Why are my embroidery stitches coming undone?

The most common reasons embroidery stitches come undone are broken or poorly formed stitches, incorrect thread tension, inadequate stabilization, loose fabric, or accidentally cutting a securing stitch.

Thread tension is incorrect
If the tension is too loose, stitches may not lock together properly. Check the upper-thread tension and test the machine on scrap fabric before continuing.

Stitches were skipped or broken
If the thread broke during stitching or the machine skipped stitches, parts of the design may not be properly secured. Check the area for missing stitches and make sure the machine is forming complete stitches.

Fabric is moving
Fabric that shifts during embroidery can cause stitches to form incorrectly and may leave them loose. Use the correct stabilizer and make sure the fabric is securely hooped.

Needle is damaged
A bent, dull, or incorrect needle can cause skipped stitches and poorly formed embroidery. Replace the needle with a new embroidery needle suitable for your fabric and thread.

Thread is breaking
Repeated thread breaks can leave sections of embroidery incomplete and more likely to come undone. Check the needle, thread tension, threading, and thread path for anything causing excessive friction.

Stitches were cut accidentally
Be careful when trimming jump stitches and excess thread on the back of the embroidery. Cutting a connecting or securing stitch can cause part of the design to unravel.

Design is too dense
Excessive stitching can put additional stress on the fabric and thread. If stitches repeatedly come undone in the same area, the design density or digitizing may need to be checked.

Fabric or stabilizer is not suitable
The wrong stabilizer or insufficient support can allow the fabric to move and prevent stitches from forming securely. Match the stabilizer to the fabric and embroidery design.

Best tip: If stitches are coming undone, first look for broken, skipped, or accidentally cut stitches. Then check your needle, thread tension, stabilizer, and hooping before stitching the design again.

Source of information: With over 200,000 customers and a private Facebook group with more than 2,000 members, we have heard just about every embroidery question and troubleshooting problem you can imagine. This question has come to us directly from customers by email, through our Facebook page, and in our private Facebook group.

Have another question? See all the answers in our machine embroidery designs FAQ.