Fixing sew-out problems

A sew-out is the real stitched result. When it looks wrong, find your symptom below. Each one lists the cause and the Lilo setting that helps. Change one thing at a time and sew a small test again.

Puckering#

The cloth bunches up or ripples around the design.

Causes and fixes:

1. Too dense. Too many stitches in a small area. Raise Row spacing (fill) or Density (satin). Check for a density warning.
2. Not enough underlay. Turn on Underlay. Read Underlay and pull compensation.
3. Wrong stabiliser. Use cut-away for knits and thin cloth. See Sewing setup presets.
4. Hooped too tight or stretched. The cloth springs back. Hoop firm, not stretched.
5. Wrong fabric in the Sewing setup. Pick the one that matches.

Gaps#

White cloth shows between a fill and its outline, or between two shapes.

Causes and fixes:

1. Pull compensation too low. The thread pulled the shapes in. Raise Pull compensation.
2. Cloth moved. Use firmer stabiliser and hoop tighter.
3. Shapes did not overlap. Slightly enlarge one of them, or let Lilo overlap columns with Premium quality.
4. Fill underlay missing. The fill sank into the cloth. Turn on underlay.

Screenshot coming soon

Thread breaks#

The top thread snaps again and again.

Causes and fixes:

1. Stitches too dense. Needle holes cut the thread. Raise spacing. A density warning is a clue.
2. Tiny stitches piled up. Use Standard quality, or raise stitch length. Tiny stitches are merged automatically.
3. Old or wrong needle. Replace it. Use the size in Before you sew.
4. Thread too thick for the detail. Use 60 wt for tiny letters.
5. Poor or dry thread. Try a fresh spool.

Birdnesting#

A tangled lump of thread forms under the cloth, and the machine jams.

Causes and fixes:

1. The top thread slipped out of tension. Rethread the top thread with the presser foot up.
2. Fluff in the bobbin area. Clean the bobbin case.
3. Hoop not seated. Cloth lifting off the plate. Re-hoop.
4. Long jump at the start. In Lilo, move the start point close to where sewing begins. Use Start in the shape bar.

Lilo cannot see your machine. The first two causes are in the machine.

Bobbin thread shows on top#

The top thread is too tight. Loosen the top tension a little. Read your machine's manual.

Outline does not line up with the fill#

Called registration. Cloth shifted. Use firm stabiliser, tighter hoop and Pull compensation on the fill.

Letters look filled in#

Letters are too small for the thread. Read Small letters.

Always sew a test#

Before the real garment, sew the design on a scrap of the same cloth with the same stabiliser. It takes minutes and saves a ruined jacket.