Why Your Sewing Machine Might Be Skipping Stitches

Why your sewing machine skips stitches (and how to fix it)

It’s not broken — it’s just telling you something’s off.

Few things are more frustrating than sewing a beautiful seam — only to find gaps where stitches should be.
Skipped stitches can make even the best project feel like a flop.
But the good news is: there’s always a reason.

Here are the big ones:

1. Wrong needle for your fabric.
A dull or incorrect needle is the top culprit.
Use a ballpoint or stretch needle for knits, and a universal or sharp needle for wovens.
Replace your needle every 8 hours of sewing — seriously!

2. Needle not inserted properly.
Double-check that it’s pushed all the way up and facing the right direction (flat side usually to the back).

3. Poor threading.
If your machine isn’t threaded correctly — especially through the take-up lever — it can’t form proper stitches.
Re-thread both the top and bobbin thread from scratch.

4. Tension or timing issues.
If you’ve checked everything else and it’s still skipping, it could be mechanical timing — the moment when the needle and bobbin hook meet.
A technician can adjust that quickly.

The key takeaway?
Skipped stitches aren’t random — they’re clues.
Your machine is whispering, “Something’s off — help me out!”

And when you learn to listen, you become not just a sewist — but a true machine whisperer.