Troubleshooting
Most embroidery problems come from hooping, stabilizer, needle or tension rather than from the design file. Start with the simple fixes.
The machine does not show or open the file
- The file is still inside a ZIP: extract it first.
- Wrong format for the machine: check the machine table.
- The design is bigger than the attached hoop, or the JEF hoop code does not match.
- The USB stick is too large or not FAT32, or the file is in a folder the machine does not read.
- The PES version is newer than the machine supports.
The colors on screen are wrong
- The format stores no colors (DST, EXP) or only a palette (JEF, HUS, PEC).
- Follow the color chart that came with the design.
Puckering around the design
- Fabric not tight enough in the hoop.
- Stabilizer too light, or tearaway on a knit: use cutaway.
- Design too dense for the fabric, or shrunk too much.
- Top tension too high.
Gaps between fills and outlines
- Fabric shifted: hoop tighter and use a stronger stabilizer.
- Not enough pull compensation in the digitizing.
- The design was enlarged too much.
Thread breaks or shreds
- Old or wrong needle: change to a new 75/11 embroidery needle.
- Thread path snag or wrong threading: rethread with the presser foot up.
- Old or low-quality thread.
- Very short stitches or very dense areas in the design.
A tangle of thread under the fabric (birdnesting)
- The upper thread is not in the tension discs: rethread with the presser foot raised.
- Fabric bouncing up and down: hoop it tighter.
- Lint or a burr in the bobbin area.
Bobbin thread shows on top
- Top tension too tight or bobbin tension too loose.
- Wrong bobbin thread or bobbin inserted incorrectly.
Stitches sink into towels or fleece
- Use a water-soluble topping on top of the fabric.
- Choose a design with a knockdown stitch or stronger underlay.
Still stuck? Check the glossary for unfamiliar terms or the hoop and stabilizer guide.