# Bobbin Thread Showing on Top of Embroidery: Causes & Fix > White bobbin thread showing on top of your embroidery? Fix upper tension and bobbin seating, check bobbin thread weight, and use the 1/3–2/3 satin test. - Source: https://embroiderywise.com/posts/bobbin-thread-showing-on-top/ - Markdown version: https://embroiderywise.com/posts/bobbin-thread-showing-on-top.md - Last updated: 2026-10-07 --- - [Home](https://embroiderywise.com/) - [Guides](https://embroiderywise.com/guides/) - Bobbin thread showing on top of embroidery? How to fix it Buying advice # Bobbin thread showing on top of embroidery? How to fix it Updated October 7, 2026 By [EmbroideryWise Editorial Team](https://embroiderywise.com/about/) [How we research](https://embroiderywise.com/how-we-research/) Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy. ## Key takeaways - Brother lists upper tension that’s too tight and an incorrectly installed bobbin as the causes of bobbin thread showing on top. - Brother says correct tension shows a little upper thread on the wrong side; bobbin thread on the right side means the upper tension is too tight. - Madeira’s rule for satin stitches: about 1/3 bobbin and 2/3 top thread on the underside. - Brother’s included bobbin case is set for 90 weight bobbin thread. A different bobbin thread weight can change the balance. - Adjust upper tension before the bobbin case screw, and never force the screw. ### On this page 7 sections - [Why does bobbin thread show on top?](#why-does-bobbin-thread-show-on-top) - [Quick diagnostic table](#quick-diagnostic-table) - [How do you check thread tension?](#how-do-you-check-thread-tension) - [How to fix bobbin thread showing on top](#how-to-fix-bobbin-thread-showing-on-top) - [How do you prevent it?](#how-do-you-prevent-it) - [What to buy](#what-to-buy) - [FAQ](#faq) ## Before you choose - [Why does my embroidery thread keep breaking? Causes and fixes](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-thread-breaking/) - [Embroidery machine bird nesting: why thread bunches under the plate and how to fix it](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-machine-birdnesting/) - [Best embroidery thread for beginners: weight, fiber and bobbins explained](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-thread-for-beginners/) Bobbin thread shows on top when the upper thread is pulling harder than the bobbin thread. Brother names two causes: upper thread tension that’s too tight and a bobbin installed incorrectly. Rethread, reseat the bobbin so its thread passes under the tension spring, then loosen the upper tension one step at a time and check a satin test stitch. You finish a red satin monogram and see little white specks along the edges of every letter. That white is bobbin thread being pulled up to the front. It’s a balance problem between the top thread and the bobbin thread, and it’s usually quick to fix once you know which side is out of balance. This guide uses Brother’s manual and Madeira’s tension guidance to show what causes it, how to test it and how to fix it without making things worse. ## Why does bobbin thread show on top? Every stitch is a tug-of-war. The top thread comes down through the fabric, the bobbin thread comes up, and they should lock together just under the fabric surface, on the back. If the top thread pulls harder than the bobbin, it drags the bobbin thread up to the front. Brother’s List of Symptoms gives two causes when bobbin thread is visible on the top of the fabric: - **Upper thread tension is too tight.** - **The bobbin is installed incorrectly.** Brother also lists bobbin thread that was wound incorrectly as a related cause. ## Quick diagnostic table | What you see | Most likely cause | First fix | | --- | --- | --- | | Bobbin thread along satin edges and lettering | Upper tension too tight | Loosen upper tension one step | | Started suddenly after a bobbin change | Bobbin inserted wrong or not under the tension spring | Reseat the bobbin | | Started after switching bobbin thread brand or weight | Bobbin thread weight different from what the case is set for | Go back to recommended bobbin thread | | Bobbin thread shows plus upper thread breaks | Upper tension too tight, or thread snagging in the path | Rethread, then loosen tension | | Shows on one design only | Dense or narrow satin digitizing | Test another design | | Loops of top thread on the front (the opposite problem) | Upper tension too loose | Tighten upper tension one step | ## How do you check thread tension? ### Brother’s description Brother’s tension page describes the correct result as upper thread appearing slightly on the wrong side of the fabric. If bobbin thread appears slightly on the right side, the upper tension is too tight and Brother says to loosen it. If loops appear on the right side, the upper tension is too loose and you should tighten it. ### Madeira’s 1/3–2/3 satin test Madeira suggests stitching a simple satin stitch as the best way to see whether tension is right. Turn the fabric over: correct tension for satin stitches should show about 1/3 bobbin thread and 2/3 top thread color on the underside. In practice that’s a band of bobbin color down the middle with top thread color on both sides. | What the back of a satin column shows | What it means | | --- | --- | | Top color on both sides, bobbin in the middle third | Balanced | | Mostly or all bobbin, little top color | Upper tension too loose | | Mostly top color, bobbin barely visible, bobbin dots on front | Upper tension too tight | Use a contrasting top color for the test so it’s easy to read. Stitch on the same fabric and stabilizer you’ll use for the real piece. A caveat on Madeira’s numbers. The same Madeira page lists tension values in grams for bobbin and top threads, measured with Towa and Tajima tension gauges. Those are tools for commercial machines. Brother’s embroidery machine manual has you set upper tension with plus and minus buttons and a tension number on the screen, so use the visual 1/3–2/3 test, not the gram figures. ## How to fix bobbin thread showing on top ### Step 1: Rethread the upper thread Tension problems and threading problems look alike. Cut the thread at the spool, pull it out through the needle, raise the presser foot and rethread. Brother’s threading instructions say the machine can’t be threaded if the presser foot isn’t raised. A thread that has slipped out of a guide or is catching on the spool can add drag and pull the bobbin thread up. ### Step 2: Reseat the bobbin Remove the bobbin and reinstall it the way your manual shows. Brother’s instructions for its embroidery machines say to set the bobbin so the thread unwinds to the left, guide the thread through the slit in the needle plate and pull it lightly so it enters the bobbin case’s tension spring. That spring is what gives the bobbin thread its tension. If the thread misses it, bobbin tension is close to zero and the top thread wins every time. Brother also warns to use a correctly wound bobbin, or the tension may be incorrect. While the bobbin is out, brush lint from the case. Madeira suggests cleaning the bobbin case with compressed air when you change bobbins. ### Step 3: Loosen the upper tension If the bobbin was seated correctly, the upper tension is the next suspect. On Brother machines, you touch the minus button on the screen to loosen it. Go one step at a time and stitch the satin test after each change. Don’t loosen it all the way. Brother notes that if upper tension is set extremely loose, the machine may stop during embroidering. ### Step 4: Check the bobbin thread Brother says to use the included or a recommended embroidery bobbin thread, and that its included bobbin case is set for 90 weight bobbin thread. Brother’s PWB350 prewound bobbins are listed as 90 weight, designed for Brother embroidery-only machines. Not every maker uses the same weight. Sulky’s thread guide lists its bobbin thread as 60 weight spun polyester, which is heavier than 90 weight. Brother says that if you use a different weight of bobbin thread, the bobbin case tension screw can be adjusted if necessary. So if the problem started when you changed bobbin thread, go back to the recommended thread first. Prewound bobbins must also match your machine’s bobbin size. Madeira notes that prewound bobbins give consistent tension. Our [embroidery thread guide](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-thread-for-beginners/) covers bobbin thread choices. ### Step 5: Adjust the bobbin case only as a last step Some Brother machines come with a bobbin case that has no color on its screw, and Brother’s manual explains how to adjust it. For bobbin thread that’s too loose, Brother says to turn the slotted (−) screw clockwise about 30–45 degrees. For bobbin thread that’s too tight, turn it counterclockwise about 30–45 degrees. Remove the bobbin first. Brother’s cautions are important: - Don’t adjust the Phillips (+) screw on the bobbin case. - Don’t use force if the slotted screw is hard to turn. - Turning the screw too much may damage the bobbin case. Madeira recommends setting bobbin tension correctly before managing top tension, which is the commercial approach. On a home machine, it’s safer to change upper tension first, because you can always return it to the default number. If you do adjust the case, turn it a small amount, retest, and note how far you turned it. ### Step 6: Rule out the design If bobbin thread shows on only one design, look at the file. Very narrow or very dense satin columns are harder to balance. Run a test with a different design. If the other design is fine, the problem is the digitizing, not your machine. See [embroidery design resizing](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-design-resizing/) if you’ve shrunk the design. ## How do you prevent it? - **Rethread and reseat the bobbin** every time you change bobbins or spools. - **Stick with one bobbin thread** that matches what your machine is set for. - **Stitch a tension test** when you change thread type, such as moving from polyester to metallic. - **Keep the bobbin area free of lint.** - **Write down your settings.** If a fabric or thread combination needs a different upper tension, note it so you can repeat it. When top tension is too tight, it often causes other problems too. If your thread is also snapping, see [why embroidery thread keeps breaking](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-thread-breaking/). Tight tension can also draw fabric in, which we cover in [embroidery puckering](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-puckering/). If you’re seeing tangles underneath instead, go to [embroidery machine bird nesting](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-machine-birdnesting/). New to all of this? Our [how to use an embroidery machine guide](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/how-to-use-an-embroidery-machine/) covers threading and a first stitch-out, the [glossary](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-file-formats-explained/) explains the terms, and more fixes are in our [troubleshooting guides](https://embroiderywise.com/guides/). ## What to buy The supplies this guide calls for, with what to check before buying. Prices change often — confirm with the seller. - **[Embroidery bobbin thread or prewound bobbins](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=embroidery+bobbin+thread+white&tag=room4205-20)** — Lighter bobbin thread keeps the back of the design flat and reduces bulk. - **[40 wt polyester embroidery thread set](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=40+wt+polyester+embroidery+thread+set&tag=room4205-20)** — A starter range of colors in the weight most home designs are digitized for. - **[Embroidery needles (75/11)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=embroidery+machine+needles+75%2F11&tag=room4205-20)** — Embroidery needles have a larger eye and groove that protect rayon and polyester thread at speed. - **[Tweezers](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sewing+tweezers+long&tag=room4205-20)** — Pull out trimmed tails, lint and stray threads around the needle plate. ## Don't guess. Calculate. - [🧵 Machine Finder](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/machine-finder/): which machines fit your projects - [▱ Hoop Fit Checker](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/hoop-fit/): will your design fit the field - [◷ Stitch Time Calculator](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/stitch-time/): how long a design takes to stitch - [📊 Compare every machine](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/): sortable spec table ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is white bobbin thread showing on top of my embroidery? Brother lists two causes: upper thread tension that’s too tight, and a bobbin that isn’t installed correctly. Reseat the bobbin first, then loosen the upper tension a step and test. ### Should I loosen the top tension or tighten the bobbin? Start with the top tension. Brother’s tension page says to loosen the upper tension when bobbin thread appears on the right side; adjust the bobbin case only if that doesn’t solve it and your manual allows it. ### What should the back of my embroidery look like? Madeira says satin stitches with correct tension show about one-third bobbin thread in the middle and two-thirds top thread color on the underside. Brother describes correct tension as upper thread appearing slightly on the wrong side. ### Can I use regular sewing thread in the bobbin for embroidery? Brother says to use the included or a recommended embroidery bobbin thread, and its bobbin case is set for 90 weight bobbin thread. A heavier thread can upset the tension balance and add bulk to the back. ### Is it OK if a little bobbin thread shows on top? Brother treats bobbin thread appearing on the right side as a sign the upper tension is too tight. If you see it along the stitches, run the satin test on scrap and loosen the upper tension a step. ## Sources - [Brother operation manual: List of Symptoms](https://support.brother.com/g/s/hf/htmldoc/hsm/om/888p6x/en/09_05_07.html) - [Brother operation manual: Adjusting Thread Tension](https://support.brother.com/g/s/hf/htmldoc/hsm/om/888p6x/en/06_11_01.html) - [Brother operation manual: Adjusting the Bobbin Case (with No Color on the Screw)](https://support.brother.com/g/s/hf/htmldoc/hsm/om/888p6x/en/06_11_02.html) - [Brother operation manual: Installing the Bobbin](https://support.brother.com/g/s/hf/htmldoc/hsm/om/888p6x/en/02_01_03.html) - [Brother operation manual: Upper Threading](https://support.brother.com/g/s/hf/htmldoc/hsm/om/888p6x/en/02_02.html) - [Brother operation manual: Embroidering Attractive Finishes (thread and bobbin)](https://support.brother.com/g/s/hf/htmldoc/hsm/om/888p6x/en/06_09_01.html) - [Brother PWB350 prewound bobbins](https://www.brother-usa.com/p/threads-spools-stands/PWB350) - [Madeira: Adjusting Thread Tensions](https://www.madeirausa.com/services/troubleshooting/adjusting-thread-tensions/default.aspx) - [Madeira: 7 Questions Every Embroiderer Needs to Know About Bobbins](https://www.madeirausa.com/education/blog/7-questions-every-embroiderer-needs-to-know-about-bobbins/default.aspx) - [Sulky Thread & Needle Guide (PDF)](https://blog.sulky.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Thread-and-Needle-Guide.pdf) [🧵 Not sure which fits? Find your embroidery machine in 60 seconds.](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/machine-finder/)[📊 Compare every machine Sortable chart of all beginner machines.](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/) ## Keep reading [Buying advice ### Why does my embroidery thread keep breaking? Causes and fixes Top thread breaking or shredding while you embroider? Work through threading, tension, needle, thread age, burrs and digitizing in order, with sources. Updated Oct 7, 2026](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-thread-breaking/)[Buying advice ### Embroidery machine bird nesting: why thread bunches under the plate and how to fix it Thread bunching under your embroidery? Fix bird nesting step by step: safe removal, rethreading, bobbin, tension and hooping checks, with sources. Updated Oct 7, 2026](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-machine-birdnesting/)[Best picks ### Best embroidery thread for beginners: weight, fiber and bobbins explained Which machine embroidery thread to buy first: why 40 wt is standard, polyester vs rayon vs cotton vs metallic, the right bobbin thread, and a starter color plan. Updated Oct 7, 2026](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-thread-for-beginners/)