How to Troubleshoot Machine Embroidery Loops in the Design

Flawed thread can cause problems.

You can add your own unique flair to garments and other projects you sew with machine embroidery. Applying machine embroidery with a zigzag sewing machine is a common way to decorate ready-made clothing as well. If your sewing machine is capable of doing machine embroidery, the owner's manual should give you step-by-step instructions. Be sure to read the manual before starting with your machine embroidery.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine embroidery thread
• Clean needle with an eye appropriately sized for your thread

Instructions

1. Remove the work from the machine and cut the threads if you see loops in the design.

2. Check the needle to make sure it is clean, free of burrs and the eye is large enough to allow the thread to pass through easily. If the thread hangs at the needle it will not feed properly. If there are any burrs on the needle it will snag thread causing loops.

3. Remove the bobbin and clean the shuttle. Make sure the thread feeds smoothly, but not loosely, when it's pulled.

4. Check the tension on the top thread. It should feed smoothly but have a little resistance when it's pulled through the needle with the needle arm lowered. If you get loops in the top of your work the top tension could be too tight causing the bobbin thread to loop on the top.

5. Make sure the thread is smooth and free of any flaws.

6. Check your manual to make sure your machine is threaded properly and refer to it for loosening or tightening tension in the top and bobbin threads.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make a sample swatch on a similar piece of fabric before starting to embroider on your garment.

• Some machines will accept plain cotton sewing thread, but some will require the smoother sewing machine embroidery thread.

References

• ABC Embroidery Designs: Machine Embroidery Tips

Resources

• NMSU: Free-Motion Machine Embroidery