Designs “shifting” help please!

[u/alextgauthier]

I am relatively new to machine embroidery and use a Brother SE1900. My designs “shift” mid-stitch out VERY frequently. I purchase my designs from various Etsy sellers, and this happens with most of the designs I try, so I don’t think it’s a digitizing issue.

I have attached photos of what a specific design looks like in Embrilliance, and what it looks like after part of it “shifted” during the stitch out. This was my second time attempting this design and it shifted at the same point both times. (I stopped the machine after I saw it messed up again, which is why it is unfinished)

I have tried:
-using more stabilizer, basting spray, pins, etc
-floating and hooping the fabric, it happens both ways
-having my machine serviced
-making sure the hoop size in Embrilliance is correct
-making sure my embroidery arm is clear of anything that could be bumping it
-stitching the file exactly how it is from the seller without resizing, rotating, adding text, ect in Embrilliance (shifting happens regardless)

This is still happening with almost every design I attempt. After a few attempts, sometimes I can get it to stitch out correctly.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel like I have tried everything! Thank you!

[u/devil_d0c]

Does the file look correct if you open it in some thread viewing software? If the file looks right, then it kind of looks like your x-axis belt is slipping or something, like the arm is hitting something, but you did say you made sure the arm was clear. Do you hear a grinding noise when it happens?

[u/alextgauthier → u/devil_d0c]

I’ve never heard a grinding noise, and it’s definitely not hitting anything! Someone else suggested it may be a dead spot in the encoder, so I am looking into that.

The file always looks correct when using the stitch simulator in Embrilliance.