Why Sewing Machine Thread Bunches Up and How to Fix It!

“Birdnesting” Checklist

The thread is bunching up on TOP of your fabric:

Whenever the sewing machine thread bunches up, or “bird nests”, on the top of your fabric, the problem typically lies with your bobbin.

Here’s what to check:

1.  Is your bobbin correctly threaded?

• If the thread has knots, is not smooth, is uneven, or is loose on the bobbin, then it has not been threaded correctly.
•  If your machine uses a bobbin case, follow your sewing machine’s instructions to remove the bobbin from the case and re-thread it. Make sure you place it back in the case according to your machine’s instructions.
• Be sure that you have the bobbin thread engaged in the bobbin tension. To test this, hold the bobbin thread with one hand and if the bobbin drops to the floor then you missed the tension spring in the bobbin case.

Check out The Bobbin Tension Trick You May Not Know for more information.

2.  Is your bobbin case tension too loose?

•  If you have loosened the screw on your bobbin case to allow for thicker threads you may need to re-adjust it for a regular thread.
• After the bobbin case has been correctly threaded, give the bobbin thread a slight tug.  The thread should still move freely with some slight resistance.

The thread is bunching up on UNDERNEATH your fabric:

If the thread is bunching up underneath your fabric, don’t assume that the problem is with the bobbin.  This is what most people tend to think, however, your needle tension is more likely the true culprit.

Here’s what to check:

1.  Is the needle threaded correctly?

•  Cut the thread a few inches from the spool and pull it out of the machine through the needle.   Re-thread according to the instructions for your machine.
• Always thread the sewing machine with the presser foot up.  The tension is engaged when the presser foot is down and the thread will not engage properly in the tension discs.
• Complete engagement is necessary so that the discs can snugly “grasp” the thread.

2.  Is the presser foot up?

•  Don’t worry.  We all do this occasionally.  Just put it down and never speak of it to another soul. ?

Note:  It has come to my attention that this one might be a bit tricky for some sewing beginners.  So, just to be clear, the presser foot should be down during sewing.

3.  Does the tension need to be adjusted?

•  Even sewing machines that can “sense” your thread and automatically determine proper tension are sometimes wrong.
• Tighten or loosen the tension as necessary.

4.  Does your needle need to be changed?

• Make sure you are using the proper needle for the fabric you are using.
•  Also, double-check that the needle is not bent.  If you pull the fabric instead of guiding it through the feed dogs as you sew then the needle can bend leading to all sorts of sewing machine problems.

5.  Does the sewing machine need to be cleaned?

•  Frequent cleaning, dusting, and oiling will prevent many stitching problems.
•  Make sure to dust underneath the throat plate, in the bobbin case, and along the thread path.
• Proper maintenance takes only minutes and can save you a multitude of headaches.

Still having problems after going through the checklist?  

• Then let’s add one more thing to do.  It’s time to change your thread.  Make sure you are using a high-quality thread.  No folks, not all threads are created equal.  Stop buying thread from the bargain bins!

• Low-quality threads not only tend to break more often, they also generally have looser fibers. Pieces of broken thread and loose fibers mean more lint in your sewing machine.  This can lead to all sorts of problems, including your thread bunching up.  It can even cause irreparable damage to your machine.   A sewing machine is a substantial investment.  You don’t want that investment destroyed because you then decided to use cheap thread.

So, what’s the best sewing machine thread?

Good question.  The answer is really one of personal opinion.

• I love Gutermann, but I’ve heard that Mettler, Aurifill, and Robison Anton are also good.  When I was a beginning sewer I was not so picky.  I grabbed the cheapest thread I could.  I even used old thread my grandma had since the 70’s!

•  Years of experience, sewing machine problems, and projects that literally fell apart at the seams because I used poor quality thread taught me a valuable lesson.  There is no substitute for quality.

•  I use Gutermann because it creates less lint, thus, it gunks up your sewing machine less than other threads.  It also tangles less than other threads and lasts longer than other threads.  Yes, it’s a bit more expensive.  I usually try to stock up while it’s on sale. You can find it at it Michaels or on Amazon.  The price varies by spool size.  (You can also click on the images)

What do you do when all else fails?

•  Change your thread and put in a new, sharp sewing machine needle.  It’s a winning combination!

I have seriously been at the end of my rope, pulling my hair out in frustration from episodes of birdnesting… tried everything on the list… and failed… only to have it magically fixed by doing these two things at the same time.  

This is not an exaggeration.

•  Gently hold the end of the thread for the first few stitches when sewing.

This is a tip given to me by multiple readers (check the comments section) and I have tested it myself.  So far, I think it definitely helps, and it is something I have added to my normal sewing process.

•  If possible, watch your thread uptake lever while sewing.

What Is the Thread Uptake Lever?

The thread uptake lever is the part of the sewing machine that pulls the thread from the spool, feeds it through the machine, and lifts the thread back up out of the fabric after a stitch has been made.

Basically, it’s the part of the sewing machine that goes up and down as you sew.

It’s located directly above the presser foot and is often concealed or obscured by the top plastic shell of the sewing machine.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, even after I have tried absolutely everything and I am sure my tension should be right, the thread will simply fall off the uptake lever.

And then you know what happens?  Yep, you guessed it… the thread bunches up!

So, now I have removed the plastic piece on my sewing machine so the thread uptake lever is always in view.  

When the thread falls off, I use a pen to gently lift up the thread and place it back on the lever.  

Magic!

Take my advice folks and learn from my mistakes.  The next time your sewing machine thread bunches up refer to this checklist.

Hopefully, these tips will help you troubleshoot and fix the issue quickly so you can keep the creative juices flowing and keep on sewing!

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Help others solve this frustrating issue!

Until next time…  Happy Sewing!

If you are a sewing beginner, perhaps you tackled your sewing project too soon.  Don’t despair!

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