How To Avoid Fabric Puckering

Fabric Puckering is typically caused by fabric being hooped improperly. Re-hoop your fabric without making it too tight and try your design again. For the best results when hooping, be sure to use the smallest hoop size that will fit your design.

If the fabric continues to pucker and the hooping is not the issue, it may be caused by using the wrong stabilizer. Visit our E-Zee Backing Selection Guide to find the best backing to fit the needs of your next project.

Also, be sure to check your needle. A damaged needle may cause unwanted fabric pulls.

Looping Stitches

Looping stitches can be caused by a few different factors.  Make sure that your machine is threaded correctly.  If the top thread or bobbin thread is improperly threaded it can cause looping stitches.  If your machine is threaded correctly, check the thread tension.  

It can be a common issue in machine embroidery and can be incredibly frustrating when you're trying to create precise and intricate designs. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this problem.

A Few Things To Keep In Mind

1. Thread Threading and Tension: Looping stitches are often a direct result of incorrect thread threading or tension issues. Begin by ensuring that your machine is threaded correctly, both for the top thread and the bobbin thread. Follow your machine's manual for guidance on proper threading. Once you've confirmed proper threading, examine the tension settings. Tension controls the tightness of the stitches, and imbalanced tension can lead to looping. Check the upper and lower thread tensions. If your loops are happening on the top side of your embroidery, you may need to decrease the upper thread tension. Conversely, if loops appear on the bottom, increase the upper thread tension. Make small adjustments and test your design until you achieve balanced tension.

2. Needle Quality and Condition: A damaged or dull needle can also contribute to looping stitches. Needles should be replaced regularly to ensure the best results. Check for any burrs or bends in the needle, as these can snag the fabric and cause looping. When selecting a needle, consider the fabric you're working with – different fabrics may require different needle types and sizes.

3. Bobbin Issues: Don't overlook the bobbin area. Ensure the bobbin is properly wound and inserted correctly into the bobbin case. Bobbin tension can also affect the quality of your stitches. Consult your machine's manual for guidance on adjusting bobbin tension if needed.

4. Stitch Length and Density: Sometimes looping can be a result of your embroidery design settings. If your design has very dense stitches or is set to a very short stitch length, it can lead to looping. Experiment with adjusting the stitch length and density settings to see if this resolves the issue.

5. Fabric Selection: The type and quality of fabric you're using can impact the outcome of your embroidery. Thicker or stretchy fabrics may be more prone to looping. Consider using a stabilizer appropriate for the fabric to help prevent looping. Stabilizers provide support and stability to the fabric during the embroidery process, reducing the likelihood of looping.

6. Machine Maintenance: Regular maintenance of your embroidery machine is essential to prevent stitching problems. Clean the machine, remove lint and debris, and oil it as recommended in the manual. A well-maintained machine is less likely to cause stitching issues.

7. Practice and Patience: Lastly, remember that machine embroidery is a skill that improves with practice. Don't be discouraged by initial challenges. Keep experimenting, testing, and learning from your mistakes to become more proficient.