Top thread not consistantly catching bobbin

[KERRMINATOR]

Hi All!

I feel like this is a topic likely already covered, but I can't seem to find the correct wording to find it in the search so if you can direct me to a thread that already covers this, feel free to post a link rather than repeating yourself TIA!

So here's the deal - I'm working on an order of 90 hats in 3 different styles. There is one style that's giving me trouble (the other two are running beautifully). The top thread isn't always catching the bobbin thread - it's skipping stitches, but ONLY in the underlay. It causes the machine to stop for false bobbin breaks, and it has a tendency to break the thread so, false bobbin breaks and actual thread breaks.

I've tried changing the length of the stitches, decreased the density of the underlay, changed out the needle, changed to a different needle all together, changed bobbins, adjusted the bobbin tension, cleaned the bobbin case, changed the bobbin case, raised the presser foot to accommodate the thick material, cleaned out a bunch of thread that was under the plate. . . I have NOT tried this style on one of the other machines because regardless, it SHOULD work on this one. Unless it's the material and just what I have to deal with in order to get the hats done.

I attached an image so you can see what it looks like - keeping in mind I haven't bothered to pull out the run stitches each time I start over sooo pardon the way it looks, it's just so you can see the material and how the stitches are skipping.

[KERRMINATOR]

I just ran the design on a different machine (just a different color hat in that same style) and it breezed through the underlay like it was nothing. So something's up with that one machine. Maybe the needles aren't penetrating far enough and not catching the bobbin. Hmmm Likely have to check the needle depths. . .

[Mama Kass]

Some ideas... If you use spray adhesive, is it time for a hook wash? I find that skipped stitches also occur if my presser foot is too high causing flagging of the fabric; keep it as low as you can without damaging the fabric. Does your hook timing need adjusting?

[Hugo Torbidoni]

I know you said that you changed the needles, by the image, it seems as though your needle may need adjusting. Don't over compensate, but verify that the eye is slightly to the right of center. Also make sure your pressor foot is down far enough. You can go lower than just touching in this application. I wouldn't jump into adjusting timing or needle depths yet until you eliminate the obvious.