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Domestic machines are not set up to handle upholstery thread. For one thing, upholstery thread is much thicker than regular sewing thread, so the tensions will need to be adjusted (if possible). It is also very difficult to use heavy thread in the bobbin. Depending on the weight of the fabric you are sewing, you may be able to use a good quality polyester thread that is strong but not as thick as upholstery thread. You may also need to use a different presser foot and pressure adjustment for your project.
If the problem is consistent with certain types of fabric, it is usually the needle choice. Make sure the needle size and type is compatible with the fabric and thread you are using. There are several different types of needles (leather, ball-point for knits, sharps for wovens, etc)
Normal top tension is 3-4; normal bobbin tension (iirc) is 35 grams.
I'm betting, though, that a new needle, right way around and the correct size, would solve your skipping problems.
Lower the pressure on the feed dogs, use a stretch stitch, and longer stitch length. Be sure to use a good quality thread, and maybe go lighter weight thread.
Hi. You use different size needles for different fabrics and fabric weights. Size 16 needles are used for heavy fabric, like canvas, duck, or blue jeans. Size 14 needles are still on the heavy/thick fabric size. Size 10 needles are for very light-weight fabrics and size 12 needles are for medium-weight fabrics. Also, you need to pay attention to the type of fabric--if sewing on knits, you need ballpoint needles. If sewing on woven fabrics, you need sharps or universals. Universals are supposed to be for knits, too....but ballpoint needles are SO much better!
Use the right size and type of needle for your fabric, don't sew over any pins (they can bend or even break the needle), and make sure you don't pull or push the fabric while you're sewing on it. Let the feed dogs do the work of moving the fabric--you just gently guide it.
Hope this helps!
You would do best with a heavy weight needle. You also might want to use Upholstery thread rather than normal weight thread. Depending on the machine, you probably need to change the tension. Some high end machines do this automatically. Your best bet is to try a test run on scrap material to get the right needle, stitch, thread combination. Good luck.
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