Bobbin Thread Showing on Top? Here’s How to Solve It Once and for All

You fire up your embroidery machine, the design is looking good, and then it happens—thin strands of white or unwanted thread start creeping into your carefully chosen top stitch colors. That’s the dreaded bobbin thread showing on top, and it’s one of the most common frustrations in machine embroidery.

Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest to understand and fix—if you know what to look for. In this article, we’ll walk you through what causes this issue, how to fix it, and how to avoid it in the future.

What’s Actually Happening?

Embroidery machines operate by creating a lockstitch—where the top thread and bobbin thread interlock in the middle of your fabric. This balance is essential. When either thread pulls more than the other, you lose that perfect center point, and the result is misaligned stitches.

When you find bobbin thread showing on top, it means the top thread tension is too high or the bobbin tension is too loose. Essentially, the top thread is yanking the bobbin thread out of position and dragging it to the surface of the fabric.

Top Reasons Why Bobbin Thread Shows on Top

1. High Top Thread Tension

This is the number one culprit. If the top thread tension is too tight, it overpowers the bobbin thread and pulls it up through the fabric.

Solution: Lower your top thread tension by small increments. Always test on a scrap piece of fabric first. You’re aiming for a smooth stitch where the top thread completely covers the design.

2. Incorrect Thread Weight Balance

Mismatched thread weights can create imbalance. If your bobbin thread is thicker or heavier than your top thread, it might be more visible on the surface.

Solution: Use a 40 wt thread for the top and a 60 wt thread in the bobbin, which is the standard in embroidery. Avoid mixing low-quality or off-brand threads—they tend to break, shred, and behave unpredictably.

3. Improper Threading

Improper threading—especially threading the machine with the presser foot down—can prevent the thread from entering the tension discs correctly. That throws off the balance immediately.

Solution: Rethread your machine with the presser foot up to ensure the top thread seats properly in the tension discs.

4. Damaged Needle or Dirty Bobbin Area

A bent, dull, or damaged needle can cause erratic stitching. Likewise, a lint-filled bobbin area can interfere with how the bobbin thread feeds.

Solution: Replace your needle regularly and clean the bobbin case thoroughly after every few projects. Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove lint and debris.

5. Inconsistent Bobbin Tension

While most newer machines have auto-tension, some models still allow for bobbin tension adjustment. If your bobbin tension is too loose, it will feed too freely and may get pulled upward.

Solution: Use pre-wound bobbins from trusted brands for reliable tension. If adjusting manually, turn the bobbin case screw slightly (clockwise to tighten) and test until balanced.

Preventing the Issue Moving Forward

Once you’ve fixed the problem, follow these best practices to avoid it in the future:

• Always test your stitch settings on similar fabric before running the full design.

• Stick with high-quality embroidery thread and needles.

• Clean your machine regularly.

• Maintain tension settings for different fabric/thread combos in a reference guide.

• Thread your machine carefully and double-check your path every time.

Final Thoughts

When you see bobbin thread showing on top, it’s a red flag that your stitch balance is off—but it’s also your machine’s way of asking for a little attention. With a bit of troubleshooting and some routine care, you can prevent this issue from happening again and get back to creating clean, professional embroidery projects that look just as good up close as they do from a distance.

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