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From: JenniferHuber
Date: 04-25-2005, 09:39 PM (1 of 10)
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Hello all, I have an ancient Singer 328 that has been working quite well for a long long time. It looks like this: http://louvre.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/ecf/d00/ecfd001c-c88a-4fd3-acd0-ca996ee861d9 I am now trying to take in a pair of heavyweight denim jeans. I am trying to put in the topstitching, down the inseam, but my machine is skipping stitches nearly every inch. Sometimes it skips one stitch, but more regularly it skips 5 or 6 in a row.  I have tried increasing the bobbin tension, and the thread tension & the guide foot tension, but to no avail! Does anyone here still use a machine like mine & have you overcome a problem like this? Your help is greatly appreciated!! |
User: JenniferHuber
Member since: 04-25-2005 Total posts: 4 
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From: paroper
Date: 04-26-2005, 08:27 AM (2 of 10)
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That usually indicates a needle that is incompatable with your fabric. See if you can get your hands on a jeans needle. It has better weight and point for your fabric.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: JenniferHuber
Date: 04-26-2005, 08:04 PM (3 of 10)
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I am using Schmetz Jeans/Denim needles 130/705h-j (100/16). I did buy another pack by Schmetz - Leather 130/705h LL 15x2NTW (90/14). Should I be using the leather needles? I hadn't tried them yet because I thought it was overkill. Is it unusal to have to use a needle made for sewing leather on jeans? Thanks again.. |
User: JenniferHuber
Member since: 04-25-2005 Total posts: 4
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From: sable
Date: 04-26-2005, 08:27 PM (4 of 10)
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I wouldn't recommend using a leather needle on denim. The leather needle is designed to cut its way through leather rather than punching (it's so the leather doesn't tear). If you use the leather needle you'll find the needle cuts threads in the fabric as you sew and you'll end up with the fabric weakening at that point. The jeans needle should slide between fibres. I don't know why your machine would be skipping, unless it simply doesn't like the fabric (if it's a heavy weight denim), or needs servicing. Does it do this on other fabrics too? |
User: sable
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 76 
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From: sewerzzzzzz
Date: 04-26-2005, 09:36 PM (5 of 10)
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I've used my mom's Singer series 600 machine and have had lot's of trouble w/stitches skipping on heavier weight fabrics like fleece, or multiple layers of a heavier fabric. I've tried everything and had the machine serviced twice but was told that the Singer's tended to have this problem. Either it skips stitches or I get a birds nest. It seems like my bobbin doesn't get wound at the proper tension but I've had it adjusted twice. I gave up and just use my grandma's old Singer that was passed on to me. It works great, all the time. |
User: sewerzzzzzz
Member since: 02-27-2005 Total posts: 81 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-26-2005, 11:46 PM (6 of 10)
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I could be totally wrong here but I thought that Singer needles were a slightly different length than Schmetz. I haven't bought for a Singer machine in a very long time. You might want to call a local Singer dealer and check if you aren't sure or if your Singer needles (I thought I saw some in your picture) do not happen to have the length posted. It should be on the package. At any rate, I would think that the needle scrafe (I'm sure about the spelling) might be a little different. I know that often varies from brand to brand. Any of those factors could enter in if I am correct.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 04-27-2005, 03:09 AM (7 of 10)
Great picture of that old gal 328. I also was going to suggest using a Singer needle. I use Schmetz on all of my machines now..but I always use Singer needles on my Singers..which sadly to say I have given to family members. But the older Singers just keep going and going. 
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User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: JenniferHuber
Date: 04-27-2005, 06:39 AM (8 of 10)
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Thanks for all the input! I will head back down to JoAnns and pick up some Singer needles. I hope it is a quick fix. I don't usually have this much of a headache when I sew regular weight fabrics. I had been putting off taking in the jeans because they are so thick. They are deadstock 50's Levis - the denim grade is 13oz. I think that is as thick as it gets. I will post the results of the Singer vs Schmetz needles.. Thanks again! 
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User: JenniferHuber
Member since: 04-25-2005 Total posts: 4
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From: JenniferHuber
Date: 04-28-2005, 03:31 PM (9 of 10)
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First off - thank you all for your input. I would have put off taking in the jeans permanently, if you hadn't steered me in the right direction.. I upadated the picture at the top of this post, with a picture of my actual sewing machine. The other photo was from an ebay auction I'd found. I went to JoAnns & bought some Singer needles for heavyweight denim, and guess what?! They work like a champ. I couldn't ask for more. I gathered up four strips of heavyweight denim I had removed in other projects, and began to sew. I had no problems with four thicknesses of denim at stitch lenghts of 8/in or 7/in or 6/in. I tried to fold over the four strips and make eight - to try sewing through that, but the pile wouldn't fit under the presser foot, even in the up position. Four is the most I'll ever stitch through when doing an inseam topstitch, so I am pleased. Congrats & Thanks! to paroper and Kylnne2 - with the winning solution!! Here is the result of changing the needle to Singer: http://louvre.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/153/5c2/1535c28b-40e9-4768-a663-16ff72e1bb1b |
User: JenniferHuber
Member since: 04-25-2005 Total posts: 4
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From: paroper
Date: 04-29-2005, 12:22 AM (10 of 10)
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I'm glad it worked so well. Sometimes our biggest headaches have very easy solutions! I probably wouldn't have thought of this except my old Kenmore took Kenmore or Singer needles. When I switched to Bernina, I tried to use the Kenmore needles in the machine and I had all kinds of problems, including horrible noises...scared me to death. When I compared the needles, they were different lengths.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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