Skipping stitches are one of the many common problems when using embroidery machines. One of the most common reasons embroidery machines skipping stitches is needle problems. So, it is better to check if your color is dull or has nicks or bends.
An embroidery machine can skip one or more stitches when you don’t take care of it. This can be a common problem, but you shouldn’t ignore it because it weakens the integrity of your stitching. So, I’ll cover some of the causes of stitches and what you can do to fix them.
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Order NowGet Free QuoteWhy Embroidery Machines Skipping Stitches
Stitches are formed when the upper embroidery thread and the lower bobbin thread intersect. When the upper and lower threads fail to create a perfect connection, the stitch does not form.
Problems with the top or bobbin thread can be responsible for this problem. Sometimes a machine skips all the stitches because it doesn’t pick up the bobbin thread at the beginning of the design sequence. This is sometimes called a false start. The top 5 Causes of skipping stitches are the following:
1. Using Bad Needle
As I mentioned, the most common cause of dropped stitches is a problem with the machine needle. Here are some examples of bad machine needles:
- Your machine needle may be slightly bent, although you may notice the bend.
- Needlepoint may become dull due to repeated use.
- Your needle may have a nick.
Note that the needle is an optional and inexpensive part of your embroidery machine. So it is better to change it after some time to avoid stitches. In addition, it is ideal to use the right size and type of needle for your work.
2. Using Bad Thread
Thread quality can also be a reason why your embroidery machine is dropping stitches. Note that high-quality thread has minimal fading or damage. Hence, they are less likely to break or cause problems while your device is working.
Experienced embroiderers usually recommend re-threading machines at the first sign of a missed stitch. But, please make sure you follow your machine’s instructions.
Also, it’s best to use the right thread to match your needle and fabric to get the best results. By doing this, you are preventing further problems from occurring and your piece from being ruined.
3. Using the Wrong Needle
In addition to checking your needle for damage, it’s also a good idea to check if it’s the right size. Note that choosing the right needle can make the difference between completing or skipping stitches.
Like threads, needles come in different sizes and fineness levels. Therefore, knowing which one is best for your embroidery machine and fabric is essential for good results. Also, it ensures the longevity of your machine.
4. Dusty Bobbin Race
Another common cause of dropped stitches is dust or lint in the bobbin race. You can try cleaning it and see if your machine will work better than before.
5. Wrong Machine Tension
You may also want to check the tension on your machine if you notice that the stitching is different in certain areas. Adjust it by following your machine’s instructions or experimenting with the dial. But, make sure to test it with scrap material first to make sure it works well.
You can also try loosening or slowing down your grip while sewing and see if that fixes the problem. If not, you can also try adjusting the tension on your bobbin case.
How to Solve the Embroidery Machine Skipping Stitches
When my embroidery machine starts skipping stitches, I check this list of troubleshooting steps.
1. Check the Upper Thread
Clear the upper thread path, and reset your embroidery machine.
Make sure to thread with the presser foot. (Although you can lower the presser foot when it’s time to use the needle threader.)
Also, cleaning between the upper thread guides and tension discs can help remove any unsightly thread fragments. Clean an embroidery machine just like you would a sewing machine.
2. Check the Needle
For something so small, the needle can cause big problems for embroiderers. When I’m experimenting with embroidery stitches, I always check my needle first. A damaged, bent or scratched needle can affect how the lower and upper threads interact. Even if your needle looks fine, go ahead and replace it if it’s already been used.
However, before you get that new needle, make sure you have the right type of needle (ballpoint, universal, sharp, etc.) and needle size for your fabric and thread. For example, if you use metallic threads, choose a topstitch or metallic needle with a large, long eye. If you are using thick thread, don’t expect that big thread to fit comfortably inside the eye of a small needle!
Also, if you are using a sewing machine needle for your embroidery, try a specific embroidery needle. This will be best for most projects.
Finally, stretchy woven fabrics may benefit from a ballpoint embroidery needle, while thick, dense fabrics such as marine vinyl may require a larger needle with a sharp point.
For guidance about needle selection, Check out my post on choosing the best embroidery needle.
3. Check Your Supplies
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Thread
Consider switching to a new brand or type of thread, especially if this is the first time you’ve used a specific thread spool on your machine. Poor quality or old threads are not meant for high-speed embroidery, and certain types of thread (metallic!) require more patience and troubleshooting. Also, some machines are only available with thread brands.
For example, I can’t understand why my brother hates Luminaire XP2 Coats and a certain maroon color of Clark thread, but it does. So, I know to avoid using this thread with my machine.
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Stabilizer
There is a reason for this, but when I use my machine to run long-basting stitches on a very thin stabilizer, sometimes the stitches pull through the stabilizer and almost seem like they won’t be made at all. This is not a problem with my machine but with my stabilizer.
So, just check to make sure you have the best stabilizer selection for your fabric and embroidery design features.
4. Check the Bobbin and Case
If you’ve never cleaned your embroidery machine before, you’ll be amazed at the lint and tiny bits of thread you’ll find under your needle plate. Remove the needle plate and then the bobbin, and clean the inside of the bobbin case. Then, remove the entire bobbin case and clean the bottom basket.
Use a small brush and keyboard vacuum for cleaning purposes. As you clean, inspect all parts of your machine for small nicks. (The bobbin itself, the needle plate, and the bobbin case.) If you see something or want to completely rule out an unseen problem, temporarily replace these parts with new ones.
5. Adjust Tension as a Last Resort
If you examine the back of your embroidery design and see that the top thread is not pulled to the back, adjust the top tension. Trying to reduce it and see if it makes a difference. If your upper thread is pulled too much toward the back of the fabric (with minimal to no bobbin thread visible), increase the upper tension.
Conclusion
I hope these troubleshooting steps for embroidery machine skipping stitches help you get your machine back up and running well. Please share any other troubleshooting steps that worked for you in the comments to help other embroiderers!
There are a variety of reasons why an embroidery machine may not be working properly. Some common issues include thread getting tangled or jammed, the needle breaking, or the machine not properly recognizing designs. To fix a broken embroidery machine, you will likely need to troubleshoot the problem to determine the cause.
Here are a few steps that may help:
- Refer to the machine’s manual and see if there is any troubleshooting information that can help you identify the problem.
- Check to see if the machine’s thread is properly loaded and threaded.
- Check the needle, it may be bent or dull, replace it if necessary.
- Check the machine’s tension settings and make sure they are properly adjusted.
- Check if the machine’s bobbin is inserted and wound properly.
If the problem persists, it may be necessary to take the machine to a professional for repairs or maintenance.
achine stitches can skip for a variety of reasons, including:
Needle: A dull or damaged needle can cause the thread to break or become tangled, leading to skipped stitches.
Thread: Thread that is old, weak, or of poor quality can also cause skipped stitches. Make sure to use high-quality thread that is appropriate for your machine.
Tension: Incorrect tension settings on your machine can cause skipped stitches. Make sure to adjust the tension settings according to the instructions in the machine’s manual.
Bobbin: A poorly wound bobbin or a bobbin that is inserted incorrectly can also lead to skipped stitches.
Machine: A dirty or poorly maintained machine can cause skipped stitches. Make sure to keep your machine clean and lubricated according to the instructions in the manual.
Design: If you are using complex design, that may cause your machine to skip stitches. Try using a simpler design to see if that resolves the problem.
If you are not able to fix the issue, it may be necessary to take the machine to a professional for repairs or maintenance.
When doing machine embroidery, the tension dial should be set between 2 and 6. If the stitches look loose, turn the tension up a notch and embroider again.
The needle hits/touches the needle plate. The presser foot is too high and not positioned correctly. The needle hits/touch the presser foot. The area around the embroidery foothole is damaged.
An unbalanced stitch is a type of sewing problem that occurs when the threads between two layers of fabric do not meet, resulting in an upper or lower position than the middle.
Causes:
- Incorrect thread tension: One of the most common causes of unbalanced stitches is incorrect thread tension. If the top thread tension is too tight or too loose, it can cause the thread to pull on one side of the fabric, resulting in an unbalanced stitch.
- Needle size: If you are using a needle that is too small or too large for your fabric and thread, it can cause unbalanced stitches.
- Needle type: Incorrect needle type for your fabric can cause unbalanced stitches.
- Presser foot pressure : Presser foot pressure that is too high or too low can cause unbalanced stitches.
- Thread quality: Using low quality or old thread can cause unbalanced stitches.
Treatment:
- Adjust the thread tension: Make sure to adjust the thread tension on your machine according to the instructions in the manual.
- Use the correct needle size and type for your fabric and thread.
- Check the presser foot pressure to make sure it is set correctly.
- Use high-quality thread that is appropriate for your machine and fabric.
- If the issue persists, it may be necessary to take the machine to a professional for repairs or maintenance.
Please note that unbalanced stitches can also be caused by other issues not listed above, but the above are the most common causes.
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Embroiderers, troubleshoot with ease! Learn the top 5 causes and their solutions for skipping stitches, ensuring flawless results in your embroidery journey. Say goodbye to frustrations and hello to perfect stitching! #SkippingStitches
Thank you soo much. I serviced my machine and still battled the entire morning in trying to trouble shoot why stitches where skipping.