Machine Embroidery
Troubleshooting
Guide: Problems &
Solutions
By Aly Marie Last Updated: January 30, 2023
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There’s nothing more annoying than
being in the middle of an embroidery
project when your machine starts acting
up!
My Luminaire recently started messing
up when I was (last-minute) finishing a
quilt for entry into an upcoming show.
Thankfully, the issue turned out to be a
worn-out bobbin case, and I was able to
replace it and finish my quilt in time.
However, not all embroidery problems
are so easy to fix.
Thus, here are tips for
troubleshooting an embroidery
machine! I’ll first list general
troubleshooting steps and later focus
on more detailed steps for specific
problems.
Blood
··· is
Pressure
serious
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Table of Contents
Machine Embroidery
Troubleshooting Steps
Below, I’ve put together my step-by-
step process of troubleshooting
embroidery machine problems to
help those of you who are new to home
embroidery machine troubleshooting.
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To note, these are more applicable to
single-needle home embroidery
machines made by Brother, Baby Lock,
Bernina, Janome, etc., rather than
commercial embroidery machines.
1. Simulate Stitching With
the Handwheel, and
Observe.
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Rather than starting your machine and
watching the problem happen quickly
over and over again, set everything up
and instead slowly turn the
handwheel on the right of the
machine to advance the needle stitch
by stitch.
This way, you can watch and see what
happens with each stitch and pinpoint
the location and timing of your stitching
problems.
If the issue isn’t apparent and easily
fixed, continue troubleshooting below.
2. Evaluate the Upper
Thread Path.
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Clean your upper thread path using a
small brush where accessible. You can
also run a piece of UNWAXED dental
floss through as if you’re threading your
machine. Lots of little threads can get
stuck in the innards of your machine,
causing issues.
Then, rethread your embroidery
machine with the presser foot up. As
you thread, properly hit the thread
guides, tension discs, and take-up lever.
Thread the needle from front to back.
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Blood Pressure is serious
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Next, evaluate thread as it comes off
the spool, ensuring at no point it gets
hung up. If using a thread stopper, pick
the correct size. Use a thread net if
thread pools at the base of the spool.
After threading, pull the thread through
the machine with your fingers, and
make sure it flows easily. If not, check
your upper thread path again.
If you are using a new thread, switch to
a spool of thread you know your
machine has not had issues with in the
past. You can also try switching thread
orientation (vertical to horizontal or vice
versa) or using a thread stand.
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(For the record, if it’s easy to remove
your embroidery machine’s top cover or
side door, you can clean better. Only do
this if you know what you are doing,
though!)
3. Check the Needle.
take the pledge
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Replace your needle to rule out a
burred, dull, or bent needle.
Then, make sure you have the correct
needle size and type. You may need to
increase or decrease the size or switch
point types. (Learn more about how to
choose an embroidery needle.)
If you are using a sewing needle instead
of a dedicated embroidery needle, try
an embroidery needle.
Last, always ensure the needle is
secured in the correct direction in the
needle clamp.
4. Address Possible Bobbin
and Needle Plate Issues.
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Remove the machine throat plate, and
clean the bobbin case with a small
brush and mini vacuum. Then, remove
the bobbin case and clean as much of
the area as you can reach.
Make sure to clean between the feed
dogs also.
Then, inspect the bobbin case and
hook for burrs. I always have a spare,
new bobbin case to use when
troubleshooting embroidery machine
issues. This allows me to rule out
problems with my existing bobbin case,
which can get worn or dinged over
time.
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Next, use only embroidery bobbin
thread compatible with your machine,
and select the correct bobbin size.
Try switching to a different brand of
bobbin thread and winding your own
bobbins if using pre-wound bobbins.
Always cut the bobbin thread tail before
placing the bobbin in the case.
Set up the bobbin correctly, ensuring
you pass the thread through the tension
spring; have your bobbin oriented in the
correct direction also.
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Lastly, inspect the needle plate for
nicks or burrs. Sometimes they hide
underneath the needle plate, so turn it
over!
5. Restart Your Machine.
Computerized embroidery machines
sometimes need a restart. Turn off
your machine, and turn it back on to
see if the issues resolve. (This is almost
always the problem if my automatic
needle threader is not working and I’ve
ruled out obvious reasons.)
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You can also reset higher-end
embroidery machines to factory
settings, which can fix some technical
issues.
Other times, higher-end machines
might also need a software update.
Always make sure to update via USB
rather than updating wirelessly.
6. Pick a Different
Embroidery Design.
Try a new embroidery design to see if
the issue persists. Sometimes issues
are with the design’s digitizing rather
than your machine. You can also use
embroidery software to edit problematic
portions of designs.
