Bobbin Showing On Top

Bobbin thread showing on top, also known as “bobbin show-through,” is a common problem that can occur in machine embroidery.

It is caused by a number of factors, including:

1.Bobbin Is Incorrectly Placed

If the bobbin is wound or seated incorrectly, it can cause the thread to bunch up or tangle, resulting in the bobbin thread showing on top.

2.Bobbin Tension Is Too Loose

If the bobbin thread is on top, that means the top thread is pulling more, or, has more tension. That means either the top thread is too tight or the bobbin thread is too loose.

To adjust the bobbin case, turn the tension screw in no more than 1/4 of a turn. If the bobbin thread is showing on top, you’ll want it tighter. The only way to know if you adjusted correctly is to test sew.

                       

 Adjusting A Front Loading Bobbin                           Part Of A Bobbin

3.Top Tension Is Too Tight

This can be caused by wrong thread and needle.

Thicker threads increase tension and thinner threads decrease tension. If you use a thicker thread in the needle, you may get more bobbin thread on top. If you use a finer thread in the needle, then you might see relatively little bobbin thread on the back in satin columns.

4.Obstacle In Top Thread Path Causing Increase In Tension

It could be lint or dust in the path that makes it difficult for the thread to pass smoothly through its guide, hence causing increase in tension.

5.Bobbin Case And Bobbin Area Not Clean Or Lint And Dust In The Bobbin Area

Little fuzz or lint can also drag the bobbin thread or force the tension flap spring open. Routinely check the bobbin area and thread path for debris and dust off with a soft brush. Making a dust cover for your machine will keep it clean and ready.

For the multi-needle users, make sure the tension flap on the bobbin case is clean. Slipping a business card under the flap is an easy way to remove lint and dirt. Please make sure not to bend the flap but this will help dislodge anything holding it open.

6.Machine Running At High Speed

Slow down your machine. Just because your machine can go 800-1000 stitches per minute does not mean that it will produce the best stitch-out. The faster the machine goes, the less “rebound time” for the thread. The top thread can then pull up your bobbin thread.

7.For Caps, Bobbin Tension Needs To Be Higher Than Flat Embroidery Works

Bobbin tensions should be 18 to 22 grams for flat embroidery and up to 25 grams when embroidering caps.

TIP : Understand Your Machine By Doing An I Or H Test:

• You should have 1/3 bobbin thread in the middle and 1/3 of each top thread on either side.

• If they meet in the middle, the top thread is too loose or your bobbin is too tight. (It’s getting pulled together).

• If the top thread barely shows on either side, then the top thread is too tight, or your bobbin is too loose and will eventually pull the bobbin thread up

• This test won’t tell the exact problem, but will definitely notify you if something is not right.

TIP: Adding A Stabilizer

Bobbin thread on top is not a stabilizer problem; it is a tension problem, but one “solution” recommended frequently is “add more stabilizer.”

While throwing another layer of stabilizer under the hoop might “fix” the bobbin thread coming to the top, it can add unnecessary thickness and stiffness to your project. Hence, helping bobbin not to show on top.

TIP: Use Magic Ink Pen

Magic touch-up pens can be used in small areas where the bobbin thread is showing on the top side of an embroidered design.