| Problem |
Causes |
Solutions |
| Upper thread breaks |
- Incorrect threading
- Knots or twists in thread
- Needle too small
- Tension too tight
- Damaged/ old needle
|
- Re-thread machine with presser foot up
- Try a different spool of thread
- Replace needle
- Set top & bottom tensions separately.
|
| Bobbin Thread breaks |
- Bobbin case not correctly threaded
- Bobbin case incorrectly inserted in machine
- Bobbin does not move smoothly in bobbin case
- Lint in bobbin case
- Bobbin tension too tight
|
- Remove bobbin & make sure when you hold the bobbin case in your hand, the bobbin goes around clockwise when you pull the thread.
- Check that bobbin case & bobbin is perfectly round
- Clean bobbin case & hook area of the machine & oil.
- Check & re-set bobbin tension
|
| Skipped Stitches |
- Thread tension too tight
- Damaged needle
- Needle wrong size
- Sewing machine out of time.
|
- Check top & bobbin tensions one at a time
- Replace needle
- Change size of needle
- Change type of needle, ie ball point, metallic, quilting etc.
- Take machine in for service, ask to have hook needle clearance, timing and needle bar height checked.
|
| Frayed Stitches |
- Needle too small
- Tension too tight
- Damaged or poor quality thread.
|
- Increase needle size
- Re-set tension
- Change brand of thread or color
|
| Thread loops on the bottom |
- Thread not in top tension
- Machine not threaded correctly
- Top tension too loose
- Burr on hook
|
- Make sure the presser foot is up when you thread machine
- Check to make the thread is in the take-up lever
- Increase top tension
- Have a technician remove the burr
|
| Irregular Stitches or malformed stitches |
- Wrong needle size
- Incorrect threading
- Upper tension too loose
- Operator pulling fabric thru machine
- Bobbin wound unevenly
|
- Ensure correct needle for the type of fabric you are using & thread type
- Un-thread machine & carefully re-thread
- RE-set upper & lower tensions separately
- Check presser foot pressure
|
| Fabric Puckers |
- Excessive stitch length
- Needle point is dull or burr
- Excessive thread tension
- Fabric is too soft
- Thread displacement- too much thread in a small area
- Fabric not feeding
|
- Decrease stitch length
- Change needle every two bobbins
- Check top & bottom tensions
- Use stabilizer or interfacing
- Decease density of embroidery designs
- Check presser foot pressure
- check needle plate for burrs
- Check feed dogs
|
