Causes of Missing Stitches on Embroidery Machine Design (Fixes Included)

Have you ever had a design turn into a failed one because your embroidery machine is skipping stitches? This is a common issue for sewers, and it can be frustrating when you have to start your project over again due to machine errors. Whether it’s small gaps or entire sections missing, this can often indicate underlying issues with your machine setup. 

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of missing stitches on embroidery machine design, what might be triggering them, and how to resolve the problem reliably. Let’s get started.

Why Is My Embroidery Machine Skipping Stitches? Causes & Fixes

1. Clean the Bobbin Area and Thread Path

One of the most frequent causes of missing stitches on embroidery machine design is lint or debris in the bobbin race. Even a tiny thread fragment buried deep can prevent proper stitch formation. Dust under the needle plate or in the bobbin case interrupts the interaction between the top thread and bobbin thread. 

What to do:

• Remove the needle plate and clean beneath with canned air or a soft brush.
  

• Pay special attention to the bobbin race and thread path.
  

• Regular cleaning—especially before each project—can greatly reduce skipped stitch issues.

2. Re-Thread Correctly

Mis-threading can mimic more serious mechanical issues. Always rethread both the upper thread and bobbin following your machine’s path step-by-step. Ensure the thread passes through the tension discs and take-up lever correctly.

Tip: Thread with the presser foot up to allow the tension discs to open fully 

3. Replace the Needle Frequently

Embroidery machines operate at high speeds, so using a fresh and sharp embroidery needle is vital. A titanium-coated needle is recommended for longer life. Dull, nicked, bent, or incorrectly seated needles can fail to pierce properly, causing the machine to skip stitches.

Best practices:

• Change your needle for each project.
  

• Inspect it for burrs and orientation—flat side should be aligned per manufacturer instructions.
  

• Use the correct size/type matched to your thread and fabric weight.

4. Check Thread Tension Settings

Incorrect tension—especially too loose top tension—can prevent the machine from forming stitches properly. Both upper and bobbin tension must be balanced. If your stitches look inconsistent or have gaps, try resetting tension to the default factory settings and test again.

Tips:

• Test on scrap fabric similar to your project material.
  

• Adjust tension gradually and retest to find the right balance.
  

• Ensure bobbin is threaded into its slot correctly and tensioned properly.

5. Use High-Quality Thread and Stabilizer

Low-quality or fraying thread can result in gaps or thread breakage mid-design. Similarly, using the wrong stabilizer—or overly stiff or thin types—can affect thread pickup and fabric support.

Solutions:

• Use high-quality embroidery thread.
  

• Store thread properly to avoid dust or fray.
  

• Choose stabilizer appropriate to your base fabric to prevent skipping and puckering.

6. Hoop Placement Matters

Improper hooping leads to fabric movement during stitching, which can result in missing stitches on embroidery machine design. If the fabric is not tight or shifts mid-embroidery, the needle may miss its target or misalign the stitch pattern.

Hooping tips:

• Hoop fabric plus stabilizer together snugly.
  

• Avoid overstretching the fabric.
  

• Use a test run before starting on final material.

7. Design Digitizing Issues

Sometimes the problem isn’t the machine—it’s the design file itself. Poorly digitized designs can contain gaps, misaligned stitches, or incorrect densities that lead to missing stitches during embroidery.

Preventive tip:

• Test your design on scrap fabric first.
  

• If missing stitches occur consistently in the same places, review the digitized file or seek professional digitizing.

8. When to Call a Technician

If you’ve cleaned, rethreaded, replaced the needle, adjusted tension, and still experience skipped stitches, the issue may lie deeper—such as timing or needle bar alignment.

Professional help may be required when:

• Timing between needle and bobbin hook is off.
  

• Needle bar height is misaligned.
  

• Mechanical wear exists within the hook system.

A small timing mismatch can prevent the bobbin from catching thread when the needle drops, causing consistent misses.

Summary Table: Causes & Fixes

Final Thoughts

If your embroidery machine skipping stitches is slowing down your creative progress, these steps provide a clear path to resolving the issue. Pay close attention to cleaning, needle condition, tension settings, and proper materials, and test each project before working on final fabric.