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My Stitches Are Coming Out Uneven
                                                                                                                                                     
Sewing Information, Advice, How-to
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Sewing How-To:
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Check your bobbin

    Make sure it’s threaded correctly.


Don’t pull your fabric as you sew

    Just guide your fabric, letting it feed on it’s own.


Change your needle

    Make sure it’s a size and type appropriate for your fabric and
    thread.


Adjust the tension on your machine

    It may be too loose or too tight.


Check your presser foot

    Make sure it’s securely attached.


Adjust the pressure of your presser foot

    It may be too light or too heavy for your fabric.


Change your presser foot

    If you’ve been sewing with a zigzag or an all-purpose presser
    foot, try changing to a straight stitch presser foot (this is
    assuming you’re sewing straight stitches). It has a smaller
    needle hole which may keep your fabric more stable as you
    sew.


Check your needle plate

    Make sure it’s securely in place.


Check your feed dogs* for lint

    If your feed dogs are clogged with lint, they're not gripping
    your fabric properly. Remove your presser foot and clean out
    any lint with an old toothbrush.


Use a “Jean-a-ma-jig” or a “Hump-jumper”

    If you’ve been trying to sew over a bump of fabric, such as a
    thick jean hem, try using this tool (your local fabric store
    should carry it). It keeps your presser foot level as you sew
    and gives your feed dogs something to grip.


Your machine may be skipping stitches



*Your feed dogs are the little teeth that stick up beyond your needle plate.
Try these fixes:


Rethread your machine

    It may be threaded incorrectly.


Change your thread

    If you’ve been using a cheaper or an
    older thread, change to a newer, quality,
    brand-name, thread. Also, if you’ve been
    using different threads for your upper
    and bobbin threads, try using the same
    for both.
Get FREE Sewing Patterns! Click here.
Still having problems?

Try visiting your sewing machine manufacturer's website. They may have a troubleshooting
guide specific to your machine.

Also, you may want to try posting your question on one of the many sewing forums.
<<Back to the Sewing Machine Troubleshooting Guide