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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

Top thread showing underneath

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

What you may see

  • Large amounts of the upper embroidery thread are visible on the back of the work.
  • The bobbin thread may form only a very narrow line underneath satin stitches.

Likely causes

  • Upper tension is too loose or the thread has missed part of the tension path.
  • The bobbin tension is too tight or the bobbin is not feeding freely.
  • The upper thread is catching on the spool, cap or thread stand.
  • Thread, needle and design density are poorly matched.

Try this

  1. 1Check that the upper thread unwinds freely and is not caught around the spool pin or cap.
  2. 2Rethread the upper path completely with the presser foot raised.
  3. 3Remove and reseat the bobbin, checking its direction and smooth feed.
  4. 4Install a fresh embroidery needle suited to the thread and fabric.
  5. 5Test again before increasing upper tension in one small step.
  6. 6If the balance remains extreme across different designs, have the machine checked rather than making large bobbin-tension changes.

Prevention tips

  • Use the correct spool cap or thread stand for the spool shape.
  • Keep the upper thread path and bobbin area free of obvious lint.
  • Record successful tension settings for unusual thread weights.

Related issues

Bobbin thread showing on topLoose or looping stitches