Why are my embroidery stitches not covering the fabric?

The most common reasons embroidery stitches are not covering the fabric are incorrect thread tension, a design with insufficient stitch density, fabric movement, incorrect needle or thread, or a design that has been resized too much.

Design does not have enough stitch density
If you can clearly see the fabric between stitches in areas that should be fully covered, the design may not have enough stitches for solid coverage. If the same areas look sparse every time, the issue may be with the digitized design rather than your machine.

Thread tension is too tight
If the upper thread is pulled too tightly, the bobbin thread can be pulled toward the top and the embroidery may not provide the expected coverage. Check your thread tension and test on scrap fabric.

Fabric is moving
Fabric movement during stitching can cause stitches to spread apart instead of landing where they should. Make sure the fabric and stabilizer are securely hooped.

Not enough stabilizer
Insufficient stabilization can allow the fabric to shift or distort under the stitches. Use a stabilizer appropriate for the fabric and embroidery design.

Needle or thread is incorrect
A needle that is too small, damaged, or unsuitable for the thread can affect stitch formation and coverage. Use a fresh embroidery needle that matches the fabric and thread you are using.

Design was resized too much
Changing the size of an embroidery design can change the spacing between stitches. Excessive resizing may create gaps and reduce coverage. Whenever possible, use the design at its recommended size.

Thread is not feeding properly
Thread that catches or does not feed smoothly can create inconsistent tension and uneven coverage. Check the entire thread path for snags and make sure the spool feeds freely.

Fabric is difficult to embroider
Very stretchy, lightweight, or loosely woven fabrics can move or distort under embroidery stitches. Additional stabilization may be needed to keep the fabric stable.

Best tip: If the fabric is showing through where the design should be fully covered, first check whether the same areas are sparse every time. If they are, the design's stitch density may be the cause. If the problem changes from one stitch-out to another, check your needle, tension, hooping, and stabilizer.

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.