Part 4 Bird Nesting
Tracking Down the Problem Part 4 Bird Nesting
| Common Causes | Remedies |
| Inadequate tension on the upper thread. | Tighten upper tension set. Refer to Part 5. |
| Inadequate tension on the fabric. | Hoop properly. |
| Inadequate backing. | Use the proper backing to support the fabric and embroidery. See Guideline Section. |
| Improper adjustment of the positioning finger. | Adjust positioning finger placement, set it so it is pushed in 1/3 to 1/2 of the potential opening in the hook. |
| Lack of lubrication. | Utilize an oiling schedule, use specified amount of lubrication with special attention to the hook assembly. |
| Dirty hook assembly, trim assembly, and/or needle plate. | Clean hook, trim assembly, and/or needle plate. Blowout hook assembly and relubricate. |
| Damage to needle hole in needle plate. | Replace or polish* damaged parts. Use crocus cord to polish damaged needle plate hole. |
| Obstruction in the path of the thread, particularly from the top of the needle plate down. | Remove, adjust, replace or polish* obstruction so thread moves freely and smoothly. |
| If birdnesting repeats in a specific part of a given design there are too many stitches in the same area of the design. | Edit or repunch to remove excess stitches. |
*Use care in polishing damaged parts, do not change the shape of the part. Use crocus tape, cord or cloth to polish. Crocus polishes, emery cuts.
Note: Proper hooping (framing) and stabilization is essential in producing quality embroidery. Goods must be stabilized so the machine can form a stitch and the embroidery needs to be stabilized after it is formed without creating the "bullet proof" look. Experiment with backings. Improper stabilization leads to flagging, goods that are bouncing around as the machine is sewing. Flagging results in birdnesting, puckering, registration problems and many more common embroidery headaches. See our Ask Earnie section if you have specific problems.