How to Fix Loose Stitches on the E15 Embroidery Machine
Written by Tia Isom
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Published on
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Modified on
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Reading time for 4 min
Introduction
If the stitches look loose or you see thread loops on the surface of the fabric, the upper thread tension is probably too loose. This is one of the most common embroidery problems on any embroidery machine, and it’s usually fixable in under five minutes — no parts replacement needed.
Unlike bird nesting (which bunches on the back) or a thread break alert (which stops the machine), loose stitches and thread loops are a tension balance problem. The upper thread isn’t pulling tight enough, so it sits on the surface instead of locking into the fabric.
Loose stitches and thread loops are caused by upper thread tension that is too loose.
Check the upper threading first — a skipped guide or tangled thread will mimic a tension problem.
Three adjustment points control upper tension: two thread guide tension discs and one tension check spring.
Turn the tension discs or check spring clockwise to increase tension.
Make only small adjustments each time — never large changes at once.
Always test on the same fabric and stabilizer at low speed before resuming the project.
Step 1: Check the Upper Threading
First, check the upper threading. Make sure the thread passes through all thread guides and tension components correctly.
Check that the thread is not skipped, tangled, or caught anywhere, and make sure the thread spools unwind smoothly.
Note: A thread that is looped around the outside of a tension disc instead of sitting inside it will feel tight but deliver almost no actual tension — this is one of the most common causes of loose stitches. If you’re not sure the thread path is correct, our upper thread threading guide walks through every guide step by step.
Step 2: Fine-Tune the Upper Thread Tension
The thread tension is controlled by three adjustment points:
Two thread guide tension discs
One tension check spring
Top thread guide tension discMiddle thread guide tension disc and tension check spring
To increase the tension, slightly turn the thread guide tension discs clockwise.
Turn the top thread guide tension disc clockwiseTurn the middle thread guide tension disc clockwise
Or turn the check spring clockwise.
Make only a small adjustment each time. Avoid making large changes all at once. Tension changes are cumulative — one small turn is usually enough to shift the stitch balance.
Step 3: Run a Low-Speed Test
After adjusting, use the same fabric and stabilizer to run a low-speed test.
Then check the stitches on both the front and back. Once the stitches look balanced, continue with your embroidery project.
Tip: The goal is a balanced stitch — the upper and bobbin threads should meet in the middle of the fabric, with no loops on either side. If the back still looks loose after adjusting, the issue is on the bobbin side, not the upper tension. See our quick bobbin thread tension check for that.
Tutorial Video
If you prefer to follow along visually, the video below walks through the same three steps in order — from checking the upper threading to testing the tension at low speed. You can watch it before you start or use it alongside the steps above.
Watch the full troubleshooting walkthrough for loose stitches and thread loops on the HTVRONT E15 Embroidery Machine.
Conclusion
Loose stitches and thread loops are a tension balance problem, not a machine failure. Check the upper threading first, then fine-tune the tension using the two thread guide tension discs and the tension check spring. Make small clockwise adjustments, and test on the same fabric and stabilizer at low speed before resuming your project.
If the stitches still look loose after adjusting the upper tension, the issue may be on the bobbin side — check the bobbin thread tension next. And if the problem continues after both sides are checked, contact HTVRONT Support at support@htvront.com.
Loose stitches are almost always caused by upper thread tension that is too loose. The upper thread isn’t pulling tight enough, so it sits on the surface instead of locking into the fabric. Check the upper threading first, then increase the tension slightly.
What causes thread loops on the surface of the fabric?
Thread loops on the surface are a classic sign of loose upper tension. The upper thread is not being pulled tight enough to lock with the bobbin thread, so loops form on top. Increase the upper tension in small increments until the stitches look balanced.
Which direction do I turn the tension discs to tighten the upper thread?
Turn the thread guide tension discs clockwise to increase the tension. You can also turn the tension check spring clockwise. Always make only small adjustments — one small turn is usually enough to shift the stitch balance.
How do I know when the tension is correct?
The stitches should look balanced on both the front and back of the fabric — the upper and bobbin threads should meet in the middle of the fabric, with no loops on either side. Run a low-speed test on the same fabric and stabilizer before resuming your project.
What if the stitches still look loose after adjusting the upper tension?
If the front looks balanced but the back still looks loose, the issue is on the bobbin side, not the upper tension. Check the bobbin thread tension next — see our quick bobbin thread tension check guide for the correct method.
Can a threading mistake cause loose stitches?
Yes. If the thread is looped around the outside of a tension disc instead of sitting inside it, the thread will feel tight but deliver almost no actual tension. Check the upper threading path first — this is one of the most common causes of loose stitches.
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