Beginner Errors with Embroidery Machines

Embroidery machines are powerful and incredibly versatile tools. They can make a number of designs and patterns and can seem to be easy to use. A lot of advertising for these machines portray individuals sitting down and able to create a high quality embroidery image on fabric. This is a certain possibility with machines but there are a lot of things that can happen on the way to creating an embroidered project– some may or may not be intended. Here are some beginner errors when it comes to creating stunning results with embroidery machines.

Top thread breaking

Embroidery thread for machines is different than hand embroidery threads and unique from traditional stitching thread used in machines. Some of the best threads are 100% polyester while cheaper threads which may work for regular stitching can cause frequent breakage when used for automatic embroidery projects. This is not something that can be easily ascertained till you start the project and realize that every few stitches the thread needs to be placed through the eye once more. When shopping for thread it is important to select a high quality thread means specifically for machine embroidery. If you experience top thread breaking even when utilizing quality top thread it could be an issue with the tension of your machine. This is a setting that is managed uniquely by each machine and can require some simple adjustments to ensure the highest accuracy.

Nesting or scrambled stitches

Let’s say you’ve got your quality thread, stabilizer, hoop in place and image ready to design. Click start on the embroidery machine and it looks like the machine is stitching. The threads not breaking, the machine is moving in a variety of directions, the on screen display shows the total stitch count decreasing as it should. But somehow the design is not appearing on the cloth. Instead a jumbled mess of string and stitches seems to be appearing on your fabric. This is another occurrence which can cause significant frustration for beginners. Called ‘nesting’ this often refers to an issue with the bobbin, or underlying thread that is used for the bottom of the sewing machine. Top thread that is loaded on the machine produces top facing stitches while the bottom thread addresses the base of the design. Just like for top thread, polyester is the best for bobbin thread. Ensuring there is enough thread on the bobbin and that it is not wound too tight can also help with this issue.

Sometimes these issues can be resolved with simple management of the threading system. Other times it is important to improve the likelihood of the design being successfully printed by working with the right kind of stabilizer. This is an important step that can’t be overlooked as stabilizers keep embroidery stitches straight, fabric taught, and limit the stress on the machine and hoop system.

Machine operating but no stitches visible

This is a very frustrating occurrence and can happen at any time. Basically the thread is secured in the eye of the needle, the machine operates, counts down stitches, but when looking at the fabric there is nothing visible. There are a few factors that need to be checked in this case:

1. Tension! Some machines have a dial that can be adjusted on the top of the machine and result in threading that is even both on the front and the back of the fabric. An imbalance in the tension either from the top thread or the bobbin can result in this annoying phenomenon.
2. Check under the metal stitch plate for nesting or threads that may be loose, fragments, or otherwise random pieces. This may be preventing the stitches from forming.

Bobbin threading

Most designs will load with a list of colored threads and accompanying stitch counts to create the desired result. Winding the bobbin with a high quality thread and ensuring that there is enough on there can help limit interruption during the process. Again it should be firm but not too tight. Loose enough to have a nice roll without creating loops or interruptions. Machines often have a top mechanism where you can load the bobbin and automatically wind the bobbin from the larger spool. Avoid winding the apparatus instead of the bobbin or other uneven incidences by guiding the thread at the start of the process. This allows for an even and complete finish.

These are a few of the ways that beginners can have unfinished projects, or be uncomfortable with the results of their project. Keep your user manual handy & avoid a lot of these problems with the proper supplies & tension!