Stitch Faults and Tension

Your fabric won't move because the presser foot can't grip it. Here's the order to fix it—from rethreading to increasing pressure—so you don't waste money on a service.

Stretch fabric sticking to the presser foot? It’s usually the feed dogs, not the tension. Follow this UK troubleshooting order to fix feeding issues without stretching your garment.

Thread bunching underneath? Don't turn the bobbin screw yet. Follow the honest check order to fix tension safely, then only adjust the bobbin case if you must.

Your zigzag stitch is skipping? Start by checking if someone fitted a straight-stitch plate by mistake. Follow this UK-specific order to fix it.

Your machine skips stitches on denim? It’s likely the needle deflecting under pressure. Learn why 80/12 fails and which needle size actually works for thick fabrics.

Skipped stitches on jersey are usually a needle issue, not tension. Here's why universal needles fail and which needle type actually works for stretch fabrics.

Stuck fabric or a needle that won't move? Stop pulling. The right way to free a jammed machine is to remove the needle plate and cut the thread nest from below. Here's the safe sequence.

Fabric won't move? It's likely the feed dog drop lever. Here's how to check it, plus UK prices for needles and oil so you know what to fix yourself.

Thread keeps snapping or needles breaking? Don't buy a new machine yet. Follow this diagnostic flowchart to find the real cause—tension, needle, or bobbin—and fix it in 10 minutes.

Thread bunching under your fabric is usually a top-threading error, not a bobbin problem. Follow this UK-specific order to clear the jam, re-thread with the presser foot up, and fix it in minutes.