When using embroidery machines, one of the many common issues is skipping stitches. Problems with the needle are one of the most common causes of embroidery machines skipping stitches. Therefore, it is preferable to examine your color for dullness, nicks, or bends.

If you don’t take care of it, an embroidery machine can skip one or more stitches. Although this may be a typical issue, you should not ignore it because it compromises the strength of your stitching. As a result, I’ll talk about some of the reasons stitches happen and what you can do to fix them.

Why Do Embroidery Machines Skip Stitches?

When the upper embroidery thread and the lower bobbin thread meet, stitches are created. The stitch does not form when the upper and lower threads fail to connect perfectly.

This issue may be caused by issues with the top or bobbin thread. When the bobbin thread is not picked up at the beginning of the design sequence, a machine may skip all of the stitches. A false start is a term used to describe this. The following are the top five reasons why people skip stitches:

1. Using a Bad Needle:

As previously stated, a problem with the Embroidery digitizing machine needle is the most common cause of dropped stitches. Some examples of bad machine needles are as follows:

Even though you won’t be able to tell it, your machine needle may be slightly bent.
When needlepoint is used frequently, it may become dull.
There may be a nick in your needle.

Keep in mind that the needle is an inexpensive and optional component of your embroidery machine. Therefore, changing it after some time is preferable to avoiding stitches. In addition, using the appropriate size and type of needle for your work is ideal.

2. The quality of the thread

you’re using could also be the cause of your embroidery machine losing stitches. It should be noted that high-quality thread exhibits little fading or damage. As a result, they are less likely to malfunction while your device is operating.

When a stitch is missed, experienced embroiderers typically suggest re-threading machines. However, please ensure that you adhere to your machine’s instructions.

In addition, for the best results, use thread that complements your needle and fabric. You are preventing further issues and the destruction of your piece by doing this.

3. Using the Wrong Needle

It’s a good idea to double-check the size and condition of your needle before using it. Keep in mind that picking the right needle can mean the difference between finishing stitches and skipping them.

Needles come in a variety of sizes and fineness levels, just like threads. Therefore, for best results, it is essential to know which one is best for your embroidery machine and fabric. Additionally, it ensures the machine’s longevity.

4. Dust or lint in the bobbin race

is another frequent cause of dropped stitches. You could try cleaning it to see if it makes your machine work better.

5. Tension on the Wrong Machine

If you notice that the stitching is different in certain places, you should also check the tension on your machine. You can adjust it by either experimenting with the dial or following the instructions on your machine. However, to ensure that it functions properly, test it first with scrap material.

You could also try slowing down or loosening your grip while sewing to see if that helps. Altering the tension on your bobbin case is another option if that fails.

How to Fix the Skipping Stitches on Your Embroidery Machine

When my embroidery machine starts skipping stitches, I go through this list of steps for troubleshooting.

1. Reset your embroidery machine

by clearing the upper thread path and checking the upper thread.

Always thread using the presser foot. However, when you are ready to use the needle threader, you can lower the presser foot.)

Also, cleaning in the space between the tension discs and the upper thread guides can help get rid of any unsightly thread fragments. Similar to a sewing machine, an embroidery machine can be cleaned.

2. Examine the Needle

Because it is so small, embroiderers may encounter significant difficulties with the needle. When I’m trying out embroidery stitches for the first time, I always check my needle first. The way the upper and lower threads interact can be affected by a needle that has been scratched, bent, or damaged. If your needle has already been used, replace it even if it appears to be in good condition.

However, prior to purchasing a new needle, ensure that you have the appropriate kind—ballpoint, universal, sharp, etc. and the thread and fabric size of your needle. Choose a topstitch or metallic needle with a large, long eye if you use metallic threads, for instance. Don’t expect a large amount of thread to fit comfortably inside the eye of a small needle if you use thick thread!

Also, try an embroidery-specific needle if you are stitching with a sewing machine needle. Most projects will benefit most from this.

Finally, whereas thick, dense fabrics like marine vinyl may require a larger needle with a sharp point, stretchy woven fabrics may benefit from using a ballpoint embroidery needle.

Check out my post on selecting the best embroidery needle for advice on needle selection.

3. Check Your Supplies Thread

If this is the first time you’ve used a particular thread spool on your machine, you might want to consider switching to a different brand or type of thread. Threads that are old or of poor quality should not be used for high-speed embroidery, and certain threads (such as metallic!) need more patience and ability to troubleshoot. Additionally, certain machines can only be purchased with thread brands.

For instance, I am baffled as to why my brother despises Clark thread in a particular shade of maroon and Luminaire XP2 coats. As a result, I know not to use this thread on my machine.

Stabilizer There is a reason for this; however, when I use my machine to make long basting stitches on a very thin stabilizer, the stitches occasionally pull through the stabilizer, giving the impression that they will not be made at all. My stabilizer, not my machine, is the issue here.

So, just make sure you have the best stabilizer for your fabric and the features of your embroidery design.

4. Check the Bobbin and Case

If you’ve never cleaned your embroidery machine before, you won’t believe how much thread and lint you’ll find under the needle plate. Clean the inside of the bobbin case after removing the needle plate and then the bobbin. Then, clean the bottom basket after removing the entire bobbin case.

Clean the keyboard with a keyboard vacuum and a small brush. Check every part of your machine for tiny nicks as you clean. the needle plate, the bobbin case, and the bobbin itself.) Replace these components for a short time with new ones if you notice something or want to completely rule out an unidentified issue.

5. As a last resort adjust tension

if you check the back of your embroidery design and notice that the top thread is not pulled to the back. attempting to reduce it to see if it has any effect. Increase the upper tension if your upper thread is pulled too much toward the back of the fabric with little to no bobbin thread visible. Check ZDIGITIZING Embroidery digitizing services.

In conclusion,

I hope that the steps in this troubleshooting guide for embroidery machine skipping stitches will assist you in getting your machine working again. To assist other embroiderers, please share any additional troubleshooting methods that worked for you in the comments section!