Upper Thread Gets Caught on Shuttle Hook: Reasons And Solutions!

If you enjoy sewing, you are aware of the frustration it may cause when your upper thread gets caught in the shuttle hook.

So why upper thread gets on shuttle hook?

While using a sewing machine, the top thread can get caught on the shuttle hook for a number of reasons, such as improper threading, a bent or broken bobbin case, the use of the incorrect size or kind of needle, timing problems, or tension problems. Finding the source of the issue is crucial to preventing it from happening again and maintaining the functionality of your sewing machine.

There are some solutions to fix this issue. So, if you want to solve this problem and know the reason behind it, keep reading this whole article. 

6 Reasons Why Upper Thread Gets Caught on Shuttle Hook: solved!

The reasons behind the upper thread getting caught on the shuttle hook are mentioned below with some possible solutions. Now let’s discuss and solve why the upper thread gets caught as we did with embroidery coming loose previously.

Issues	Reasons	Solutions
Your Bobbin Case May Be Broken	If this latch is damaged, the bobbin case may become looseIf your bobbin casing is worn out or broken	Determine the type of bobbin case you requireRemove the broken bobbin caseClean the area’s surfaceInsert the alternative bobbin case
Hook Not Getting to Thread Properly	When the hook does not correctly hold the thread.If the machine’s timing is wrong	Analyse for any damageCheck the timePosition the hookAdjust the upper thread tensionClean and lubricate the machi
Bobbin Case is Not Clipped into the Proper Position	If the bobbin case latch is not engagedIf the incorrect bobbin casing is used for your machine	Check the bobbin case latchUse the correct bobbin caseInsert the bobbin case correctlyCleaning properly
Bobbin Is in a Backward position	Create the risk of harming the machine or the bobbin	Remove the bobbin caseReinstall the bobbinReplace the bobbin case
The Thread In The Bobbin May Have A Knot	May generate a hump or thickness in the threadThe sewing machine might get jam	Cut the knotRe-thread the bobbinLook for tanglesTest the machine after inserting the bobbin
Using The Wrong Bobbin For Your Sewing Machine	It may move unevenly or become stuck in the machineThis may result in skipped stitches and irregular stitch creation	Check your sewing machine manualMatch the model numberCheck the size and weightChoose high-quality bobbinsCheck the size and weight

Reason 1: Your Bobbin Case May Be Broken

A component of the bobbin case that secures the case in place is the bobbin case latch. If this latch is damaged, the bobbin case may become loose and move when you sew. This can cause the top thread to get caught with the shuttle hook.

Additionally, if your bobbin casing is worn out or broken, it could not fit in the machine properly. As a result, the case could shift while being sewn. Therefore, a damaged or worn-out bobbin can be a serious issue.

Solution:

It is recommended to get a replacement bobbin case if yours is damaged. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Determine the type of bobbin case you require

There are several bobbin case types, so be sure to choose the appropriate one for your machine. 

Step 2: Remove the broken bobbin case

Open the bobbin case compartment and take out the broken bobbin case from the machine.

Step 3: Clean the area’s surface

Use a tiny brush to remove any dirt or debris from the area before installing the new bobbin case.

Step 4: Insert the alternative bobbin case

Make sure the new bobbin case snaps firmly into place before inserting it into the bobbin case compartment. Check to see if the bobbin case latch is in place and holding the case securely.

Step 5: Adjust the bobbin case tension

If the bobbin case tension has to be changed, refer to your handbook for guidance on how to set it up for your particular fabric and thread.

Step 6:Test the machine

Finally, once the new bobbin cover is in place, test the machine to ensure the top thread is no longer caught in the shuttle hook.

Always use the best bobbins like class 15 or 15j or class 66 bobbins and thread to keep your machine running smoothly and avoid thread clogs. 

Reason 2: Hook Not Getting to Thread Properly

The top thread could get tangled in the shuttle hook if the hook does not correctly hold the thread. If the machine’s timing is wrong, the hook could not get to the thread at the appropriate moment. As a result, the shuttle hook may catch the upper thread. 

In certain machines, the hook can be adjusted around to make sure it is positioned correctly to hold the upper thread.

However, it can impact how the hook catches the thread if the top thread tension is too tight or too loosen up. Make sure the tension is adjusted so that it is appropriate for the kind of cloth you are sewing.

Solution:

Here are some steps you may do to fix the issue if your hook is not connecting to the thread properly:

Step 1: Analyse for any damage

Check the hook for any deterioration or damage. It could be necessary to replace the hook if it is bent or broken.

Step 2: Check the time

If the machine’s timing is wrong, the hook may not correctly capture the thread. To alter the timing of your equipment,  follow your manual book.

Step 3: Position the hook

Some machines enable you to change the hook’s location. Check your manual to see if this is the case for your machine and follow the instructions to adjust the hook position.

Step 4: Adjust the upper thread tension

The hook’s ability to capture the thread can be impacted by the upper thread tension, which can be adjusted if it is too tight or too loose. Make sure the tension is adjusted so that it is appropriate for the kind of cloth you are sewing.

Step 5: Check the needle

Make sure the needle you are using is the appropriate size and type for the cloth you are stitching. The higher thread may not flow through the machine effectively if the improper needle is used, which will make it challenging for the hook to attach.

Step 6: Clean and lubricate the machine

A dirty or poorly lubricated machine can cause the hook to not catch the thread properly. Clean the machine and make sure it is properly lubricated.

If you have tried these solutions and are still having issues, it may be best to take your machine to a professional for repair.

Reason 3: Bobbin Case is Not Clipped into the Proper Position

The bobbin case may not be properly secured in position if the bobbin case latch is not engaged. The higher thread may thus become caught in the shuttle hook if the bobbin casing is not clipped into place. Additionally, it could not fit correctly if the incorrect bobbin casing is used for your machine.

However, a dirty bobbin cover may prevent the bobbin from spinning freely, which may result in an issue with the top thread. Additionally, the bobbin casing must be correctly inserted in the designated location.

Solution:

If your bobbin case is not clipped into the proper position, here are some steps you can take to try and fix the problem:

Step 1: Check the bobbin case latch

Make sure the bobbin case latch is correctly engaged by checking it. For directions on how to lock the bobbin case, consult your handbook.

Step 2: Use the correct bobbin case

The top thread may become tangled on the shuttle hook if the incorrect bobbin casing is used, which will result in an improper fit. So fix the bobbin case immediately.

Step 3:Insert the bobbin case correctly

Ensure that the bobbin case is inserted correctly. To learn how to install the bobbin case correctly, consult your handbook.

Step 4: Cleaning properly

In order to prevent the top thread from becoming caught on the shuttle hook, it is important to clean the bobbin case. A filthy bobbin case might prevent the bobbin from spinning smoothly. Reinstall the bobbin case into the machine after properly cleaning it.

If you have tried these solutions and are still having issues, it may be best to take your machine to a professional for repair.

Reason 4: Bobbin Is in a Backward position

The tension and stitch quality of your sewing machine may be affected if the bobbin is positioned backward. In particular, it could lead to a machine jam or cause the top thread to catch on the shuttle hook. 

This is because a proper stitch requires the bobbin to rotate in a certain direction, and if it is inserted backward, it will not rotate in the desired direction, resulting in stitching problems.

Furthermore, putting the bobbin backward creates the risk of harming the machine or the bobbin. There might be a jam in the machine or a bent or broken bobbin, which would cause further tension and stitching problems.

Solution:

Here are the ways to fix a backward bobbin that you unintentionally inserted:

Step 1: Turn off your sewing machine

Make sure your sewing machine is off and the needle is lifted before attempting to remove the bobbin.

Step 2: Bobbin removal

Carefully take the bobbin out of the machine. Be sure to take note of the direction in which the thread is coming off the bobbin.

Step 3: Remove the bobbin case

You might need to remove the bobbin case in order to replace the bobbin depending on your machine. For directions on how to remove the bobbin casing, follow the handbook’s instructions.

Step 4: Reinstall the bobbin

In accordance with the instructions in your machine’s manual, reinstall the bobbin in the machine’s proper position. Make sure you remove the thread in the same direction as it came off the bobbin.

Step 5: Replace the bobbin case

Carefully place the bobbin case back in and make sure it is properly secured.

Step 6: Test the machine

After turning it on, check to see if the bobbin is now spinning in the right direction and that the upper thread isn’t getting caught in the shuttle hook.

It might be wise to refer to your machine’s handbook or get further advice from a professional if you still have problems with your machine or stitching.

Reason 5: The Thread In The Bobbin May Have A Knot

The top thread may become caught in the shuttle hook if the bobbin thread is knotted. This is so that the shuttle hook can more easily take up the thread and construct a good stitch. However, the knot may generate a hump or thickness in the thread. 

As a result, the sewing machine might jam if the top thread gets entangled in the bobbin case or the shuttle hook.

Additionally, a knot can affect tension and lead to uneven or missed stitches if it is extremely large or occurs regularly. This can be annoying and result in a poor-quality product.

Solution:

If you notice a knot in the thread of your bobbin, here are the steps to fix it:

Step 1: Remove the bobbin from the machine

Before attempting to straighten the knot, switch off the sewing machine and take the bobbin out.

Step 2: Cut the knot

To cut the knot in the thread, use a small pair of scissors or a seam ripper. Once the knot has been cut, take the thread out of the bobbin and throw it away.

Step 3: Re-thread the bobbin

Use a fresh length of thread and re-thread the bobbin in accordance with the instructions provided by your machine. Make sure to wind the thread onto the bobbin evenly and smoothly.

Step 4: Look for tangles

To avoid future problems, look for any tangles or knots in the thread before re-inserting the bobbin into the machine.

Step 5: Test the machine after inserting the bobbin

Make sure the bobbin is correctly inserted and engaged before reinstalling it in the machine. Check the machine to make sure the upper thread is feeding without any problems and isn’t getting trapped on the shuttle hook.

You may do these steps on your own because it is pretty simple. Repeat this method if any issues are still present. Bobbin threads are another concern for this issue so ensure to choose the right bobbin thread, as we discussed about 60 wt vs 90 wt bobbin thread regarding this issue earlier.

Reason 6: Using The Wrong Bobbin For Your Sewing Machine

The upper thread may become tangled on the shuttle hook if the incorrect bobbin is used with your sewing machine. So, it may move unevenly or become stuck in the machine if the incorrect bobbin is used because it may not fit correctly in the bobbin casing.

As a result, the shuttle hook may not be able to pick up the thread properly. That will cause the upper thread to become tangled around the bobbin case.

Additionally, a bobbin that is the incorrect size or weight may result in skipped stitches and irregular stitch creation. This might cause tension problems that result in uneven stitches, making it challenging to produce a final item that looks flawless.

Solution:

To avoid picking the incorrect bobbin for your sewing machine, take the following actions:

Step 1: Check your sewing machine manual

The manual will specify the kind of bobbin your machine needs. Additionally, it will state the bobbin’s size, weight, and material. 

Step 2: Match the model number

If you can’t find your instruction booklet or it isn’t very helpful, try comparing the model number of your sewing machine to the right bobbin. The majority of sewing machine manufacturers provide bobbins specific to each model.

Step 3: Check the size and weight

Once you know the type of bobbin your sewing machine requires, make sure to choose the correct size and weight. The size and weight will affect the tension and stitch formation, so it is important to choose the correct one.

Step 4: Choose high-quality bobbins

Low-quality bobbins can cause problems with tension and stitch formation, which can lead to thread breakage and machine damage. Therefore, it is important to choose high-quality bobbins that are made specifically for your sewing machine.

Step 5: Check the size and weight

Once you are aware of the kind of bobbin your sewing machine needs, make sure you select the appropriate size and weight. It is crucial to choose the right choice since the size and weight will have an impact on the tension and stitch formation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why Is My Top Thread Pulling?

The explanation might be that the top thread is too tight or the bobbin thread is too loose. It indicates that if the bobbin thread is on the top then the upper thread is pulling more or has tension. If the top tension is too high, loosen it by turning the knob until the numbers start to drop.

What Is a Good Tension For a Sewing Machine?

The dial settings range from 0 to 9, therefore the “default” setting for typical straight-stitch is usually at position 4.5. The majority of fabrics ought to work with this. A tension of 3.5 to 4.5 is advised when sewing tough fabric, such as denim or leather. 

What Should Good Thread Tension Look Like?

Achieving the correct thread tension is crucial for creating a high-quality stitch in sewing. The ideal tension will produce a smooth and flat stitch that interlocks the needle and bobbin threads neatly between the two sides of the fabric. Checking and adjusting the tension regularly can help ensure consistent and professional-looking results for any sewing project.

Conclusion

Now you know why upper thread gets caught on shuttle hook. This frequent problem might cause your project to stop in its tracks, leaving you with a tangled mess of thread and an uncooperative sewing machine. But don’t worry, by following the above solutions you can easily fix your issues.