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MINOR PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
1. SKIPPED STITCHES
Skipped stitches have become a problem in recent years,
especially with the appearance of knit fabrics and polyester
threads on the market. Skipped stitches normally can be traced to
four basic causes:
A. The Needle
(1) The needle is dull or bent. Change
it,
(2> The needle is placed incorrectly in the needle clamp. It is
either backwards or is not up in the needle clamp all the
way.
(3) The wrong type of needle is being used for the fabric.
Use ball point needle on knits and wedge point needles
for leathers and vinyls.
(4) the thread is too thick for the size of needle being used.
Use a large needle.
B. The Thread
(1) The machine is threaded incorrectly.
(2) Many brands of polyester thread are too stiff and coarse
thus making loop formation difficult or impossible.
Change brands or use a cotton thread.
C. The Presser Foot
(1) The foot being used is not holding the fabric taut enough
over the needle plate hole, thus the fabric is being pulled
up and down while stitching. Use the foot which gives
the most control possible for the particular job being
done.
(2) There is not enough pressure on the presser bar to hold
the fabric firmly. Increase pressure on the pressure con
trol
D. The Fabric
The fabric has a heavy finish on it which deters stitch for
mation. Wash the fabric thoroughly before sewing.
2.
THREAD BREAKING
A. Machine improperly threaded.
B. Thread is caught in a slit of the spool or under
the spool
C. Thread is dry or of poor quality.
D. Tension is too tight.
E.
Starting the machine with take-up lever in the
wrong position. Always start and end sewing
with take-up lever in highest position.
F.
Needle is bent, blunt, or has a burr on
it.
G. Needle is not inserted correctly.
H. Thread is too coarse for needle being used.
I.
Needle plate has been nicked by the needle, thus
is sharp and cuts the threads.
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