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Tiffany Posted on Nov 22, 2013
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Not stitch zigzag

My singer 1120 is not stitching a zigzag stitch correctly. The top of the stitch is coming out with an extra piece of thread under the zigzag or other times it comes out with no zigzag it looks more like a honeycomb. The bottom of the stitch comes out PERFECT!!! I have tried different length and width combos settings on my machine, different tensions settings ranging from 0-3, and cleaning and oiling my machine. If anyone has any idea on how to fix this I would appreciate any input I could try!!!!! Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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Irene Tulloch

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  • Posted on Nov 23, 2013
Irene Tulloch
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Have you tried a needle change? It could be blunt or the wrong size. Have you cleaned under the needle plate as the ridges get full of lint there. A toothpick will clean them out.

3 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 208 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 01, 2009

SOURCE: singer machine needle won't do width in zigzag

It sounds like it needs lubrication on the needle bar frame and linkage.

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Anonymous

  • 20 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 14, 2009

SOURCE: I have a Singer Sewing Machine 5817C, the thread

Make sure that there is tension on the thread when you have passed it through the tension unit, by making sure the presser foot is down, and then gently pulling the thread to feel tension. If there is no tension, as seems to be the case, check the tension discs inside the unit to make sure that there is no debris stopping them from closing.

sylviaivie

  • 1564 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 06, 2011

SOURCE: I have recently bought Singer Quantum 9940 and I

1. Make sure your needle is correct for the fabric. Go buy some good needles in several sizes. You'll need a 90 for jeans, rounded points for fine fabrics... get a few sizes. Your manual should provided you with clues to the right needle for the fabrics. (BTW... there really is no such thing as a Universal Needle... toss it.)

2. Re-read your manual and carefully follow the instructions on threading the bobbin and the upper thread...

3. Check your tension on the upper thread... it is too loose for the application. The tension on the bottom thread is handled by a spring on your bobbin case or race. If you do not have that threaded properly you'll have problems. Same with the direction the bobbin turns... have in it backwards... problems.

Barring all these things... It might be time for a qualified Singer repair person to look at it. Sadly Singer has seriously lowered it's standards in the last 20 years.

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I have a Bernina 930 record, zigzag stitch it misses some zigzag stitches & does straight stitches
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  1. Check the needle: Ensure that the needle is properly inserted and not bent or dull. Replace the needle if necessary, making sure to use the correct needle type and size for the fabric you are sewing.
  2. Adjust the stitch width and length: Verify that the stitch width and length settings are properly adjusted for the desired zigzag stitch. Refer to your machine's user manual for instructions on how to adjust these settings correctly.
  3. Clean and lubricate the machine: A build-up of lint or lack of lubrication can affect the machine's performance. Clean the bobbin area and other accessible parts of the machine using a soft brush or lint brush. Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the recommended areas as specified in the user manual.
  4. Check the tension: Improper tension can lead to skipped stitches. Ensure that the upper thread tension is properly adjusted for the fabric and thread you are using. Consult the user manual for guidance on adjusting the tension correctly.
  5. Test with different fabrics and threads: Try sewing on different fabrics using different types of thread to determine if the issue is specific to certain materials. This will help identify whether the problem lies with the machine or the materials being used.
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It's important to note that the Bernina 930 record is a vintage sewing machine, and finding a qualified technician with experience working on older models may be beneficial if further repairs or adjustments are needed.
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It will straight stitch but drops one side of zigzag? Could be, in most probable order...


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Why is my singer 9015 skipping stitches, particularly on zig zag setting???
There are several possibilities for skipped stitches. A needle that is dull or bent; using a ball point needle when a sharp should be used, such as a woven fabric, the needle is not all the way up in the needle clamp; the needle was not inserted with the flat side in the correct position (unless your bobbin case is on the side of the machine, that's toward the back), or the top thread and or bobbin thread is not threaded correctly.
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Sep 13, 2014 • Sewing Machines
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Apr 03, 2012 • Singer 1120 Mechanical Sewing Machine
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a wide zig-zag on a light weight fabric single layer is almost guaranteed to pucker up, just because the thread is under tension and this is often stronger than the fabric being pulled together by the stitches.

However, if a straight seam is puckering, this could be caused by a blunt needle, too big needle, or too tight tension or too long stitch length. You should be able to vary some of these variables to reduce the puckering and improve the stitch appearance. Other things to check might be the top thread being caught up somewhere in the thread path and pulling on the stitching.

If I am finishing the cut edge of aa single layer of light weight fabric I would use a three step zigzag to hold the fabric firmly and neatly.

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Mar 29, 2011 • Sewing Machines
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