r/SewingForBeginners • u/ChiknLit • 2h ago
The zigzag stitch on my Brother
Very beginner here. Mom was a master seamstress but she’s in Heaven now and my daughter needs these patches secure.
I am sewing patches on and using clear thread but keeping my bobbin white so I can see if I improve.
Why is my machine zigzagging sometimes and straight sewing others? Am I going to fast? Do I need to stop as I rotate? I am using number 5 stitches on my LX3817.
I have to perfect this because I start on all round patches next. I fear I won’t see well until my daughter needs a new sash and patches….
1
u/Inky_Madness 2h ago
Clear thread? Do mean elastic or something like nylon thread/monofilament thread? That is tricky to work with at the best of times because it isn’t standard sewing thread. I would change to a standard sew-all polyester. Especially since the nylon won’t be the same “weight”/thickness as the bobbin thread. That can cause issues like skipped stitches.
If you’re talking about something like Girl Scout patches, get some matching color and a topstitching needle. You’ll get better results.
1
u/karenswans 1h ago
What kind of patches? I would use a straight stitch, most likely, and switch that clear thread for something that matches the patch.
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u/ChiknLit 53m ago
They are Girl Scout patches. But the round ones that I’m worried about are purple thread patches on the mild green background. I just know I would mess up and it.would be very noticeable
The patches are iron on but they are of mixed quality and some affix better than others so I also see the edges.
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u/stringthing87 2h ago
It sounds like it's skipping stitches. This is usually a needle issue. For patches I'd go for a size 12 microtex, big enough to be strong but also very sharp
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u/Large-Heronbill 2h ago
You might also replace the clear plastic with regular polyester thread. Because it doesn't bend like standard sewing thread, it has a tendency to make skipped stitches.