The middle needle in my EMP6 is not working... I can manually push the needle up and down. I've managed to work around it by avoiding threading it, but now want to sell the machine. The machine works great except for this one issue. Any idea of what it might be and is it something I might be able to fix myself? I can't afford to have it serviced right now. thanks

If your Babylock EMP6 embroidery machine starts stitching a design and then stops, displaying a message to check the upper or bobbin thread, there are a few potential causes for this issue:

1. Thread tension: Improper thread tension can cause stitching issues. Ensure that both the upper and bobbin threads are properly threaded and the tension settings are adjusted correctly. Check the machine's manual for specific instructions on setting the thread tension.
2. Thread breakage: Check both the upper and bobbin threads for any signs of breakage or tangles. A broken or tangled thread can cause the machine to stop and display the error message. If you find any issues, rethread the machine and ensure the threads are properly seated in the tension discs and bobbin case.
3. Bobbin issues: Check the bobbin area for any obstructions, such as lint or tangled thread. Clean the bobbin case and ensure the bobbin is correctly inserted and spinning freely. If the bobbin is wound unevenly or has any defects, replace it with a new one.
4. Needle issues: A bent or dull needle can cause stitching problems. Check the needle for any damage and replace it if necessary. Make sure you are using the correct needle size and type for the fabric and design you are stitching.
5. Machine maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are important for the smooth operation of the machine. Clean out any lint or debris from the bobbin area, needle plate, and thread path. Lubricate the machine as recommended in the manual.

Beginning with the spool, guide the thread through the thread guides to the tension assembly. Pull the thread through the tension assembly and test it to make sure the tension is working correctly.
(To do this test,adjust your tension setting to normal or medium or 5 or something in the middle. Raise the presser foot and pull the thread through the tension. It should pull easily!! Lower the presser foot and pull the thread. It should pull noticeably harder.) If it passes this test, continue up through the take up lever,then down through the thread guides to the needle. Make sure your needle is fully inserted and turned the correct way.( If you load your bobbin case from the left side,the needle rule is normally FLAT to the RIGHT is RIGHT. There are some exceptions. If you have a newer style drop in bobbin or your bobbin case loads in the front then the rule is FLAT to the BACK.

To wind the bobbin, guide the thread around the thread guide on
the left top of your machine, then to the bobbin winder. Wind the thread around the bobbin several times, place the bobbin on top of the bobbin winder, push it against the wheel and press the foot pedal. It should stop winding when the bobbin is full or you take your foot off the control

That is generally called bird nesting or thread nesting, or what I refer to as "thread mess." It occurs because of a top tension issue but usually because the thread is not completely seated in the tension disk.

Remove the top thread from your machine.
Install a brand new needle.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning.
Set the top tension around the midway point and retest your machine.
Adjust the top tension until the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric. (Tighter top tension pulls the bobbin thread up. Looser top tension, the bobbin thread pulls the top thread down.)

Other helpful hints:
Avoid old or bargain bin threads.
Install a brand new needle every 8 hours of sewing or whenever the needle hits something hard like the needle plate or presser foot or gets bent or damaged.
Make sure the needle, thread, and fabric are compatible, ie do not use ball point needles on woven fabrics, do not use a needle which eye is too small for the thread, etc.

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You are getting a thread mess under the fabric? Frequently, this occurs because the top thread is not fully seated in the tension disk.

Install a brand new needle.
Remove the top thread from the machine.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread the machine from the beginning.
If necessary, adjust the top tension so the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

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Birds nest under the fabric big loops of thread top side looks good...

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Could be several reasons: mis-threaded, tension too tight, thread snagging on something or wrapped around something in the thread path, incompatibility of needle/thread/fabric... Also, avoid old or bargain bin variety thread--use only fresh good quality thread.

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First, install a brand new needle. Confirm that you are using the correct needle for the thread and fabric being stitched, ie the needle eye could be too small for the thread, the fabric is coarse or sticky causing the thread to wear/fray causing breakage, the needle is blunt or bent, a ball point needle is being used on woven fabric or vice versa...
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Second, remove the thread from the machine. Always RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning--make sure the correct thread pathway is followed (consult the manual).

Verify that the tension is not set too tight. The tension is correct when both upper and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric without any puckering of the fabric.

Use good quality thread--avoid old or bargain bin variety. And, use the same thread for the upper and bobbin. Some thread brands may work better than others in your machine. You may need to experiment to find ones that work best.

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There is also the possibility that there is a nick or burr somewhere that is catching the thread. You can wrap your index finger with old hosiery (or similar fine fabric) and rub around the thread path, in the bobbin/hook area, needle plate, etc. A small burr can be smoothed with a fine emery board. A big burr may require replacement of the part or service by a technician.


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I have found that this error most commonly is a result of a lot of thread caught in the cutting blades preventing the cutting blade from moving. See the "Cleaning around the Needle Plate" in the User Guide or "Cleaning of Knives and Rotary Hook" on page 316 (or 6-6) in the Service Manual located at http://www.brodyrmaskiner.se/service/pr620/pr-620-service.pdf.

I have found that this error most commonly is a result of a lot of thread caught in the cutting blades preventing the cutting blade from moving. See the "Cleaning around the Needle Plate" in the User Guide or "Cleaning of Knives and Rotary Hook" on page 316 (or 6-6) in the Service Manual located at http://www.brodyrmaskiner.se/service/pr620/pr-620-service.pdf..

Sounds like timing of hook/needle. The needle should go down, a mechanism in the bobbin area moves to sweep the top thread around to pick up the bottom thread. Suggest taking it to a service technician, preferrably one authorized to repair your brand of machine. Check website for your brand and it might list authorized dealers close to you. Good luck.

I too have a christmas gift causing headaches - loopy embroidery. But at least this one I found a work around for... I thread the cassette according to the arrows but when I get to "6" I loop up around the left side and over the top of the bend but DON'T go far enough to cut the thread. I leave about 4 or 5 inches loose and hold the end at the top-right of the thread cassette at about the 2 o'clock position. I push the cassette down into the machine normally and right about when the 6 is below the window the thread will cut leaving you holding the left over piece. Continue pushing down until click and needle will thread. Have not had any threading problems since learning to leave a tail on the thread. Hope this helps.