Hikone Embroidery Machine: Bird’s Nesting Troubleshooting

1. Incorrect Thread Tension (Upper or Bobbin) high likelihood

How to tell

Excess thread accumulates in a tangled mess on the underside of the fabric. Stitches on the top may appear loose or uneven. If upper tension is too loose, loops may appear on top. If bobbin tension is too loose, loops may appear on the bottom.

Fix

1. For Upper Thread Tension: Locate the upper thread tension dial, typically numbered. Turn the dial incrementally (e.g., half a number) to increase tension (clockwise) if the top thread is too loose, or decrease tension (counter-clockwise) if the top thread is too tight. Test stitch on scrap fabric. The goal is for the bobbin thread to show approximately 1/3 of the way up from the bottom on a straight stitch, or for the top thread to pull the bobbin thread slightly to the top on a zigzag.
2. For Bobbin Thread Tension: Remove the bobbin case. If it's a drop-in bobbin, check the small screw on the bobbin case. Turn it a quarter turn clockwise to increase tension or counter-clockwise to decrease. For front-loading bobbin cases, check the tension spring screw. Test stitch on scrap fabric. The bobbin thread should pull slightly to the top, creating a balanced stitch. Refer to your Hikone machine's manual for specific tension adjustment procedures and recommended settings for different thread types.

Parts involved: Thread path & tension → Rotary hooks & bobbin cases →

2. Improper Threading high likelihood

How to tell

The machine may make unusual noises, the thread may snag or break, and bird's nesting will occur. Visual inspection will show the thread not passing through all required guides, discs, or the take-up lever.

Fix

1. Completely remove the upper thread from the machine.
2. Ensure the presser foot is raised to open the tension discs.
3. Carefully re-thread the upper thread, ensuring it passes through every guide, the tension discs (it should feel a slight resistance), and the take-up lever. Follow the threading path diagram in your Hikone machine's manual precisely.
4. Ensure the thread is correctly threaded through the needle eye, typically from front to back, with the thread tail pulled under the presser foot and towards the back.

Parts involved: Thread path & tension →

3. Bobbin Issues (Winding or Insertion) high likelihood

How to tell

The bobbin thread may not feed smoothly, leading to uneven stitches or tangles underneath. Visually inspect the bobbin for uneven winding, loose thread, or incorrect orientation in the bobbin case/holder.

Fix

1. Remove the bobbin and inspect its winding. If it's uneven, too loose, or too full, re-wind it. Ensure the thread winds smoothly and evenly across the bobbin.
2. Ensure you are using the correct bobbin type and size specified for your Hikone machine. Using the wrong bobbin can cause tension and feeding problems.
3. Carefully re-insert the bobbin into the bobbin case or bobbin holder, ensuring the thread feeds in the correct direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise, as indicated by a diagram on the machine or in the manual) and is properly seated under the tension spring of the bobbin case.

Parts involved: Rotary hooks & bobbin cases →

4. Damaged or Incorrect Needle medium likelihood

How to tell

The needle may snag or break the thread, causing loops or tangles. Visual inspection may reveal a bent, dull, burred, or incorrectly inserted needle. Skipped stitches may also occur.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power.
2. Loosen the needle clamp screw and remove the old needle.
3. Inspect the needle for any signs of bending, dullness, or burrs. If any damage is present, replace it.
4. Ensure you are using the correct needle type and size for your fabric and thread combination, as recommended in your Hikone machine's manual.
5. Insert a new, correct needle with the flat side of the shank facing the back (or as specified in your manual) and push it up as far as it will go into the needle clamp. Tighten the needle clamp screw securely.

Parts involved: Needles & needle bars →

5. Dirty or Damaged Machine Parts (Bobbin Case, Throat Plate) medium likelihood

How to tell

Lint, dust, or broken thread pieces can interfere with thread movement, especially around the bobbin area and under the needle. Scratches or burrs on the throat plate can snag thread. Visual inspection will reveal debris or damage.

Fix

1. Turn off the machine power.
2. Remove the needle plate (throat plate) and the bobbin case/rotary hook assembly.
3. Using a small brush (often supplied with the machine) and/or a vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle, thoroughly clean out all lint, dust, and thread fragments from the bobbin area, feed dogs, and under the throat plate.
4. Inspect the throat plate for any burrs, nicks, or scratches, especially around the needle hole. If damaged, it can snag thread and should be replaced.
5. Inspect the bobbin case and rotary hook for any damage or debris. Clean thoroughly. Reassemble carefully, ensuring all parts are correctly seated.

A damaged throat plate or bobbin case may need replacement.

Parts involved: Rotary hooks & bobbin cases → Presser feet & sewing parts → Lubrication & maintenance →

6. Improper Hooping low likelihood

How to tell

The fabric may shift, pucker, or not lie flat during embroidery, leading to uneven stitches and potential thread tangles. Visual inspection will show loose or improperly secured fabric in the hoop.

Fix

1. Remove the hoop from the machine.
2. Ensure the fabric is placed smoothly and tautly in the hoop, without wrinkles or excessive stretching. The fabric should be drum-tight but not distorted.
3. Use appropriate stabilizer for your fabric type and design density. The stabilizer should be hooped with the fabric or adhered securely.
4. Ensure the hoop screw is tightened sufficiently to hold the fabric firmly. Avoid over-tightening, which can distort the hoop.

Parts involved: Hoops & frames →