Are You Making These Machine Embroidery Mistakes?

I’ll show you ALL kinds of problems that happen with machine embroidery and how you can fix them yourself. Learn how to troubleshoot and fix your machine embroidery problems with 11 different mistakes in the sections below.
This is the last video in the “Machine Embroidery for Beginners” Series.
Chapters or Sections in this video:
00:00 Intro
01:46 Puckers & Wrinkles
06:19 Thread Shredding or Breaking
09:20 Broken Needles
12:06 Birdnesting, Tangles and Knots
15:46 Loopy Stitches
16:42 Jamming or Won’t Stitch
17:34 Registration or Outline Errors
22:10 Tension Problems
25:10 Skipped Stitches
26:38 Flagging or Hoop jumping
27:08 Sinking Stitches
28:11 Good Examples
30:06 Where to Find Help
31:38 Wrap-Up
The entire beginner series is available for free on KZbin::
1 - Starter Supplies • Machine Embroidery for...
2 - Get to Hoopin’ • Machine Embroidery for...
3 - Start Stitching' • Machine Embroidery for...
4 - Get Into Position • Machine Embroidery for...
5 - All About Threads • Machine Embroidery for...
6 - All About Stabilizers • Beginner Machine Embro...
7 - All About Designs • Machine Embroidery for...
8 - Mother Puckers and other problems (THIS video!)
I create and sell my own Embroidery Designs. My specialty is in-the-hoop dolls and puppets.
www.BallyhooCreations.com ←my website
Members at SkillShare can take my project based classes. Howare SkillShare classes different than the KZbin videos? My SkillShare classes include free designs that I teach you how to stitch along with key skills, then you can post your project and get personalized feedback so you can continue to learn and improve your skills…
www.skillshare.com/r/user/bal... ←SkillShare classes
(full disclosure-If you sign up for a SkillShare membership they pay me a bounty. All that being said, I’m a member there myself and love the SkillShare community.)
Thanks for watching and happy stitching!

[@kerrycooper-dean4243]

Thank you! One of the best help vids I’ve seen. No waffling, no selling stuff, just decent info from someone who has been there. And it did help that you had a Viking machine 😉 I love mine, but it does give me grief if I get impatient. The best advice you gave… slow down! Works across ALL my embroidery machines. Came looking for info on a specific issue (bobbin tension)…stayed, learned, and subscribed. Thanks again!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Welcome to the channel! I hope you'll stick around while I create some new content for the summer months. 😁

[@jennifertoelken7637]

Thank you for this. I happened to watch this earlier today and this afternoon my machine started acting up. After rethreading everything didn’t fix the problem, I put oil on a q-tip and cleaned in and around the bobbin case. Problem solved! I was back in business. 😄

[@joantoepke7687]

Thanks so much, love the way you set this up with "Chapters". Extremely helpful information.

[@tanyamhami]

Thank you!!!

[@tanyamhami]

This is what I needed!!!

[@teachrose]

Thanks!

[@courtneymitchell831]

Im so thankful for this video!

[@luciabakova]

I have Janome memory craft 550E about two years old. It has been in dealership (here in Italy) for about two and a half months. Charged me EUR 200 and nothing has been fixed what they mentioned in invoice. I have found local store for sewing machines, embroidery machines and circuit and the lady has helped me great deal with her technician but there is only so much they can do... I am frustrated to no end. But this video has made it so much better! I will try to use this tips and tricks and hope it will help. Thank you!

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm sorry to hear you're frustrated with your Janome 550E. (ʘ ͜ʖ ʘ) That machine has a LOT of features and large hoops so there are MORE mistakes that can be made. Hopefully the tips in this video will help you. I also have a free series of videos for beginners that is useful even if you've been embroidering for years. You might want to watch those if you haven't seen them already. Most of us have to learn our machines the hard way -after making Many, MANY mistakes.

[@ardenehanson2840]

Thank you soooo much! Awesomeness!

[@joannlord2953]

Loved your video! Very helpful! Thank you!

[@cherylendersbe6669]

Great information! Thank you

[@micheleh4016]

Great information! Thank you.

[@missyb.623]

Thanks so much!

[@jessiegibson9023]

Thanks

[@hendrinavos9456]

Thanks will try.

[@educatedballer6602]

This is fantastic. Thank you so much!!!

[@madelaine3209]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@annmcadory8626]

This was GREAT!

[@donnastein1899]

Great video with tips and tricks

[@jimborichardson3131]

Awesome video, Thanks

[@LVXMagick]

This is a wonderful resource! Thank you!!!🥰🙏

[@karachikingembroidery]

Very helpful for all

[@marygallant3391]

Great review for problem resolutions.

[@scmom745]

Wonderful information!!! Thank you so much! 🎉❤😊

[@HeavenlyScentPets]

Thank you, so very helpful.

[@AnntoinetteFuentes]

I have been doing embroidery for several years and this is one of the most helpful videos I have come across. It is easy to follow and has great visual aids. Your presentation is very clean and well thought out and with this array of content that is definitely saying something. It's a wonderful review even if you are experienced, because you can fall into habits and not remember how to fix issues. Thank you so much. I have subscribed 😊

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thank you @AnntoinetteFuentes and welcome to the channel!

[@debbieauman7406]

Thank you for all the info. Keep on making them, you did a great job.

[@maryannbaughman215]

Thanks so much! Very helpful. So glad I finally found you!

[@rawtoast5221]

I watched many videos on how to troubleshoot machine embroidery issues… and your video is by far the best and most detailed and inclusive that I have seen. Thank you! 💕

[@lidabard2121]

Wow!!! Thank you thank you!!! I subscribed and shared this with a friend.

[@kleinereeblaus500]

Great video - so many helpful tips! Thank you!

[@AmirTennis]

Thank you for helpful information

[@ursulatintinger9791]

Thank you thank you.

[@BallyhooCreations]

You are very welcome

[@BobbieBTexas]

Awesome video, new to embroidery

[@alicemcclure4504]

Thank you so much! You have made sense out of my confusion. ❤

[@kamoress]

Thank u!!! ❤️

[@BallyhooCreations]

You're welcome!!

[@ladybb3875]

Great video thank you

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@jodyhartman2527]

So informative! Thank you so much!!! 🤗

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jyotsnajadiye4863]

Many useful tips & tricks... Thank u forr sharing..🙏

[@freshasapeppermint]

Thank you so much! Life saver

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it helped!

[@huguetteboyer3874]

Thank you so much for all the information. You video is well done and easy to understand.

[@thescrappinfrog]

Excellent video. Now I have to check out the beginner embroidery series. Thank you

[@carolhiller1112]

❤ wish I’d seen this many years ago when I first started out. Great for newbies as well as us oldies lol thank you x

[@itzzbarb]

This is the best troubleshooting video on machine embroidery I have seen. Thank you so much!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Wow, thanks!

[@lucillemakrin6188]

You never mentioned using a single hole needle plate. I have found that helps a lot. Thank you, I learned a few tips . Lucille

[@BallyhooCreations]

Great tip, thanks for adding it!

[@reginakennekk7551]

Best help i have received since I purchased my machines

[@2nywa2]

I appreciate you so much, both your expertise and your sense of humor :-)

[@quebirt]

Very comprehensive and helpful. Thank you.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks - glad it helped. Is your username derived from a 1980's video game by any chance? I loved Q-bert.

[@annf3949]

Glad I found your channel

[@BallyhooCreations]

Welcome aboard!

[@missgoodie222ify]

Thanks for sharing this video I learned so much as a new Embroider .

[@juliecoleman2532]

Great tutorial.Answered many issues.🎉

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lorettapigg1114]

your GOOD Thank YOU SO MUCH

[@BallyhooCreations]

You're welcome!

[@susanmartin3173]

Thank you thank you thank you! Btw I love your sewing room setup.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Oh thank you!

[@ibbyd7874]

I've never seen the t-pin tip for stabilizing. Good call. I also love the tension test. I will recommend you to more folks. Really clear and concise.

[@itsmeJennaL]

This video just helped with 3 of my issues. Thank you ❤ seriously thank you ❤🎉

[@kellyeda4782]

Thank you SO much for putting this video together. I’ve watched your entire series and I’ve been waiting for this one for months! So thanks again!!!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad you liked it Kelly. I'm sorry it took so long and THANK YOU for your patience.

[@stephanieh930]

wonderful info! Great explanations, well done, thank you!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@laurie4]

This was a great video! Thank you so much!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lavernecady9390]

I just discovered your channel on KZbin. You're a godsend. I'm taking classes for my new sewing embroidery machine. Needless to say, you're going to be my new Go-to person from now on when I have a problem.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad you're finding the videos helpful! Happy Stitching!

[@SB-zp5dc]

Amazingly helpful video. Thank you

[@BallyhooCreations]

You're very welcome!

[@natalieweninger4113]

Thank you ~ this series was incredibly helpful for this newbie! 😊

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mendalliaj5863]

I’ve been embroidering for a few years now and you answered a few questions I have had! Thank you!🥰

[@ozsomenurse]

Excellent video. Fixed a ton of problems for me. Thanks!!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Great to hear!

[@vancedaniken994]

Great video. Thank you so much. Diana

[@BallyhooCreations]

You are so welcome!

[@vancedaniken994]

@@BallyhooCreations I watched several videos one after another last evening . I learned some things I never thought about. I really appreciate the way you teach. I have a Babylock Solaris 2. I’ve had it about 9 months. I love embroidery. Im perplexed by the puckering, I’m going to try your tips. My name is Diana. Im on my husbands account. Im from Southern IL. (Near St. Louis) in Greenville ILLINOIS. Thank you again . I’ll definitely watch your other videos.

[@morgancox6280]

That pin trick is genius!

[@miric6224]

Wow! Great advice, well spoken and demonstrated. Thank you. First video I’ve seen of yours, anxious to see others.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Awesome, thank you! And welcome to the channel!

[@user-jz5ki7sw4v]

Nice Video.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks for watching!

[@josiereyna864]

I love your glasses! Thank you for your help…

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks! Glasses are from Zenni - they have some cool frames for frugal people like me. 🤣

[@debbiewhite3270]

TY for great explanation and presentation. I'm a new subscriber and will look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Welcome aboard!

[@laurasandy4479]

This series is fantastic!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. 😊

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frannicat]

Hi Lucy, I have a combo Brothers sew/embroidery machine. I have been so afraid to tackle the embroidery function ie as you said flying needles, jams that will prevent me from using even the sewing but what I learned this week when I was trashing Coats & Clark thread is that it's not necessarily the thread but the weight choice. You are sooo right that my bobbin weight is 60. I can use 30-60 at the top but nothing but 60 in bobbin. I read the manual a 2nd time & duh, that's why I had looping in underside. I do agree thread conditioner can help smooth thread & even seems to reduce lint build up. I think my goal in the new year is to just embroid-do it. Thanks for tips. This vid was awesome & I subscribed to your channel. God Bless! Happy Holidays too. 🎄🫶

[@blackhawk1111]

Good fancy content nicely done

[@debbycoffey4788]

Thank u for the info on the missed outline. I have a cute monkey design the outline didn't match up on. I was going to leave that part of the design off being it was the very last part of it. Now I know what I did wrong!

[@deborasmith5191]

I loved the video because of all the helpful advice. I am going to watch your videos on stabilizers too. I take classes at a quilt shop and the lady who teaches the classes says the same thing you have said. It is a great review. Thank you so much!

[@Luxxen101]

I don't embroider, but had to come here and thank you for the giggle.

[@losangalex]

This video was completely life changing. I didn’t ever put my thread under the foot after threading the needle. I was about to throw my machine away. Since watching your vid, I haven’t had a single problem. I fell in love with embroidery and today I just bought a Viking ❤ thank you for your amazing tips.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Happy to hear this video helped! Enjoy your new Viking. :-)

[@dianeharris9432]

You are incredible. Thank you so much for sharing all of your experiences. I learned more from you than I did in the classes I took that cost me money.

[@BallyhooCreations]

That's great to hear! Embroidery is kinda hard but it gets easier as you go. happy stitching!

[@Owner-ParkerRose1792]

I am thinking of adding this to my office to broaden my products. I have to admit…I’m scared to death now after watching this! lol, HOWEVER I assure you I will go for it eventually, and this video will be my savior manual for sure! This is amazing and I mean, you are prob saving many many machines from neglect!

[@BallyhooCreations]

LOL, I'm sorry if you saw this troubleshooting video first! It's at the end of my beginner series where we did all the RIGHT things, before looking at what can go wrong at the end. You can totally do this! (●'◡'●)

[@steviecraftyhands3353]

Great video very helpful I had trouble with puckering but not noe after watching this ty x

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it helped!

[@shanatooley4247]

You are an ANGEL. I have sewed since I was a kid and always wanted an embroidery machine, but when I finally got one I was so lost! This has helped me so much. I appreciate this and look forward to your other videos!

[@jennystrahley927]

Ditto here! I've had mine for about a week and I agree with you! These videos have certainly helped relieve some newby anxiety. Are you confident now since you posted this 4 months ago?

[@faviolamartinezsewdigitizing]

Love your video! I've been teaching embroidery for many years and agree with almost 100% of what you say and I say the same things! However, no Sharpie marker, please only recommend markers designed for fabric including Micron pens. Sharpie will run when it gets washed and ruin the item! Ask me how I learned that one!!! Also, in lieu of Terial which is wonderful, Heavy Spray Starch is my go-to more economical recommendation. Thanks for sharing your experience with the world on KZbin!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thank you for adding that info about Sharpies! Since I'm usually making dolls and puppets that don't go through the wash, I didn't think about that. I've hearted your comment so hopefully it will rise to the top and be seen by others.

[@stephenboyd7244]

Thank you so much for your videos! Some of the things you showed make a lot of sense. I did watch some other videos, but you go more into detail. I'm still learning on my 4x4 Brother embroidery machine.

[@BallyhooCreations]

You are so welcome!

[@joyfulhope4474]

I am a newbie and what a blessing for me to find your video. By far the best one I have seen. My biggest fear is what to do when something goes wrong. You are a wealth of knowledge and you have given me the push I need to overcome the fear or at least have hope that I can manage any trouble that might happen. Thank you so much. I will watch every single video you have published on embroidering. So excited.

[@angelaackerman8934]

When something goes wrong , take a deep breath. Keep in mind that others have been through mistakes and machines “acting up” etc. thread breaks, shifting , wrong stabilizer. Don’t give up. It’s so cool when things work well and the design stitches out beautifully. Just stitch on old or cheap items to start out. You embroider over a stain that would not come off a shirt you liked that you though was not wearable anymore:). I have saved a favorite linen table cloth that i ruined attempting to remove a set in stain. I had rubbed a hole in it. I was upset. To fix it. I used a small piece of iron on interfacing; then I embroidered a similar matching color flower over the area that had been damaged. I turned out great. No one knew it was a “repair” job:) good luck!

[@susancarter2257]

I have to say of all the videos and series that I have watched yours, gave me more information than all the rest put together and for that I thank you. I am looking forward to learning from you in the future.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad to help!

[@annemortensen9164]

I loved this video and have subscribed. I would love to join an online class. I will be watching your other videos soon. Thanks again for these wonderful tips. They helped with a lot of my problems and I wish I had seen this 20 years ago when I bought my first Husqvarna Designer machine.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Hi Anne! If that was a Husqvarna Designer 1 (or 2) then I feel your pain! I still have mine and keep it just so I can make troubleshooting videos because that machine has more problems than most! Glad this video helped you and thanks for watching!

[@myaddi4874]

Thank you for you explanations on all the different issues that a person can have while embroidering. Maybe now I won't struggle with my projects.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Hi Karen! We all struggle sometimes. As long as you're struggling LESS than before - that's improvement! 😁

[@laineysilva3146]

This is an excellent video!!! I have purchased several designs from your store. I have the kitty design!! Yay. Thanks again. I need to check out your video on stabilizers. I did run into some pucker issues, and the correct stabilizer addressed the issue.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks! Stabilizer can make ALL the difference. Glad you figured that out! You should still watch that stabilizer video, since you might learn about different ones that open new creative opportunities 😄 There are always new ones, like a water soluble batting I bought just last month.

[@lorim2074]

Wow! Thanks for this video! I'm a novice and these tips and illustrations are so helpful.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elainekelley6358]

Great information. I have had the bobbin backlash problem and wondered what was going on. Even thought I was hearing things! Thank you so much I learned a lot.

[@BallyhooCreations]

LOL you're not hearing things, you're just attentive! You can usually HEAR when the embroidery machine messes up long before you actually SEE it.

[@tabbsgaming9785]

This video is awesome!!! I thought it was a very helpful video. I'm new to machine embroidery and have come across a few problems. I've done a lot of research but other videos I've watched or things I have read haven't been as clearly defined or informative as your video. I have subscribed to your channel and will be checking out your other videos! Thank you for sharing!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Welcome to the channel! Machine Embroidery has a learning curve just like anything else. You'll be an expert in no time!

[@Shuggarae]

Where were you when I first purchased my machine. Lol Had I known what I know now I wouldn't have a love, hate for my embroidery machine. Today I'm starting over. Thank you so much ❤. I agree with the previous person @Timothy Gaudette same scenario. You're freaking AWESOME 😗 SMUAH

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks Rayvetta! Comments like yours inspire me to keep making videos like these. 🥰

[@mssixty3426]

So now I learn, after 35+ years what caused some problems I had that I couldn't figure out or understand - and I haven't sewn anything in about 15 years. Thread my machine with the presser foot up, and no heavy duty thread on the bobbin! Thank you!

[@BallyhooCreations]

That presser foot secret messed me up for years too! I don't know why it's not written right there on the machines but it's the same on every sewing machine, serger, or embroidery machine. Crazy, right? Thanks for watching!

[@sandraayotte1431]

Great video you showed me somethings that I didn’t know and I have sewed for 40 years or 50 years I have made my own clothes as well as my kids clothes and have now started on great grandchildrens clothes and blankets with embroidery machine for the last 20 years you gave me a lot of hints that is really going to help me and I share this video with my daughter so she can use soee of the things for her own grand kids.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks Sandra. Machine embroidery is one of those things that changes and it's hard to keep up with the ever-changing advice. Welcome to the channel!

[@lyndacoles]

Such a useful video! I’ve been having birdnesting problems and was re-threading with my presser foot down for speed…Thank you!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it helped! that presser foot thing is overlooked by MOST of us!

[@jeffmiller8209]

Hi Lucy, I am new to your channel and I can not tell you how grateful I am to you that you made these KZbin videos for machine embroidery. I have only been machine embroidering for a short time and your videos have are so very appreciated as I have experienced just about everything that you have discussed here. Thank so much for these videos!! So well done, clear, precise and love your sense of humor!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thank you so much!

[@bondee5865]

14:24 preventing "bobbin - backlash" ; ...will try it👍🏼

[@marcellabouldien3107]

Same! So THAT's what that it's called! I can hear my bobbin rattling around in the bobbin case. I will try this too!

[@marcellabouldien3107]

Update! :) I found my original accessories/supplies that came with my Brother PE800. There is a Bobbin Center Pin (spacer) that is recommended when using a pre-wound bobbin, as I do. It appears this may serve the same purpose as the small bobbin-size piece of stabilizer that Lucy mentioned in her video. I'm going to try it and hope it solves the bobbin backlash issue!

[@BallyhooCreations]

I've never heard of that accessory. Keep us posted on how well it works!

[@marcellabouldien3107]

@@BallyhooCreations it didn't work (I got a little nest going underneath and none of the bobbin thread was showing on the back). I re-read the directions,... Apparently the Bobbin Center Pin is designed to compensate for pre-wound bobbins that are 9mm (my Brother OEM bobbins are 11.5mm) Size L (?) . FYI, this accessory was only mentioned in the Brother Quick reference guide, not in the Operation Manual. I couldn't find any info on it on the Brother website (when I entered PE800 machine). Part # is XF5048-001. According to another website, this accessory "Coverts class 15 machines to accept L bobbins".

[@daisyvanbrakel-molenaar1093]

Thank you for this video, it helps a lot. I'm currently at my wits end. I've used self adhesive stabilizer, a basting stitch and upped the pull compensation and I still cannot get my design to stitch out right. The outline is way off. :(

[@BallyhooCreations]

Keep trying different things until the outline is perfectly placed. Sometimes a poorly digitized design is the culprit and there's nothing you can do about that. Just try to buy designs that show a photo of an actual stitch-out so you can tell that at least it stitched nicely for somebody. ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@EFitz-xt4ym]

I really appreciate your time and effort that you obviously put into this very informative video. Thank you so much. I just want to clarify one point. I was told by the repair man at my sewing centre, that when you floss your tension disc’s, to only go in the direction the thread feeds through, never back and forth!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Good pioint, and my dentist says the same thing about flossing my teeth! If you go back and forth it will just rub the gooky stuff around rather than pulling it out.

[@2missteri]

I feel ready to get started on my embroidery machine now I know what to look out for, thanks (I missed the video on tension,… I don’t think it is in this playlist???)

[@BallyhooCreations]

I see you found that tension video. I don't include it in the beginner playlist because it goes deeper into tension and is really more of an intermediate/advanced level thing.

[@2missteri]

@@BallyhooCreations thank you for the great video’s. 👍🏻 I’ll have to watch the tension video again, it’s been a battle today 🫣 So much to learn, the more I play with it the worse it gets. Have you done a video on maintenance?

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@2missteri I haven't done a maintenance video but was thinking of adding one this summer. When my machine acts up (and it does) that means it's time to give up for the day and switch to TV, or video games or wine. Whatever works that is NOT machine embroidery. Things always seem to work better the next day. 😉

[@2missteri]

@@BallyhooCreations again Great advice 👍🏻 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@suepowditch108]

Thank you so much Lucy for this great series of videos - wish I'd spotted it before I started machine embroidering, especially the one on stablizers! Having fun now and have just completed a piece that I've put together from two bought designs from different sources.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad you enjoyed the videos Sue. You're definitely a confident stitcher if you're combining designs on your own! Let me know if there's any particular topics you'd like to see.

[@suepowditch108]

@@BallyhooCreations Perhaps foolhardy might be a better description than confident! I have been sewing since I was 7, some 65 years ago, and have always been a crafts person. I recently decided to upgrade my 10 year old sewing machine and bought a combination machine (Janome Atelier/Skyline 9) and thus be able to embroider which I now find difficult to do by hand. What I need to know is how to line up border designs so if you have a video on that I'd love to know. Thanks again, Sue

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@suepowditch108 Lining up designs for a border can be tricky and is not my strong suit either! But I might attempt it while I'm making some clothes this summer/fall. What type of border are you doing? Skirt? Tablecloth? Quilt?

[@suepowditch108]

@@BallyhooCreations I'm thinking things like table runners or table mats with fairly small border designs that would go round all four sides. I tend to make any quilts as quilt as you go because I can't physically handle big quilts any more but I might want to do embroidered borders for them. As you said, so well, in your videos, we just have to practise and be prepared to throw away what doesn't work - hard to do when you learned in the days of scrimping and scaping and not wasting anything!