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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

Bobbin thread showing on top

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

What you may see

  • Bobbin thread appears as dots or lines through the embroidery on the front of the fabric.
  • The top thread may look narrow or pulled too tightly.

Likely causes

  • The upper thread is not seated correctly in the tension path.
  • Upper tension is too high for the thread and design.
  • The bobbin is inserted incorrectly or is not feeding smoothly.
  • Lint in the bobbin area, unsuitable bobbin thread or a damaged needle is affecting the stitch balance.

Try this

  1. 1Rethread the upper thread completely with the presser foot raised.
  2. 2Remove and reinstall the bobbin in the correct direction, then check that it feeds smoothly.
  3. 3Replace the needle with a fresh type and size suited to the fabric and thread.
  4. 4Remove obvious lint from the bobbin area following the machine manual.
  5. 5Test the design again on scrap fabric with the same stabiliser.
  6. 6If needed, reduce upper tension in one small step and test again before making another change.

Prevention tips

  • Rethread after changing thread types or when the machine has been moved.
  • Use consistent embroidery bobbin thread and correctly wound bobbins.
  • Clean accessible lint from the bobbin area regularly.

Related issues

Top thread showing underneathBobbin thread breaking