<p>It could be the fabric and needle match. Are you using knit fabric with a knit needle? Are you using woven fabric with a sharp needle for wovens? </p>

<p>Check the manual: <a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/singer-sewing/image/upload/v1572776978/Singer-Website-Library/Manuals/Products_manuals/SINGER_3223_and_3229_Sewing_Machine_xresjx.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://res.cloudinary.com/singer-sewing/image/upload/v1572776978/Singer-Website-Library/Manuals/Products_manuals/SINGER_3223_and_3229_Sewing_Machine_xresjx.pdf</a></p>

<p>If the issue is more like “loose stitches” the needle/fabric/thread combination can be the issue. 
Have you checked the needle size with the type of fabric? 
Otherwise, hopefully it’s still under warranty and you can get a replacement or have it adjusted.</p>

<p></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-01-05T02:06:40.997Z
Thanks for the insight! I'm not sure the issues is exactly loose stiches, as the stitches themselves have good tension, and there's not any bird nesting or other issues I've seen when the stitches have been loose.

That being said, the machine itself doesn't appear to be functioning as well as another identical machine we have from the same time, so I'm thinking it may be a mechanical problem as you said.

Thanks so much for your insight! :)
SewConfused
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-01-04T23:31:10.043Z
2020-01-04T23:31:10.043Z
Not The Face
<p>Strange problem/query, but my Singer 3223 has decided to sew a small(ish) zig-zag style pattern--even when the stitch dial is set to the straight stitch. </p>

<p>For clarity, the stitches in the zig zag are uniform distance from each other and consistent, they are just obviously zigzagging and not straight. I have tried adjusting tension, re-threading machine, all of that, but the problem persists.</p>

<p>Does anyone know what could be causing this, and if so, is it something that can be fixed?</p>

<sewing><sewing-machine>
What could be causing my sewing machine (Singer 3223) to be sewing zig zag rather than straight?
SewConfused
# What could be causing my sewing machine (Singer 3223) to be sewing zig zag rather than straight?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-01-04)

Strange problem/query, but my Singer 3223 has decided to sew a small(ish) zig-zag style pattern--even when the stitch dial is set to the straight stitch.

For clarity, the stitches in the zig zag are uniform distance from each other and consistent, they are just obviously zigzagging and not straight. I have tried adjusting tension, re-threading machine, all of that, but the problem persists.

Does anyone know what could be causing this, and if so, is it something that can be fixed?

**Tags:** sewing, sewing-machine


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2020-01-04. Score: 1

It could be the fabric and needle match. Are you using knit fabric with a knit needle? Are you using woven fabric with a sharp needle for wovens?

Check the manual: <https://res.cloudinary.com/singer-sewing/image/upload/v1572776978/Singer-Website-Library/Manuals/Products_manuals/SINGER_3223_and_3229_Sewing_Machine_xresjx.pdf>

If the issue is more like “loose stitches” the needle/fabric/thread combination can be the issue.
Have you checked the needle size with the type of fabric?
Otherwise, hopefully it’s still under warranty and you can get a replacement or have it adjusted.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thanks for the insight! I'm not sure the issues is exactly loose stiches, as the stitches themselves have good tension, and there's not any bird nesting or other issues I've seen when the stitches have been loose.  That being said, the machine itself doesn't appear to be functioning as well as another identical machine we have from the same time, so I'm thinking it may be a mechanical problem as you said.  Thanks so much for your insight! :)  

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