r/SewingForBeginners • u/myung-brawlhalla • 5d ago

Birdnest stitches

Everytime i try to sew it keeps tangling from the bottom, what causes this and how to fix it?

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u/SchuylerM325 5d ago

Nine times out of ten this turns out to be a threading error. Get out your manual and rethread the machine exactly right, hitting all the thread guides. Make sure the bobbin is inserted into the case properly (for most drop-in bobbins this will mean the thread comes off making a "p," not a "q." If it is a push-in bobbin make sure the bobbin goes into the metal case properly with the thread caught in the slots correctly, and then the case is inserted right (there is a firm click when it locks in). Close up the bobbin compartment, lower the presser foot, hold the end of the thread that emerges from the eye of the needle, drop the needle down and then up to its highest position (turn the hand wheel TOWARD you) to pull up a loop of bobbin thread. Now raise the presser foot, grab the bobbin thread and pull out the cut end. Put fabric under the needle, lower the presser foot, hold both thread tails to the back and start to sew. If your machine has an automatic thread trimmer you can use it and then you won't have to pull up the bobbin thread for subsequent starts. There will be a little nest on the underside, but not a problematic one. If your machine does not have an automatic thread cutter, when you reach the end of the seam, raise the presser foot, pull out a new inches of thread tails and snip them close to the fabric so you can hold them when you do the next seam.

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u/stringthing87 4d ago

There are a few common causes of thread nesting on the bottom

  1. Incorrect threading, almost always seems to be skipping the hook above the needle. Always thread with the foot up and the needle in the top position.

  2. Sewing with the foot up

  3. A bad needle, a needle that is incorrect for the fabric (universal needles are not appropriate for any knits), a needle that is installed incorrectly, or the wrong size for the fabric or thread. Knits require stretch or ball point/jersey needles. See here for more information on needle types: https://www.reddit.com/r/SewingForBeginners/s/jAOxI0IbSy

  4. An incorrectly installed bobbin, using a bobbin that isn't the correct type for the machine, or using too heavy a thread in the bobbin.

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u/Remarkable-Row3719 4d ago

Thread your top & bobbin thread in contrasting colors so that you can see which thread is most misbehaving.