What is a common mistake when sewing that might cause skipped stitches?

A common mistake that leads to skipped stitches is using a dull needle. When the needle becomes dull, it fails to penetrate the fabric smoothly, which can disrupt the stitching process and cause the machine to skip stitches. A sharp needle is essential for clean and precise stitching, as it allows the threads to form loops correctly without getting tangled or missed.

While threading incorrectly can also lead to problems in sewing, it typically results in issues like thread jams or unthreading, rather than specifically causing skipped stitches. Excessive thread can cause tension problems, but it usually doesn’t directly lead to skipping. Fabric choice can influence your sewing experience, but poor fabric selection mostly affects the overall appearance and quality of the finished product rather than causing skipped stitches directly. Therefore, maintaining a sharp needle is crucial for consistent and effective sewing.