I have been using the zig zag stitch for appliques and all of a sudden the bottom thread which is a different color is showing on the top. I have rethreaded top and bottom threads, changed needles, cleaned out the bobbin case and it does not help.

Be sure stitch is in between the two fabrics when straight stitch. Adjust tension until stitch is between top and bottom fabric. Use different color top thread to make it easier to see. Once tension is correct sewing straight, switch to zigzag.

Remove hook race and bobbin. Clean area with vacuum.
Replace needle.
Try different thread and fabric.

So your set up to sew zig/zag and only get the zig or the zag : )


Could be top thread tension is too high. Switch to a straight stitch and reduce tension until top thread starts to appear on bottom. Then go back to zig/zag and see if it sews properly.


If still dropping stitches, check the needle is not bent and is fully inserted into the holder. Clean the bobbin, hook, and race per machine instructions. Try reducing the stitch width and see if that makes any difference. If still not right then timing may be off.

It sounds like maybe the bobbin tension is too tight. It is pulling the top thread down to the bottom of the fabric. If you tighten the top tension it causes the fabric to pucker. If you loosen the top tension, more of the top thread will show on the bottom. Correct tension is when the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

Understanding Thread Tension on Your Sewing Machine

A satin stitch is a combination of a wide zig-zag and a short stitch length. Set the stitch width to the maximum. Then while stitching, shorten the stitch length until the threads lay next to each other so no fabric shows between the threads but the threads do not overlap. It would help if you have a satin stitch foot so there is space under the presser foot for the extra threads.

Sewing Perfect Satin Stitch Wildly Wonderful Wearables Patterns Notions...

Satin Stitch or Zig Zag Machine Applique stitch

Machine Appliqu Basics 1 Turning right angle corners with satin stitch

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The upper tension is too loose. The two threads should meet in the middle of the fabric for the tension to be correct.

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You should practice on scrap fabric until you can get the technique down well. There are different kinds of applique.


To cover raw fabric edges, you can do a smooth line of zig-zag over the fabric edge. Set the stitch width to a wide stitch and shorten the stitch length until the thread lays nicely next to each other with no gaps of fabric showing but also not so close that the stitches are on top of each other. There are methods for turning corners or curves that are nice for making a great looking edge.

Some tutorials may be helpful.

How to Applique

How to Do Applique How to Make and Apply Appliques

How to Appliqu Like Pro Sew4Home

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Before you go changing settings... make sure you are stabilizing the fabric correctly. Towels especially requires a stabilizer on top AND on bottom.

THis problem occurred as I was sewing on Neoprene. I was using Gutterman all-purpose thread and a size 80 needle. Tried switching to a size 70, then to size 90. Still unable to zig zag. After inserting a test sample of cotton, the zig zag worked perfectly, so I knew it was not a mecahnical problem. I switched needles again. This time to size 90 for stretch fabric. Voila! Problem solved.

I believe stitch 11 is a zig zag so you are probably decreasing the length to get a satin stitch. You will get a better satin stitch if you select it directly. I think that it is about 29. The machine forms the satin stitch differently than the zig zag and it should look better. If you still get loops on top, you may need to have a qualified technician check the needle to hook clearance. If this distance is too great, the machine skips stitches and you will form loops. Several other adjustments may be needed to get a perfect stitch and a qualified Husqvarna technician should be able to take care of this problem for you.

Because it is almost a straight stitch but the needle continues to move in a zig zag fashion is reason to believe it is in a long stitch. By changing the number of stitches per inch there will be a very noticeable looking zig zag stitch.