tuftingtutorials.com Menu

Why Is My Tufting Gun Skipping Stitches?

Quick Answer: Skipped stitches happen when you move too fast, backing tension is loose, gun angle is wrong, needle is damaged, or yarn is too thin.

Skipped stitches create gaps in your rug where loops didn't form. This guide explains the 5 most common causes and gives you step-by-step fixes for each one.

Cause #1: Moving Too Fast

The Problem:

Gun fires faster than you move, but if you move too fast, needle doesn't have time to form complete loops. Result: gaps where stitches should be.

The Fix:

  1. Slow down your movement speed — Move gun at steady, moderate pace (about 1 inch per second)
  2. Listen to the gun rhythm — Each "punch" sound = one stitch. Move in sync with that rhythm
  3. Test on scrap fabric — Practice until you find the right speed for consistent coverage
  4. Keep speed constant — Speeding up and slowing down creates uneven density

Pro tip: If you're naturally fast-paced, consider a gun with variable speed control so you can match gun speed to your movement.

Cause #2: Loose Backing Tension

The Problem:

When backing fabric sags or has slack, needle pushes fabric away instead of penetrating cleanly. Loops don't form properly or fall out immediately.

The Fix:

  1. Test tension — Press palm on center of fabric. Should bounce back 1-2cm with no sagging
  2. Re-tension if loose — Pull fabric tighter on gripper strips. Work in sequence: top → bottom → left → right
  3. Check during tufting — Fabric loosens after 10-15 minutes. Re-tension as needed
  4. Use gripper strips — Essential for maintaining tension. Staples or tacks don't grip well enough

How tight is tight enough? Fabric should sound like a drum when tapped. If it's silent or dull, it's too loose.

Cause #3: Wrong Gun Angle

The Problem:

Holding gun at an angle (not perpendicular) causes needle to glance off fabric instead of penetrating fully. Loops form inconsistently or not at all.

The Fix:

  1. Hold gun at 90° to fabric — Needle should point straight into backing, not tilted
  2. Check your posture — Stand directly in front of work area. Reaching at angles causes tilting
  3. Watch the needle base — Should be flush or very close to fabric surface when firing
  4. Adjust frame height — Frame should be at comfortable working height so you don't strain

Common mistake: Tilting gun to see your work better. This creates skipped stitches. Keep gun perpendicular even if it blocks your view temporarily.

Cause #4: Damaged or Dull Needle

The Problem:

Bent, dull, or burr-damaged needles don't penetrate fabric cleanly. They catch, skip, or tear backing instead of forming loops.

The Fix:

  1. Inspect needle — Remove and check for bends, burrs, or dull tip. Run finger gently along shaft (careful, it's sharp)
  2. Replace if damaged — Don't try to straighten bent needles. Replace with new one
  3. Clean needle regularly — Yarn residue builds up. Wipe with cloth after each session
  4. Keep spares on hand — Needles wear after 20-30 rugs. Have replacements ready

Needle lifespan: Depends on usage, but expect to replace every 20-30 rugs or if you notice increased skipping.

Cause #5: Wrong Yarn Thickness

The Problem:

Yarn too thin for needle size doesn't fill the needle eye properly. Gun fires but yarn doesn't form stable loops. They slip out or don't form at all.

The Fix:

  1. Check yarn-to-needle match — See yarn matching guide for correct thickness per needle size
  2. Double-strand if too thin — Use 2 strands of thin yarn together to reach proper thickness
  3. Switch yarn weight — If consistently skipping, yarn is likely too thin. Try next weight up
  4. Test before full project — Always tuft test patch with new yarn to verify compatibility

Rule of thumb: Yarn should fit snugly in needle eye without excessive force. Too loose = skipped stitches. Too tight = jams.

Quick Diagnosis Checklist

Work through this checklist in order:

  1. Check backing tension

    Press center of fabric. Should bounce back firmly. If loose, re-tension.

  2. Verify gun angle

    Hold gun perpendicular (90°) to fabric. Needle base should be close to surface.

  3. Slow down movement

    Move at steady pace (1 inch per second). Listen to gun rhythm and match it.

  4. Inspect needle

    Check for bends, burrs, or dullness. Replace if damaged.

  5. Test yarn thickness

    Verify yarn matches needle size. Double-strand if too thin.

Still skipping? See our complete troubleshooting guide for advanced fixes.

Prevention Tips

Persistent Skipping Issues?

If skipping continues after trying these fixes, your gun may need replacement or you might benefit from a higher-quality model with better needle mechanisms.

See Best Tufting Guns (Reliable Models) →

More Troubleshooting Help

Fix other common tufting problems with our complete troubleshooting guide.

View All Troubleshooting Guides →