Why Is My Sewing Machine Skipping Stitches? Top 7 Causes and Fixes for Chennai Tailors

Introduction

Few things are more frustrating for a tailor than seeing a beautiful line of stitches suddenly break or skip halfway through. Whether you’re running a boutique in T Nagar, a fashion institute in Anna Nagar, or stitching from your home in Ambattur, skipping stitches is one of the most common sewing problems faced by Chennai tailors.

The good news? Most skipped stitches are caused by simple, fixable issues — not major damage. At Murthy Sewing Machines, we help customers identify these problems quickly and keep their machines running smoothly.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore why sewing machines skip stitches and the 7 most common causes along with practical solutions you can apply right away.

1. Bent or Dull Needle – The #1 Culprit

If your machine suddenly starts skipping stitches, the first thing to check is the needle.

Why it Happens

• Needles wear out over time and lose their sharp point.
  
• A bent needle can’t catch the bobbin thread properly.
  
• Sewing thick fabrics like denim, leather, or canvas dulls needles faster.
  

Quick Fix

• Replace your needle after every 8–10 hours of stitching or after completing one large project.
  
• Make sure you use the right needle size for your fabric:
  
  • Silk/Cotton: Size 9–11
    
  • Denim/Canvas: Size 14–16
    
  • Stretch/Knits: Ballpoint needle
    

Pro Tip: Always use original brand-specific needles available at Murthy Sewing Machines to avoid compatibility issues.

2. Wrong Needle and Thread Combination

Even with a new needle, skipped stitches can happen if the thread and needle don’t match.

Example

Using a thin thread with a thick needle or a thick thread with a small needle will prevent proper loop formation, causing missed stitches.

Solution

• Match thread type to fabric and needle:
  
  • Fine cotton thread → Size 11 needle
  • Polyester thread → Size 14 needle
  • Heavy-duty thread → Size 16 needle
• For silky or slippery fabrics, use finer thread and adjust tension slightly higher.
  

Tip for Chennai tailors: Humidity affects thread elasticity. Store spools in a dry, airtight box to prevent moisture-related stretching.

3. Incorrect Threading or Tension Imbalance

Thread tension is critical — if it’s too loose or too tight, your machine may skip stitches or create uneven loops.

What to Check

• Ensure the upper thread passes correctly through all guides and the tension discs.
  
• Verify that the presser foot is raised while threading — this opens the tension discs.
  
• Check bobbin tension (should unwind smoothly but not freely).
  

Fix

1. Rethread both upper and lower threads completely.
   
2. Test on scrap fabric.
   
3. Adjust the tension dial slowly until the stitch looks balanced.
   

If the issue persists, your tension spring might need service — book a professional check at our Sewing Machine Service Centre in Chennai.

4. Needle Not Inserted Correctly

A slightly misaligned needle can cause skipped stitches even if it’s brand new.

How to Check

• The flat side of the needle should face the correct direction (depends on brand).
  
  • Usha & Singer: Flat side faces the back
    
  • Brother & Jack: Flat side faces the right
    
• Insert the needle fully into the clamp and tighten the screw firmly.
  

Tip: After inserting, rotate the handwheel manually to ensure the needle moves freely and doesn’t touch the needle plate.

5. Feed Dog or Bobbin Case Dust Build-Up

Chennai’s coastal dust and fabric lint often collect under the needle plate and around the feed dogs. This buildup prevents smooth fabric movement, causing inconsistent stitch formation.

Solution

• Turn off the machine and remove the needle plate.
  
• Use a small cleaning brush or vacuum nozzle to remove lint.
  
• Avoid blowing air (it pushes lint deeper).
  
• Apply 1–2 drops of oil to moving parts if it’s a mechanical model.
  

Murthy Tip: Regular cleaning every week ensures longer life — especially important for industrial machines in boutiques and tailoring shops.

Learn more about machine maintenance on our Domestic Sewing Machines page.

6. Fabric Slippage or Presser Foot Pressure

If the fabric moves unevenly under the presser foot, stitches may skip or overlap.

Causes

• Worn or low-quality presser foot.
  
• Incorrect pressure adjustment.
  
• Slippery or stretch fabrics (satin, silk, lycra).
  

Fix

• Adjust presser foot pressure knob — increase slightly for thin fabrics, decrease for thick ones.
  
• For stretchy or shiny materials, use:
  
  • Walking foot for multilayer fabrics
    
  • Teflon foot for sticky fabrics
    

Accessory Alert: Explore presser feet and attachments on Murthy’s Accessories Page for all major brands.

7. Timing or Hook Alignment Issues

If none of the above solves the issue, your machine’s timing might be off.

What It Means

The needle and hook must move in perfect sync to catch the thread loop. If timing is delayed or advanced even slightly, stitches will skip.

Signs of Timing Problem

• Skipped stitches on all fabrics
  
• Loud clicking noise
  
• Needle breaking frequently
  
• Thread bunching under fabric
  

Fix

This is not a DIY repair. It requires expert calibration using a timing gauge and manufacturer-specific tools.

Contact Murthy Sewing Machines Service Centre in Villivakkam, Chennai — our certified technicians can realign timing for Usha, Brother, Jack, Singer, and Juki models with same-day service.