Skip to main content

More Reasons Why Your Upper Thread Is Shredding On Your Embroidery Machine

 This article is brought to you by Lizzsews.

This article is in addition to 8 reasons why your upper thread is shredding on your embroidery machine. If the 8 reasons from the last article didn’t work for you, these ones most likely will! 


   1. Lack of stabilizer/incorrect stabilizer 

It’s common for people that are new to machine embroidery to either forget about stabilizer or not even know that they need it!


You definitely need a stabilizer, if you’re not using a stabilizer then many different problems may occur. 


Not only do you need to use a stabilizer, but you’ll want to make sure you’re using the correct stabilizer! 


Recommended read: Guide to the three main machine embroidery stabilizers



   2. Improper hooping 


Ensure that you’re hooping tight enough and that the inner hoop is not upside down (shown in the picture). Match up the two small arrows on the tops of the hoops.



When you’re hooping make sure that you’re not pulling the fabric tighter after it hoops, this will cause the finished product to not look as good, have puckering and will cause you tons of problems along the way, like your thread shredding. 


Recommended read: How to hoop fabric for machine embroidery


   3. The bobbin is upside down


This is very common and one of the biggest causes of machine embroidery problems.


Make sure that you have put the bobbin into the case correctly. 


Recommended read: How To Wind And Install The Bobbin On Your Sewing Machine


   4. Wrong weight of bobbin thread


There are two different bobbin thread weights, 60wt or 90wt. Check your machine manual to find out which weight you should be using.

   5. Are you embroidering a towel or thick fleece? Are you using wash away/water-soluble stabilizer on top?

If you are embroidering a towel or thick fleece, make sure that you are using a water-soluble stabilizer on the top. This can not only prevent your needle from breaking but also help prevent the design from sinking into the material. 


If none of these work for you, and the reasons in this article didn't work, it might be time for you to get your machine serviced. 


Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! And don't forget to subscribe to get notified for my next blog post.

Are you still having problems? Recommended read: Machine embroidery troubleshooting fixes guide

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

10 Things You Need To Start Machine Embroidery Today

This article is brought to you by Lizzsews Thinking about diving into machine embroidery but not sure where to start? Here’s everything you need to know to get started—without spending a fortune. Interested in sewing?  Recommended read: 10 Things You’ll Need to Start Sewing! 1. Get Yourself an Embroidery Machine You can start with any embroidery machine, but here are a few great beginner-friendly options: Brother SE600 – A combo machine that sews and embroiders. It’s affordable, versatile, and my top pick for beginners. Brother PE550D – Embroidery-only and comes with built-in Disney designs. Super cute! Brother SE1900 – A step up, with more advanced features and a larger embroidery area. 💡 Tip: Set a clear budget before buying, b uy the largest hoop your budget allows . While the SE600’s 4x4 hoop is great for starters, you may outgrow it quickly—and the next hoop size up is a big price jump. Recommended read: How to Choose the Right Embroidery Machine   ...

8 Reasons Why Your Upper Thread Is Shredding On Your Embroidery Machine

 This article is brought to you by  Lizzsews . Here are some reasons why your top thread might be shredding while you’re embroidering! Starting machine embroidery is definitely a challenge, and troubleshooting is hard.  Recommended read: 10 Things you need to start machine embroidery today Often when your top thread is shredding, it’s caused by when the thread goes through the eye of the needle or while it’s going through the thread guides.  1. A dull or bent needle How long has it been since you’ve changed that needle? It might be time to swap it out! A needle only lasts about 8-10 hours of stitching, this amount of time may vary depending on what you are making. It’s good to have lots of needles on hand. Recommended read: When should I change the needle for machine embroidery 2. Are you using the right needle for the project? Are you embroidering heavier fabrics? Like denim or leather? If so, you’ll want to use a heavier needle size like 90/14. If you’re just...

Guide To The Three Main Machine Embroidery Stabilizers

This article is brought to you by  Lizzsews . Here's everything you need to know about the three main types of machine embroidery stabilizers, what they're used for and how to pick the right one. 💡 Why Stabilizers Matter Stabilizers are essential in machine embroidery. They help support your fabric, prevent puckering , and ensure your design comes out clean and crisp. A stabilizer is placed underneath your fabric. Some special ones, called toppers , go on top, but these are only used for certain materials, like towels or blankets. 👉 You always need a bottom stabilizer. Toppers are optional and only used for specific projects. 🏷️ The 3 Main Types of Stabilizers 1. ✂️ Cutaway Stabilizer Cutaway stabilizer is non-woven , permanent, and ideal for stretchy or knit fabrics like t-shirts, baby onesies, and fleece. Why it's great: Provides strong support Prevents pulled or sagging stitches Stays put even after washing and wearing Comes pre-cut or in ro...