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Skipped stitches on lycra fabric

valentinesday | Posted in General Discussion on

My machine is skipping stitches when I hem lycra pants. Should I be using a stretch needle rather than ball point needle? Is there a special pressure foot to use? I am using  new needle.

Replies

  1. User avater
    clairezbo | | #1

    Did you wash the material first??? Sometimes that helps. The ballpoint needle should work.

  2. User avater
    CostumerVal | | #2

    I've only had that problem when I pull on the fabric to much in one direction.  I do like to stretch lycra slightly when it's being stitched.  But if you pull to much in one direction and the fabric fights the feed dogs, it's definately skip to maloo time.  A stretch needle will definately help,  lengthen the stitch slightly and stitch in short lengths, let the feed dogs do the work.   Good luck.

    1. valentinesday | | #4

      Thank you very much for your suggestions; I'll try again!

  3. woodruff | | #3

    A stretch needle can be a lifesaver! After the first time you use one, you will almost certainly do as I do: Always start with one when working with most stretchy knits, and certainly any fabric with lycra.

    1. valentinesday | | #5

      Thank you..haven't tried stretch needles before, I'll get one tomorrow!

      1. User avater
        Thimblefingers | | #6

        If you are sewing with a straight stitch you could try a straight stitch presser foot and needle plate.  They will hold the fabric more firmly around the needle and prevent the "bouncing" that the fabric can do in zig-zag foot and plate.  If you're doing zig-zag and the stretch needle doesn't help, it could be that your machine is slightly out of adjustment.  Getting it tuned up could solve the problem.

  4. User avater
    blingy | | #8

    I like to use a twin needle when I hem knits so I always used a ballpoint twin.  With my new machine, the right side needle skipped stitches like crazy!  I even took the machine in to have it checked out and the repair guy said to use a stretch twin, not a ballpoint.  I bought a stretch twin and the problem went away!  With my older machine I always used a ballpoint with no problems but I guess this machine likes a stretch needle.  I don't understand why but what ever works is what I will do.  Hopes this helps.

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