How do you protect embroidery thread?

Keep your thread somewhere cool and dry away from sunny windows where it can fade or get brittle.

How do you fix the bobbin tension on an embroidery machine?

Find that small screw on your bobbin case. It’s usually the key to fixing things. Give it a little twist clockwise if it feels too loose, or go counterclockwise if it’s too tight. Don’t go crazy. Just small turns, then test it out on some scrap fabric. You’ll know when it feels just right.

What speed should I set my embroidery machine?

For most projects, stick around 400-600 stitches per minute. It's an area that keeps things smooth. If you’re working on something thick or tricky, though, slow it down a bit. Start low, see how it goes, and bump it up if it’s all good. No rush. Better safe than snapping.

Why does my upper thread keep breaking on my embroidery machine?

Oh, this can be so annoying! First, check if your needle’s dull or if the tension’s cranked too high. Those are the usual suspects. Next, have a look at your threading. If it’s off even a little, that could be it. If that’s not the issue, look for a rough area on the machine or take a better thread. You’ll figure it out step by step.

What is a good machine embroidery thread?

Don't choose polyester threads like Madeira, Isacord, or Sulky. They’re tough, hold their color, and glide through your machine like a dream. I’ve tried the cheap stuff before, and trust me, spending a few extra bucks on quality saves you a ton of headaches.

Why Does My Embroidery Machine Thread Keep Breaking

20-03-2025Embroidery Guides

Share with Other peoples

Digital Embroidery

12 Reasons Why Does My Embroidery Machine Thread Keep Breaking and How to Resolve Them

Have you ever sat down to embroider a beautiful design only to hear that frustrating snap of breaking thread, seriously, it is the most common headache for both embroidery enthusiasts and professionals. But don’t worry, there’s always a reason behind it, and better yet, a fix. That's why we bring this blog post for you, read and understand this informative guide and you will get your answers. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 12 reasons why your embroidery machine thread keeps breaking and share practical solutions to get you back to stitching smoothly. Let’s jump into the blog post.

Improper Threading

One of the top causes of thread breakage is improper threading. If the thread isn’t following the right path through your machine’s guides, hooks, and tension discs, it’s bound to fray or snap.
How to Fix It?
Double-check your machine’s manual and re-thread from scratch. Make sure the thread meets properly in each guide and isn't twisted. Take your time. It’s worth it to avoid mid-project meltdowns.
Bobbin Threading
A messy bobbin can throw your embroidery off. It begins pulling on the upper thread. if it's placed into the case incorrectly or is all rough, and guess what? You hear a noise at that point.
How to Fix It?
Roll your bobbin slowly and evenly, then ensure it’s placed in the bobbin case correctly (check the manual for directions). Clean out any lint in the bobbin area while you’re at it. Dust bunnies love to mess things up!
Change Your Needle
A dull, bent, or wrong needle size is a silent thread breaker. Over time, needles break, and using one that’s not suited for your fabric or thread can lead to constant snapping.
How to Fix It?
Change your needle every 8-10 hours of stitching or after every big project. For most embroidery, asize75/11 or 90/14 needle works great. Match it to your fabric. Lighter fabrics need smaller needles.
Quality of the Thread
Not all threads are made equal. Cheap or old thread is more likely to break because it may be weak, cracked, or at risk of fraying.

Here is a blog post for those looking to buy Madeira thread for embroidery.
How to Fix It?
Take a sec to roll your bobbin nice and slow so it’s even. Put it into the case the right way. Your manual will show you which direction and clear out any fuzz while you’re in there. It’s a quick fix that saves a lot of frustration.
Re-Thread Everything
Sometimes, the issue isn’t obvious, and a new start is the best approach. I’ve had days where I swore everything was perfect, but re-threading the whole machine magically fixed the problem. It’s like hitting the reset button!
How to Fix It?
Unthread your machine completely. Top and bobbin and start over. Follow the manual step-by-step, and don’t rush. It’s a simple trick that often works wonders.
Slow It Down
Increasing your speed makes it seem like you're finishing tasks more quickly. Passing through an intricate design, however, is like putting your thread through a stress test. All that pull and noise? Yes, it will break.
How to Fix It?
Lower the speed of your machine to about 400-600 stitches per minute. Every machine’s a little different, so play around with a scrap piece first till it feels smooth. Trust me, slowing down a bit beats re-threading every five minutes.
Check Your Thread
Even a good thread can cause issues if it’s tangled, knotted, or caught on something. A small snag on the reel edge can turn into a big problem mid-stitch.
How to Fix It?
Check your thread reel for rough spots or burrs. If it’s catching, try flipping it upside down or using a thread stand to keep the flow smooth.
Check Your Tension
Tension that’s too tight or too loose leads to problems. If the upper thread is pulling too hard against the bobbin, or vice versa. The tension will cause it to break.
How to Fix It?
Test your tension on a scrap fabric with the same thread and design. Adjust the upper tension gradually (usually between 3-5 works for most machines) until the stitches look balanced.
Keep It Stable
An unbalanced table or uneven machine might disrupt your stitching rhythm and put stress on the thread. Vibration is a sneaky thread-breaker!
How to Fix It?
Place your machine on a flat surface. If the vibration continues, place a non-slip mat below. Stability is key for clean, unbroken stitches.
Tension Settings
Beyond basic tension, some machines have specific settings for embroidery that get overlooked. Your thread won't work properly if these are off.
How to Fix It?
Check your machine’s embroidery mode or settings. For example, Brother and Janome machines often have automatic tension adjustments. Make sure they’re engaged for your project.

Embroidery Digitizing & Vector Art Services

At True Digitizing, we provide fast turnaround, guaranteed quality, and the facility to preview your design before making payment. We make sure you receive the exact thing that you require. We are devoted to providing our best every single time. So, what are you waiting for now? Call True Digitizing today and experience the quality and service

Instant Order Get A Quote

Picker
The picker (or thread cutter) on some machines can interfere if it’s misaligned or dirty, snagging the thread and causing breaks.
How to Fix It?
Clean around the picker with a small brush and check for buildup. It may be essential to make a quick stop to a professional if it is damaged or broken.

Check out this blog post if you want to know how to use an embroidery machine .
How Do I Stop My Embroidery Thread from Breaking?
Start with the basics. Re-thread, check your needle and adjust tension. Use quality thread, slow your speed, and keep your machine clean and stable. If you’re still stuck, test small changes one at a time until the snapping stops. Patience pays off here!

Years ago, I spent hours troubleshooting a client’s machine, only to realize a tiny burr on the needle plate was the issue. Once I sanded it down, the thread held strong, and the project turned out beautifully.
Get Embroidery Digitizing Services at Cheap Prices
At True Digitizing, we provide quality work to our customers across the USA at cheap prices, we offer a wide range of embroidery digitizing services. Include custom embroidery digitizing, chenille embroidery digitizing, photo digitizing, applique digitizing, and more. So place your order now and choose your favorite digitizing service. Get a quote, our team will contact you within a few hours.
Conclusion
Thread breaking doesn’t have to mess up your embroidery fun. We’ve gone over 12 usual suspects like threading slip-ups, worn-out needles, funky tension, and stuff like that. Fix those, and you’ll be back to making awesome designs without wanting to pull your hair out. Just keep an eye on your machine, take some decent thread, and don’t be scared to take it slow. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be stitching like a professional before you know it. So, what do you say? Take your thread, and let’s sort this out together!

Author

Nick William

Embroidery Digitizer

Nick William has been immersed in the world of embroidery digitizing for over 20 years, earning 25 industry awards throughout his career. As a 3rd generation embroidery expert, Nick’s journey started in his family’s workshop, where he learned the art of digitizing before the rise of modern software. He has worked with leading commercial embroidery businesses and has shared his expertise with over 75,000 home and professional embroiderers. As an author at True Digitizing, Nick is passionate about teaching others how to create beautiful, precise designs through easy-to-follow tutorials and expert advice.