Why is my embroidery design not lining up?

The most common reasons an embroidery design does not line up correctly are fabric shifting, improper hooping, incorrect design alignment, or a problem with the machine or hoop. Here’s how to fix each one:

Fabric is shifting
Make sure the fabric and stabilizer are firmly secured and cannot move during stitching. For slippery or stretchy fabrics, additional stabilization may be needed.

Hooping is not secure
Hoop the fabric and stabilizer evenly and make sure the hoop is tightened properly. Avoid stretching the fabric excessively while hooping.

Design is not positioned correctly
Before starting, use your machine's built-in positioning or preview functions to check where the design will stitch. Make sure the design is centered and oriented correctly.

Multiple hoopings are not aligned
When a design requires more than one hooping, carefully mark the placement and use the machine's alignment or positioning features. Even a small shift during re-hooping can cause noticeable misalignment.

Hoop is not attached correctly
Make sure the embroidery hoop is properly connected to the machine and is securely locked into posi

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