Replies

1. 
   edgy | Jul 11, 2004 01:37am | #1

   Hi Tasha,

   I use cotton/lycra a lot and use a rotary cutter which I find to be much easier than scissors on most fabrics. I'll leave it to someone else to address skipping stitiches.

   nancy

2. 
   stitchmd | Jul 11, 2004 05:46am | #2

   When in doubt I start with one labelled all purpose for knits or wovens. You probably need to go with one for medium or heavy weight fabrics. Also when in doubt the best approach is to try more than one, sewing on scraps. Skipped stitches can have other causes. What kind of thread are you using? Stitch length? Try rethreading and reinserting your bobbin. Sometimes the threads fall out of place unnoticed.

3. 
   FitnessNut | Jul 11, 2004 08:21am | #3

   I would use a size 75 or 90 stretch needle, depending on the weight on the fabric and testing it on scraps for skipped stitches before sewing on the garment. If your stitches are still skipping, I'd move to a ballpoint needle in the same sizes. Sometimes you will get skipped stitches if the needle needs to be replaced, so keep that in mind.

   Good luck with your project.

1. 
   TashaGirl | Jul 11, 2004 07:00pm | #4

   Thanks for the suggestions.  I tried an 80/12 Ballpoint needle with 100% polyester thread and everything seems to be working well.

4. 
   SewNancy | Jul 27, 2004 07:05pm | #5

   I had problems with skipped stitches on a slinky knit and found that I needed to use a 90 stretch needle and sewers aid on the needle applied every so often.  Make sure that thread is polyester,  more stretch .  I have not had any problem with cotton lycra, but have had problems with tension with topstitching on heavier stretch denim and largest needle  I could find helped also, Sewers Aid.

   Nancy