What would cause my brother PE 770 to be pulling my top thread down to the bottom and around the bobbin?

If your Brother PE-770 is pulling the top thread down to the bottom and wrapping it around the bobbin case, you're likely experiencing a thread nesting or bird's nest issue. This is a common embroidery problem and typically has a few key causes:

---

Most Common Causes and Fixes

---

1. Top Thread Is Not Properly Threaded

• Cause: If the top thread isn’t seated correctly in the tension disks or missed a guide, it won’t have the proper tension and will pool under the fabric.

• Fix:

  • Re-thread the top thread with the presser foot up.

  • Make sure the thread goes through every guide and the take-up lever.

  • Double-check tension disks—lifting the presser foot opens them so the thread seats correctly.

---

2. Thread Tension Is Too Loose

• Cause: Low top tension allows too much thread to flow, which the needle pulls down under the fabric.

• Fix:

  • Increase the top thread tension slightly and test again.

  • Default tension is usually 4.0 on Brother machines, but adjust as needed for your material/thread.

---

3. Bobbin Case Is Dirty or Not Inserted Properly

• Cause: Lint, dust, or an improperly seated bobbin can mess up the tension and thread path.

• Fix:

  • Remove the bobbin case and clean it with a brush.

  • Rethread the bobbin correctly, making sure it spins clockwise.

---

4. Hoop Is Not Tight or Fabric Is Too Loose

• Cause: Loose fabric can flex while stitching, causing the needle to pull the top thread down unevenly.

• Fix:

  • Re-hoop your fabric and stabilizer tightly, like a drum.

  • Use proper stabilizer based on your fabric type.

---

5. Needle Issues

• Cause: A bent, dull, or wrong-sized needle can pull thread irregularly and cause nesting.

• Fix:

  • Replace the needle. Use a new, sharp embroidery needle (e.g., 75/11 or 90/14, depending on fabric).

---

6. Wrong Type of Thread or Poor Quality

• Cause: Cheap or old thread can cause inconsistent tension or get stuck.

• Fix:

  • Use high-quality embroidery thread. Avoid old, brittle spools.

---

Quick Troubleshooting Steps

1. Turn off the machine.

2. Remove the hoop and examine under the fabric — is the thread bunched or tangled?

3. Cut all threads, remove any nest gently.

4. Clean the bobbin area.

5. Rethread both top and bobbin threads carefully.

6. Test on a scrap piece with similar stabilizer and fabric.

---

Important Note:

If the problem happens immediately at the start of a design, it’s almost always a top threading or tension issue — not the bobbin.