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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

Loose or looping stitches

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

What you may see

  • Loops of upper thread sit above or below the fabric instead of forming firm, even stitches.
  • Some areas may look slack while nearby stitching appears normal.

Likely causes

  • The upper thread is not seated in the tension path or has slipped out of a guide.
  • The bobbin is incorrectly inserted or not feeding consistently.
  • The needle is damaged or unsuitable for the thread and fabric.
  • Fabric is moving because hooping or stabilisation is inadequate.
  • The machine is running too fast for the thread or design.

Try this

  1. 1Rethread the upper path with the presser foot raised.
  2. 2Remove and correctly reinstall the bobbin.
  3. 3Replace the needle with a fresh suitable type and size.
  4. 4Check that fabric and stabiliser are secure without being stretched.
  5. 5Reduce speed and test the design again.
  6. 6Make only a small tension adjustment if the setup checks do not correct the loops.

Prevention tips

  • Check thread guides and tension seating after every thread change.
  • Use adequate stabilisation and firm, even hooping.
  • Avoid maximum speed for metallic, heavy or difficult threads.

Related issues

Bird nesting / thread bunching underneathTop thread showing underneath