Mistakes & fixes

A needle that clicks against the plate or skips stitches is often bent from nicking a pin or age. Replace it immediately, since a bent needle can also throw off hook timing.

Dots of bobbin-colored thread on the fabric's right side mean top tension is too tight relative to the bobbin, pulling bobbin thread up through the fabric. Loosen the top tension and test on a scrap.

A buttonhole that won't let the button through without straining the fabric usually means it was sized to the button's diameter instead of its circumference. Measure the button's girth and test on scrap before cutting.