How do I stop bobbin thread from showing on top?

18 November 2024

There’s nothing more annoying than when your bobbin thread shows on top of your embroidery. This common problem can turn a work of art into a mess and even scare off the most experienced embroiderer. But understanding the issue and knowing how to fix it will save your project and your sanity.

In this post we’ll go through 10 fixes for the pesky bobbin thread showing on top. From tension adjustments to threading techniques, we’ll get you covered. Let’s get started!

The Bobbin Thread Problem

Bobbin thread showing on top of your embroidery is a common problem many embroiderers face. To fix this you need to understand the underlying causes. The bobbin thread is a crucial part of the embroidery process, it interlocks with the needle thread to form secure stitches.

When everything is working right the bobbin thread should be hidden under the fabric. But if the balance between the needle thread tension and the bobbin thread tension is off the bobbin thread will show on top and ruin the design. Incorrect bobbin tensions can cause this problem and thread breaks. You need to have proper bobbin tensions and follow the recommended tension settings for optimal performance.

What is Bobbin Thread

Bobbin thread is a vital part of machine embroidery, it forms a lock stitch. Made from a thin strong material like plastic or metal, bobbin thread is usually sold pre-wound in white or black. Unlike needle thread which is twisted, bobbin thread is a single long strand known as monofilament, usually 60 wt. Its purpose is to work with the needle thread to form balanced stitches. When both threads interlock correctly the bobbin thread will be hidden under the fabric and you’ll have a clean professional finish to your embroidery.

Why Bobbin Thread Shows

Bobbin thread showing on top of a design is a common problem in embroidery and it can be caused by many factors. One of the main culprits is tension issues, when the upper and lower thread tensions are not balanced. This imbalance will cause the knot between the top and bottom threads to show on the right side of the fabric. Other causes are lint and debris in the bobbin area, narrow satin stitch or tatami stitch lines, and improper thread tensioning. Using different threads on top and bobbin can also exacerbate the problem if not properly tensioned. Knowing these causes will help you troubleshoot and prevent bobbin thread from showing on your embroidery projects.

10 Fixes for Bobbin Thread Showing on Embroidery

1. Check Upper Thread is Tangled

One of the simplest ways to fix bobbin thread issues is to check if the upper thread is tangled. Tangling causes tension imbalance and bobbin thread will show on top. To fix this remove the thread from the machine and re-thread according to the manual.

Proper threading ensures the thread flows smoothly through the machine’s mechanisms and reduces tangling and tension problems. Taking the time to re-thread the machine correctly will often solve the problem without further adjustments.

2. Check Bobbin and Shuttle Race

The bobbin and shuttle race are part of the stitch formation. If the bobbin is not threaded correctly or there are loose threads or lint in the shuttle race it can affect the tension and bobbin thread will show. Remove the bobbin, check the shuttle race and remove any debris.

Make sure the bobbin is loaded correctly and the shuttle race is clean and you’ll have consistent stitching. This simple maintenance will prevent many common embroidery problems including bobbin thread showing on top.

3. Adjust Tension

Tension is key to balanced stitches. If the bobbin tension is too tight or too loose bobbin thread will show on the fabric. Adjusting the upper tension can also fix this problem by balancing the upper and lower thread tensions. A general rule of thumb is to set the tension dial to 5 but this may vary depending on your machine and fabric.

Try different tension settings and note what works for different fabrics and threads so you can adjust quickly in the future.

4. Use the Right Bobbin Thread

Not all bobbin threads are created equal and using the wrong one can cause tension issues. When embroidering you should use a bobbin thread specifically designed for embroidery like a 90 weight bobbin thread. Also make sure the bobbin case is marked with green or blue which means it’s compatible with Brother SA156 bobbins.

Using the right bobbin thread ensures it interlocks with the needle thread and reduces the chance of it showing on top. Investing in good quality bobbin thread will make a big difference in your embroidery.

5. Replace a Damaged Needle

A damaged or dull needle can cause many embroidery problems including frequent thread breaks and bobbin thread showing on top. Check the needle for any signs of wear or damage like bent tips or burrs. If in doubt replace the needle with a new one suitable for your fabric and thread.

Changing your needle regularly is a simple way to maintain your embroidery machine. A sharp needle will give you smooth stitching and minimizes tension and thread breaks.

6. Know Bobbin Thread Tension

Bobbin thread tension is key to balanced stitches. Knowing how to adjust the bobbin tension will help you fix the bobbin thread showing on top. Most machines have an adjustable bobbin tension screw where you can fine tune the tension.

Start with small adjustments and test on a scrap piece of fabric. Finding the right bobbin thread tension may take some trial and error but once you get it right it will make a big difference to your embroidery.

7. Check Needle Thread Tension

While bobbin tension is important top thread tension also plays a big role in stitch formation. If top thread tension is too high it will pull the bobbin thread to the top. If it’s too low the top thread won’t interlock with the bobbin thread.

Finding the right balance between top thread tension and bobbin thread tension is key to perfect stitches. Check your machine manual for guidance on how to adjust top thread tension and take the time to try out different settings.

8. Fabric Type and Thickness

The type and thickness of the fabric you’re working with can affect tension settings and embroidery results. Some fabrics may need different tension adjustments to prevent bobbin thread from showing on top. Thicker fabrics may need higher tension, thinner fabrics may need lower tension.

Knowing how different fabrics affect tension will help you make informed decisions and reduce bobbin thread showing. Keep a record of successful tension settings for each fabric to make future projects easier.

9. Use Good Quality Threads

Quality matters when it comes to embroidery threads. Low quality or mismatched threads can cause tension issues and other problems. Invest in good quality threads designed for embroidery to get consistent results.

Using threads from well known brands reduces the chance of tension imbalance and improves the overall look of your embroidery. Try out different thread brands and types to find the one that works best for your machine and projects.

10. Machine Maintenance

Regular machine maintenance is key to prevent bobbin thread showing on top. Clean and oil your machine according to the manual. Check the bobbin area and remove any lint or debris that may have accumulated.

A well maintained machine performs better and gives better results. Taking the time to clean and look after your embroidery machine will give you smooth operation and reduce tension related problems.

Bobbin Thread Tension Factors

Several factors can affect bobbin thread tension, the type of thread used, stitch length and machine settings. Thicker threads increase tension, thinner threads decrease it. Longer stitches are fluffier and more prone to looping, shorter stitches are pulled more tightly into the fabric. The condition of the bobbin case and area also plays a big role, a dirty or clogged bobbin area can cause uneven thread tension. Cleaning the bobbin case and making sure it’s lint and debris free will help you maintain consistent bobbin thread tension and better embroidery results.

Tips for Better Results

To get better results and prevent bobbin thread from showing you must follow tips. One of the most important is to keep the bobbin case and area clean and lint and dust free. You can do this by using compressed air or a soft brush to dust off the bobbin area and thread path. Slowing down the machine also helps, higher speeds reduces the “rebound time” of the thread and increases the chance of tension issues. Using bobbin thread designed for the bobbin is also recommended, it’s thinner and adds less bulk to the stitch out. Finally testing the tension settings and adjusting as needed will help you get better results. By following these tips you can minimize the chance of bobbin thread showing and get perfect embroidery every time.

Summary

Bobbin thread showing on top of embroidery can be a pain but with the right knowledge and techniques it’s a problem that can be solved. By knowing the factors that causes tension imbalance and applying the tips in this guide you can get perfect results every time.

Remember practice and experimentation is key to mastering embroidery techniques. Don’t be afraid to adjust tension settings, try different threads and try new methods to find what works best for your projects. With the right approach you can enjoy embroidery without the bobbin thread showing.

For more tips and insights on improving your embroidery skills, consider exploring additional resources and connecting with fellow enthusiasts in the embroidery community. Happy stitching!