Skip to content
Stitch ToolkitPractical tools for sewing and embroidery

Machine embroidery help

Embroidery Troubleshooter

Choose the problem you are seeing to find likely causes, fixes and prevention tips.

Search by problem, symptom or common alternative term.

Thread & Tension

6 choices

Bobbin thread showing on topTroubleshootTop thread showing underneathTroubleshootBird nesting / thread bunching underneathTroubleshootUpper thread breaksTroubleshootThread shredding or frayingTroubleshootLoose or looping stitchesTroubleshoot

Stitch Quality

4 choices

Skipped stitchesTroubleshootPoor stitch coverage or gapsTroubleshootUneven or inconsistent stitchesTroubleshootSatin stitches pulling apart or looking looseTroubleshoot

Fabric & Stabilisation

5 choices

Fabric puckeringTroubleshootStitches sinking into towels or pileTroubleshootFabric shifting during embroideryTroubleshootDesign distorting during embroideryTroubleshootHoles or damage around embroideryTroubleshoot

Needle Problems

1 choice

Needle breaking or bendingTroubleshoot

Hooping & Registration

2 choices

Outline not lining up / registration driftingTroubleshootHoop marks / hoop burnTroubleshoot

Machine / Bobbin Problems

2 choices

Bobbin thread breakingTroubleshootFrequent thread jamsTroubleshoot

20 practical troubleshooting guides. Start with simple setup checks and make one change at a time.

Thread & Tension

Bird nesting / thread bunching underneath

Check the symptom, then work through the fixes in order.

What you may see

  • A tangled mass of thread forms underneath the fabric, often soon after stitching begins.
  • The fabric may be pulled into the needle plate or the machine may stop with a jam.

Likely causes

  • The upper thread has missed the take-up lever or is not seated in the tension discs.
  • The machine was threaded with the presser foot down.
  • The bobbin is inserted incorrectly or its thread is not in the guide.
  • A damaged needle, lint or an unsecured starting thread tail has disrupted stitch formation.

Try this

  1. 1Stop the machine and remove the hoop carefully without forcing the fabric.
  2. 2Cut away the thread nest from below, taking care not to damage the item or machine.
  3. 3Rethread the upper path from the beginning with the presser foot raised and confirm the take-up lever is threaded.
  4. 4Remove and reinstall the bobbin exactly as shown in the machine manual.
  5. 5Fit a fresh needle and clear obvious lint from the bobbin area.
  6. 6Hold or secure thread tails as recommended by the machine maker, then test on scrap fabric.
  7. 7If nesting continues after correct threading, arrange professional servicing.

Prevention tips

  • Always raise the presser foot before threading the upper path.
  • Check the take-up lever and bobbin path before starting a long design.
  • Remove thread nests fully before restarting so loose thread cannot cause another jam.

Related issues

Loose or looping stitchesFrequent thread jams