How To Fix A Skipped Stitch On A Brother Lx3817 Sewing Machine

If you own a Brother LX3817 and notice that your stitches are missing or uneven, you’re not alone. A skipped stitch can ruin a project and slow down your workflow. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that covers the most common causes and how to correct them, so you can get back to sewing smoothly.

Identify the Symptoms

Before diving into adjustments, confirm that the problem is truly a skipped stitch. Typical signs include:

Gaps in the seam where the needle fails to puncture the fabric.
Irregular stitch length that looks “jumpy.”
Thread breaking or fraying at the stitch point.

If you see any of these, proceed with the troubleshooting steps below.

Step 1: Check the Needle

The needle is the most frequent culprit. Even a slightly bent or dull needle can cause the machine to miss stitches.

Turn off the machine and unplug it.
Raise the needle to its highest position.
Remove the needle using the needle clamp screw.
Inspect the tip for bends or burrs. If in doubt, replace it with a new needle that matches your fabric type.
Re‑insert the needle, making sure the flat side faces the correct direction (usually toward the back of the machine).
Tighten the needle clamp securely.

Tip: Use a new needle for each new fabric to avoid cross‑contamination of thread and fabric types.

Step 2: Verify Thread Path and Tension

Incorrect threading or tension settings can cause the needle to skip.

Raise the presser foot and pull the upper thread to the back of the machine.
Follow the thread guide path shown in the user manual, ensuring the thread passes through the tension discs evenly.
Check the bobbin tension. The Brother LX3817 uses a spring‑loaded bobbin case; make sure the bobbin sits evenly and the tension screw is set to the factory default (usually 4).
Adjust the upper tension dial one click higher or lower and test a seam on scrap fabric.

Remember: “You do have to tighten your Allen screws back up” after any adjustments that involve the machine’s internal components.