Why Are My Embroidery Stitches Not Connecting?

The most common reasons embroidery stitches are not connecting are fabric movement, incorrect thread tension, a problem with the embroidery file, resizing, or stitches being too short or spaced too far apart.

The Fabric Is Moving

If the fabric shifts even slightly while the design is stitching, stitches may no longer meet where they are supposed to. Make sure the fabric is held firmly in the hoop and supported with the proper stabilizer.

The Design Was Resized

Changing the size of an embroidery design can affect how the stitches meet. Making a design much smaller or larger can create small gaps between sections that originally connected correctly.

The Design File May Have a Problem

If the same stitches fail to connect in exactly the same places every time, there may be an issue with the embroidery file or how it was digitized. Try stitching the original file without making changes to it.

Thread Tension Is Incorrect

Incorrect thread tension can pull stitches too tightly or loosely, making connected areas look separated. Check your upper thread and bobbin tension if the problem appears throughout the design.

The Stitches Are Too Short or Too Far Apart

Some designs contain very small details where stitches are intentionally separated. However, if there are unexpected gaps between areas that should connect, the stitch settings or design may be the cause.

The Needle Is Damaged

A bent, dull, or damaged needle can cause stitches to form incorrectly. Replacing the needle is a quick and easy thing to try if your embroidery suddenly starts looking different.

The Hoop or Stabilizer Is Not Providing Enough Support

If the fabric stretches or moves during stitching, sections of the design can shift away from each other. Proper hooping and stabilization help keep everything in the correct position.

Best Tip

If the stitches are not connecting in the exact same places every time, the design file may be responsible. If the problem changes from one stitch-out to another, check your hooping, stabilizer, needle, and thread tension first.

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.