Why is my embroidery machine skipping parts of the design?

The most common reasons an embroidery machine skips parts of a design are a problem with the embroidery file, thread or needle issues, fabric movement, incorrect machine settings, or the machine not reading the design correctly.

The Design File May Have a Problem

If the machine skips the exact same section every time, the embroidery file may be the cause. Try loading the original file again and make sure it is in a format your machine supports.

The Machine Is Not Reading the File Correctly

A damaged or improperly transferred file can cause sections of a design to be missing. If possible, transfer the original file again using a fresh USB drive or your machine's normal transfer method.

The Needle Is Damaged

A bent, dull, or incorrectly installed needle can cause stitches to form incorrectly or prevent certain areas from stitching properly. Replacing the needle is an easy first step.

The Thread Is Breaking

If the thread breaks while the machine is stitching, the machine may continue moving through the design without properly stitching that section. Check your thread path and make sure the thread is feeding smoothly.

The Fabric Is Moving

Fabric that shifts during embroidery can cause parts of the design to appear missing or out of position. Make sure the fabric is firmly hooped and properly stabilized.

The Machine Is Stopping or Pausing

Some machines may pause because of a thread break, needle problem, sensor issue, or another machine alert. Check the screen for any message or error before continuing.

The Design Was Resized or Converted

Significantly resizing a design or converting it between embroidery formats can sometimes change the stitch information. If the design worked correctly before resizing or conversion, try the original file at its original size.

The Design Is Too Large for the Hoop

If the design does not properly fit the selected hoop, the machine may not be able to stitch the entire design correctly. Make sure the design size matches the hoop you are using.

Best Tip

If your machine skips the same part of the design every time, check the embroidery file first. If different sections are skipped from one stitch-out to another, check your needle, thread, hooping, stabilizer, and machine settings.

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.