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> Education Resources > FAQs > Technical Service > Thread and fabric was pulled down into the hole

When I was sewing, suddenly the thread and fabric was pulled down into the hole on the needle plate, causing the machine to stop. What happened?
This is typically referred to as a "bird's nest". If you look under the needle plate, you will see that there is a large ball of thread, which resembles a bird's nest, thus the name. Typically it is caused by one of the following situations:
1. Inadequate tensioning of the upper thread.
2.The upper thread is not through the take-up lever.
3. The upper thread not following the thread path correctly.
4. The fabric is bouncing up and down during sewing. (Referred to as Flagging)
5. The bobbin tension is incorrect.
6. The Hook Timing needs to be adjusted.

Solutions:
After cleaning out the "bird's nest" check both upper and lower thread tensions download our Adjusting Thread Tension Instructions for more information. Also, verify the correct thread paths as per your Operator's Manual. This is the most common cause.

Typically Hook TIming is not an issue, unless you recently crashed the needle into the hoop. If this has occured, then check the hook timing as per your Operator's Manual.

NOTE: Detailed instructions concerning thread paths and tensions for the NEO, TEHX and TFMX machines can be found in the Training Class Manuals that pertain to them. These can be found in the Resource Library located in the Support Section of this website