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Monday, December 6, 2010

Brother Sewing Machine - Zigzag Stitch Issue SOLVED!

I never posted my recent sewing issue, however, I did spend WAY too much time trying to find the answer on the internet.  Luckily, I was able to find an answer, but I can't remember where, so I thought I'd share it here in case anyone else has the same problem.

 I was trying to make a Christmas stocking, (a major pain in the butt project, as posted earlier), and the zigzag stitch on my Brother CS-6000i sewing machine was not working.  Not unusual for this POS machine. Specifically, the right side of the zigzag would not pick up the bobbin thread, so I ended up with a straight line.  

I found a few people out there online who had the same issue and the responses were mostly related to changing the needle, changing the bobbin, changing the tension...the usual.  Anyway, I happened to find one brilliant response that mentioned that only Schmetz needles seem to work on her Brother.  Desperate, I switched out my cheapy-cheap needle for a Schmetz (I can't actually believe I had some) and my zigzag nightmares were over...almost.  I still had a lot of problems with the tension.  It's always something with that machine!  Arrgghhh!
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19 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    I came across your post because I, too, have been doing a search to figure out why my zig zag stitch is not working on my Brother CS-6000i sewing machine. I think my problem is the tension, but I've been playing around with it and can't seem to make it work.

    The machine is pretty new (a few months), still has original needle in it. Now, for the problem... The zig zag stitch comes out perfectly (in the lower thread color) on the WRONG side of the fabric.

    I am pretty new to sewing so it is likely possible that I am overlooking something basic, but if you have any suggestions, I'd be extremely grateful!!

    -- Paula

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  2. Sarah NicoleMarch 30, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    Hi Paula, I hoe you get my response. That sounds like the exact same issue I was having. Yes, the zig-zag is perfect on the underside. I'm no sewing expert, but switching to the Schmetz needle solved my problem. I don't know what brand originally came with your machine, but you may want to go to your local sewing supply store and getting some Schmetz brand needles to try. I hope your issue gets resolved. Ther's nothing more frustrating than sitting down to start a project and having your machine go berzerk! I'd love to hear how it works out for you.

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  3. Sarah NicoleMarch 30, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Oh, one more thing: make sure your thread spool spindle (not sure if that's the correct term, but it's the little pole that holds the thread spool) is ALL THE WAY UP. One time I was having a lot of trouble with tension and realized this spindle had been pushed down. I think it retracts to fit under the case. Took me way too long to figure that little glitch out ;)

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  4. AnonymousMarch 31, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Thanks so much for your response! I was getting really concerned because I went back to try doing a straight stitch and the tension was STILL off! I pretty much had to have it at 0 for it to look relatively decent.

    I didn't get a new needle yet, but I will definitely make note of the Schetz needle for the future.

    Turns out my spindle was DOWN (didn't know it did that either!)! I just pushed it up and tried the zig zag stitch again and it was perfect! So excited- thanks!

    - Paula

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  5. Sarah NicoleApril 1, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Yay! So glad I could help! Happy Stitching!

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  6. csommersApril 22, 2014 at 11:12 AM

    Schmetz!!!! It worked! Thank you. I have been pulling my hair out at my machine for the last two hours.

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  7. AmyJanuary 19, 2015 at 9:04 PM

    Schmetz! It worked! I had to laugh because I didn't think the needles I had in a little pile from my mum's stash would have been the same brand but they are and it is stitching fine in zigzag now. Thank you so much for posting how you fixed it.

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  8. AnitaJune 26, 2015 at 1:44 PM

    My trouble with zigzag stitch is intermittent. It usually happens when I rethread or change thread and bobbin. I get a normal zigzag on the bottom but the top is an unusual/incorrect stitch. It only happens on the zigzag stitch. I have a Brother XL-3750 model. Any advice?

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  9. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    i have a brothers lx3125 sewing machine and its not seing zigag stitches i tried cleaning,oiling , rethreading the machine and bobbin thread and nothng works i tried changig the needle (same brand) and nothin seems to work the only zig zag stich im gettng from my machine is stitch no.11 .any help or suggestion will greatly appreciated...thanks...

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  10. AnonymousMarch 3, 2016 at 6:32 AM

    Thank you! Suddenly had the exact same problem you've described, quick google search came up with your wonderful answer. Worked a treat. I'd started using some needles from Tchibo, switched back to Prym, zig zag works again. And the best thing? No headache for me wasting a whole lot of time trying to fix it!!

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  11. UnknownMarch 7, 2016 at 10:38 AM

    I too had the same problem. However, I was already using the schmetz needle. So I changed it and it made no difference. Turned out my problem was a difference in the thread. Changed the bobbin thread to the same as the top thread and all was fine again. Phew!

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  12. AnonymousMarch 13, 2016 at 2:55 PM

    what if your zigzag stitch is fine on top but not on the bottom? it gets bunched up then it stops the needle from going up or down can u please send to nightmagic42@yahoo.com thanks

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 29, 2017 at 2:47 PM

      Everyone immediately blames the bobbin for the loopy bobbin thread on the bobbins side of the sewing... but most of the time it has NOTHING to do with the bobbin and you aren't going to need a repair person to fix the problem!The looping bobbin thread is usually caused by the upper threading of the sewing machine. Make sure you follow the threading instructions,

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  13. UnknownMay 6, 2016 at 1:01 PM

    I'm already using schmetz needle (singer machine)..About to literally pull my hair out!I've been searching this problem for Days! Just found this article..Im gonna put in a brand new needle and pray!:/ *FYI- I've read that skipped stitches could also mean the timing is 'off'. I hope that's not my case; but if new needle doesn't fix problem I assume it Is. There Are several videos on youtube, just search for "how to fix/adjust 'timing' on sewing machine"~ Hopefully between This article & checking for possible Timing issues, We can All Fix our machines! Ahhh the lil simple things that drives us nuts! I wish us ALL Luck in defeating this nuisance ��

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  14. AnonymousDecember 17, 2016 at 4:29 PM

    when I sew the zigzag it looks nice on the bottom but ware it needs to look good had a line of thread threw it and looks bad . but turn it over and looks good . help

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  15. AnonymousMay 29, 2017 at 2:48 PM

    https://www.thespruce.com/fixing-bobbin-thread-bunching-looping-tangling-2978069

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  16. Seeing YouMay 13, 2018 at 10:07 AM

    Hi I am having the same problem. Zigzag correct on the underside, but not the TOP. I have googled endlessly and can't find a solution. Would u have a picture to show the spool of spindle how it should be positioned?

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  17. AnonymousJuly 21, 2018 at 5:21 PM

    I had the same problem, auto stitch length is 1.0, I changed it to 2.0 and it still did it but when I changed the length back to 1.0 it works fine. A computer glitz?

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  18. AnonymousJune 17, 2020 at 1:43 AM

    Hello I know this is an old post, but have a Brother 6000i and have not been able to get zigzag to work all year. Adjusted timing and needle position. Saw this post, tried a SCHMETZ size 90/14 and it worked! Had been using old singer needles that my mom had. Thank you!

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