Sewing machine help : My zig zag stitch keeps going funny

[TheOriginalNutcracker]

Have just bought a sewing machine and will admitt that it has been years since I have used one but so far setting it up etc has been ok.

I have been trying out some of the stitches and when i try and do zigzag stitch (follwoing the settings suggested) i get a zig zag and then some straight stitches and then a zig zag. It's not in any particular pattern just really random.

Have tried adjsting the tension etc but it is still doing it.

Any ideas ??

[nickelbabe]

it sounds like your needle isn't in properly.

in most machines, the needle has a flat part. make sure that fits to the flat part of the holder.
then tighten it.

if that doesn't work, let me know, and someone else will rethink it for you!

[TheOriginalNutcracker]

Thank's lol, i will check that now.

[TheOriginalNutcracker]

Nope didn't make any difference.

The booklet suggests it might be because of using cheap thread, which I am. Does that really make such a difference ???

[nickelbabe]

it doesn't usually.
but i suppose it could, if the rope isn't tight enough to grab it with the needle.
but that could be corected by using a sharp rather than a ball point needle.
try a better thread.

what about your bobbins?
are they the correct ones?
it can cause all sorts of pick up problems if you're supposed to be using a plastic bobbin and are using metal, for eample.

[TheOriginalNutcracker]

Oh erm hang on, i need to look lol.

Never knew it could be so complicated

[nickelbabe]

i know!
it's weird, when you think of all the things that can go wrong just by putting something in wrong, or having the wrong type of thing!

[LatteLady]

I know this sounds stupid, but are you actually using blind hemming stitch rather than zig zag as this does a zigzag followed by about 3/4 running stitches. The graphic on my machine is very similar to a zigzag and I have picked the wrong stitch before.