Bobbin Thread Showing on Top? Here's How to Fix It for Good

If you're an embroidery enthusiast, you know how satisfying it is to see your design come to life stitch by stitch. But that satisfaction can quickly vanish when you notice the bobbin thread showing on top of your embroidery. It’s a common and frustrating issue that can ruin the look of your project and waste valuable time and materials.

But don’t worry—this isn’t a permanent problem. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can fix it and prevent it from happening again. Let’s break it down.

What’s Happening When the Bobbin Thread Shows on Top?

In machine embroidery, every stitch is a precise interlocking of the top thread and the bobbin thread. Ideally, these threads meet in the middle of the fabric, locking in place without being visible from the wrong side.

When the balance is off—especially if the top thread tension is too tight—it pulls the lower thread (bobbin) up through the fabric. This results in the bobbin thread showing on top, creating unwanted contrast in your design and weakening the stitch structure.

Main Causes and Solutions

1. Tension Troubles

This is the #1 reason for the bobbin thread creeping up. When the upper thread tension is too high, it yanks the bobbin thread to the top.

Fix: Lower the top thread tension in small increments. Run a few test stitches to see the effect. Don’t make drastic adjustments all at once—small changes often make a big difference.

2. Thread Weight Imbalance

Using incompatible thread weights between the top and the bobbin can lead to tension issues. If the top thread is too thin or the bobbin thread is too thick, balance is lost.

Fix: Use 40 wt thread on top and 60 wt bobbin thread, which is standard in most embroidery work. Stick to quality brands to ensure consistent thickness and strength.

3. Incorrect Threading

Even experienced users can mis-thread the machine. When the thread isn’t seated properly in the tension discs, the machine can’t control it correctly.

Fix: Always thread your machine with the presser foot up. This opens the tension discs and ensures the thread seats properly. Take your time and follow the threading path exactly.

4. Bobbin Issues

Sometimes the problem is in the bobbin itself. A poorly wound bobbin or an incorrect bobbin type can cause erratic stitching and tension problems.

Fix: Check that you're using the correct bobbin for your machine model. Wind bobbins evenly and avoid overfilling. If in doubt, use pre-wound bobbins from trusted brands.

5. Needle or Fabric Issues

A dull needle or stretchy fabric can also cause distortion, leading to the bobbin thread showing on top unexpectedly.

Fix: Replace needles regularly—after 8 hours of use or sooner if you notice fraying or skipped stitches. For stretchy or thin fabrics, use the proper stabilizer to hold the material firm.

Prevention Tips

• Always test your settings on scrap fabric before starting a new design.

• Clean your machine regularly—lint and dust can throw off tension.

• Use the right stabilizer for each fabric type to ensure proper tension.

• Take your time during setup—threading and tension settings are worth double-checking.

Final Thoughts

The sight of bobbin thread showing on top can be disheartening, but it’s not a sign that your machine is broken or your skills are lacking. It’s just a signal that something in your setup needs a minor tweak. With some patience and a methodical approach, you can get your embroidery projects back on track—and looking just the way you intended.

A platform where you'll get embroidery designs and knowledge about embroidery.

Visit now: Stitch Digitizer