23/07 4:42 PM ET
In reply to SewClassic
I guess I should have been more specific...our local Sears doesn't carry this sewing machine, so I will have to buy another one online after returning it to the store. Besides, it said on my receipt that no exchanges can be made in-store for online purchases. Such a hassle.
I've always put my Velcro on with a zigzag. It nails down the edges so nothing sharp is poking up. Sharp edges on baby diapers = bad. It's always worked fine before, even with my crappy old Janome.
The zigzag is not just skipping with Velcro, though, it skips on regular fabric too. The other stitches seem to be fine. I really only use straight stitch, zigzag, and serge stitch with this machine, and the straight and serge all work okay. It's just the zigzag. Figures, one of the three stitches that I actually USE out of 50 quits on me.
Maybe using a different strength of needle will help. I doubt it, but I'll give it a try.
I've always put my Velcro on with a zigzag. It nails down the edges so nothing sharp is poking up. Sharp edges on baby diapers = bad. It's always worked fine before, even with my crappy old Janome.
The zigzag is not just skipping with Velcro, though, it skips on regular fabric too. The other stitches seem to be fine. I really only use straight stitch, zigzag, and serge stitch with this machine, and the straight and serge all work okay. It's just the zigzag. Figures, one of the three stitches that I actually USE out of 50 quits on me.
Maybe using a different strength of needle will help. I doubt it, but I'll give it a try.
Posted on: 5/23/07 5:52 PM ET
In reply to gypsyincarnate
Try setting the machine to straight stitch with the needle positioned so that it is on the side that skips. What happens?
Did you buy it from Sears overstocks/clearance on Ebay? You will probably not be able to return it t the store at all. However, you can get the machine repaired under warranty.
Re-read my needle suggestions too. You don't need a bigger or smaller needle, you either need to use a different style/point or brand.
------
Did you buy it from Sears overstocks/clearance on Ebay? You will probably not be able to return it t the store at all. However, you can get the machine repaired under warranty.
Re-read my needle suggestions too. You don't need a bigger or smaller needle, you either need to use a different style/point or brand.
------
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
www.Sew-Classic.com
Posted on: 5/29/07 2:27 PM ET
I'd also recommend changing needle style -- although I'd also go to a 16 or even an 18 for the velcro. In my experience, that's healed a multitude of sins...
Good luck!
Good luck!
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns






