Bobbin Thread Showing on Top of Embroidery - How to Fix It
If you can see the bobbin thread pulling up through to the top of your embroidery, the tension between the upper thread and the bobbin thread is out of balance. It's almost always an upper threading or tension issue and is usually straightforward to fix.
Work through these steps in order
Start at step 1 and work your way down - this is almost always a threading or tension issue that's quick to resolve.
Re-thread the machine from scratch
Incorrect upper threading is the most common cause of bobbin thread showing on top. Even if you've already done it, go through the full process again slowly, referring to your manual rather than going from memory.
- Raise the presser foot before re-threading so the tension discs open properly
- Follow your machine's threading path carefully, making sure the thread passes through every guide and tension disc in the correct order
Check upper thread tension
Upper tension that's too loose means the upper thread isn't pulling taut enough to lock the stitch in the middle of the fabric, so the bobbin thread gets pulled up to the surface.
- Increase the upper tension gradually and test on scrap fabric after each adjustment
- If adjusting the tension makes no difference at all, there may be lint or a thread fragment stuck between the tension discs, preventing them from closing properly and leaving you with effectively no tension
- To clear this, try flossing a piece of thread or a thin strip of fabric through the tension discs and pulling it through - this can dislodge whatever is caught in there. Lower and raise the presser foot a couple of times as you do it to open and close the discs
Check the bobbin
While the upper thread is usually responsible, a poorly set up bobbin can also contribute to tension imbalance.
- Remove and re-insert the bobbin, making sure it's going in the correct direction for your machine
- Make sure the thread is pulled through the tension slot properly
- Check the bobbin is wound evenly - an unevenly wound bobbin can cause inconsistent tension
- Make sure you're using the correct bobbin type for your machine
Check bobbin tension
If adjusting the upper tension hasn't resolved the issue, the bobbin tension may be too loose. This should always be treated as a last resort.
- Refer to your machine's manual before making any adjustments to bobbin tension
- Make very small adjustments and test on scrap fabric after each change
Check the needle
A damaged or incorrect needle can affect how the stitch forms and cause the bobbin thread to pull up to the surface.
- Replace with a fresh embroidery needle
- Make sure it's the correct type for your fabric and fully inserted with the flat side to the back
Check thread weight
A significant difference in weight between the upper thread and the bobbin thread can cause tension imbalance that's hard to dial out with tension adjustments alone.
- Check that the thread weights are compatible for the type of embroidery you're doing
- Most machine embroidery uses a lightweight bobbin thread paired with standard 40wt embroidery thread on top - mixing weights outside of this can cause issues
Test on scrap fabric
Before returning to your project, run a test on scrap fabric of the same type. Check the top and underside - the bobbin thread should not be visible on the surface and the stitches should look clean and even on both sides.
Quick fix checklist
Run through this before contacting us - it covers the most common causes.
- Machine fully re-threaded with presser foot raised, referring to the manual
- Upper thread tension increased gradually and tested on scrap
- Tension discs checked for lint or thread fragments and cleared if needed
- Bobbin inserted correctly with thread through the tension slot
- Bobbin wound evenly and correct type for the machine
- Bobbin tension checked as a last resort, referring to the manual
- Fresh embroidery needle fitted and correctly inserted
- Upper and bobbin thread weights checked for compatibility
Still having trouble? We're here to help.
If the bobbin thread is still showing on top after working through these steps, get in touch and our team will take it from there.
Still stuck? We are happy to help.
Our service team has seen every machine in our range and can usually diagnose problems over the phone.
