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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.

Fabric & Stabilisation

Holes or damage around embroidery

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

What you may see

  • Visible holes, runs, cuts or weakened fabric appear within or around the stitched design.
  • Damage may follow the edge of dense embroidery or individual needle penetrations.

Likely causes

  • The needle is too large, damaged or has the wrong point style for the fabric.
  • The design is too dense or repeatedly penetrates the same area.
  • Stabilisation is inadequate and the fabric is being forced into the needle plate.
  • A sharp point is cutting knit loops that need a ballpoint or stretch-compatible needle.
  • Hooping pressure or removal has damaged a delicate material.

Try this

  1. 1Stop stitching before the damage spreads.
  2. 2Replace the needle with the smallest suitable fresh type and size.
  3. 3Check the needle point against the fabric construction, especially for knits.
  4. 4Improve stabilisation and choose a less dense design.
  5. 5Test the complete setup on scrap and inspect it after removing the stabiliser.
  6. 6Do not restitch perforated leather, vinyl or other non-healing surfaces.

Prevention tips

  • Use the smallest needle that forms reliable stitches with the chosen thread.
  • Avoid dense or overlapping designs on delicate and non-healing materials.
  • Test hoop pressure, needle point and stabiliser before production.

Related issues

Needle breaking or bendingThread shredding or fraying