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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.

Stitch Quality

Skipped stitches

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

What you may see

  • The machine moves through the design but leaves occasional gaps where stitches did not form.
  • The upper thread may remain unbroken even though some needle penetrations produce no stitch.

Likely causes

  • The needle is bent, dull, incorrectly inserted or the wrong type for the fabric.
  • Needle size and thread weight are not compatible.
  • Stretchy or unstable fabric is moving with the needle.
  • The machine is threaded incorrectly.
  • Persistent skipping across materials may indicate a timing or service issue.

Try this

  1. 1Install a fresh needle fully and in the correct orientation.
  2. 2Select a needle point and size suited to the fabric construction and thread.
  3. 3Rethread the upper thread and reseat the bobbin.
  4. 4Improve stabilisation and make sure the fabric is not stretched in the hoop.
  5. 5Reduce speed and test on scrap fabric.
  6. 6Arrange professional servicing if skipping persists across different needles, threads and designs.

Prevention tips

  • Choose ballpoint or stretch-compatible needles for knits where appropriate.
  • Change needles before they become visibly damaged.
  • Support unstable fabric so it cannot lift with the needle.

Related issues

Needle breaking or bendingFabric shifting during embroidery