---
title: "Brother Embroidery Machine Troubleshooting: Error Messages, Thread Breaks and Fixes"
description: "Fix Brother PR multi-needle and SE, PE, NQ, Innov-is and Skitch embroidery machines. Error messages, F** codes, thread breaks, birdnests, USB files, care."
url: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/brother
updated: 2026-10-14
brand: Brother
class: both
origin: Japan
formats: PES (native), PHC, PHX (PR and newer Innov-is), PEN (some Innov-is), DST
data: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/data.json
agent_playbook: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/agent.md
publisher: EasyDigitizer (https://easydigitizer.com/)
---

# Brother embroidery machine troubleshooting

Fix Brother PR multi-needle and SE, PE, NQ, Innov-is and Skitch embroidery machines. Error messages, F** codes, thread breaks, birdnests, USB files, care.

> **Short answer:** Most Brother problems are fixed by rethreading the top thread with the presser foot raised, putting in a new needle, and cleaning lint out of the bobbin area (and, on PR multi-needle machines, out of the trimmer knives and tension discs). On PR machines the message you will see most is "Check upper and bobbin thread."; on home machines it is "Check and rethread the upper thread." or "The safety device has been activated". Home SE, PE, NQ and Innov-is machines must never be oiled by the user, but PR machines need a drop of oil on the hook every day.

## Model families
### PR1055X / PR1050X (Entrepreneur Pro X)
- **Type:** Commercial-style multi-needle, 10 needles
- **Years:** PR1055X current (operation manual v03, 2026); PR1050X is the earlier model
- **Field:** 360 × 200 mm (14 × 7-7/8 in)
- **Max speed:** 1,000 spm (600 spm with some frames; minimum 400 spm)
- **Panel:** colour touch screen with touch pen, built-in camera, wireless LAN and USB
- **Formats:** PES, PHC, PHX, DST (PES up to 500,000 stitches and 127 colour changes)
- **Manual:** [PR1055X operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch101931/884t15-16_om03_en.pdf)
- **Tags:** multi-needle, 10-needle, cap, camera, wireless
Brother's flagship 10-needle machine, sold in the US under the Entrepreneur name. It has automatic needle threading, upper and bobbin thread sensors, a thread picker and a wiper. Typical failure points are lint in the trimmer knives (Trimming sensor / Wiper errors), dirty tension discs (false "Check upper and bobbin thread" stops) and a dry hook when the daily oil drop is skipped.

### PR680W / PR670E (Entrepreneur 6-needle)
- **Type:** Commercial-style multi-needle, 6 needles
- **Years:** PR680W current (manual 2021); PR670E is the previous generation
- **Field:** 300 × 200 mm (11-3/4 × 7-7/8 in)
- **Max speed:** 1,000 spm (400–600 spm with cap, cylinder and clamp frames)
- **Panel:** colour touch screen; PR680W adds wireless LAN and a camera
- **Formats:** PES, PHC, PHX, DST
- **Manual:** [PR680W operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch102285/884t23_om01en.pdf), [PR670E operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch101051/pr670e_om02en.pdf)
- **Tags:** multi-needle, 6-needle, cap, camera
The 6-needle sibling of the PR1055X with the same error message set, threading layout and oiling routine. Common issues are the same: lint around the moving knife, a needle bar case that stops between needles after a jam, and tension problems from wax build-up in the tension discs.

### PR1X / PRS100 Persona
- **Type:** Commercial-style single-needle on a PR-type tubular arm
- **Years:** PRS100 from 2015; PR1X current (manual 2023)
- **Field:** 300 × 200 mm (PR1X)
- **Max speed:** 1,000 spm (lower with some frames)
- **Panel:** colour touch screen, USB
- **Formats:** PES, PHC, DST, PEN (PR1X)
- **Manual:** [PR1X operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch102793/882t52_om01en.pdf), [PRS100 manual list](https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_prs100eus)
- **Tags:** single-needle, cap, tubular, starter commercial
A one-needle machine built like a PR so it can sew caps and tubular items. You change thread by hand at every colour, so most "errors" are threading mistakes after a colour change. Its message list is a short version of the PR1055X list.

### SE600 / SE630 / SE700 (combination sewing and embroidery, 4 × 4)
- **Type:** Home sewing and embroidery combo, single needle
- **Years:** SE600 2017 (now discontinued), SE630 and SE700 current
- **Field:** 100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in)
- **Max speed:** set on screen; see manual
- **Panel:** colour LCD touch screen
- **Formats:** PES, PHC, DST
- **Manual:** [SE600 operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch101011/888m20_om02en.pdf)
- **Tags:** home, combo, 4x4, beginner
Brother's best-selling entry machines. Nearly every problem comes from upper threading done with the presser foot down, the wrong bobbin, missing stabilizer, or designs larger than 4 × 4 in. They must not be oiled by the user.

### PE800 / PE900 (embroidery-only, 5 × 7)
- **Type:** Home embroidery-only, single needle
- **Years:** PE800 2016–present; PE900 is the newer version
- **Field:** 180 × 130 mm (7 × 5 in); larger designs are rejected even when rotated
- **Max speed:** adjustable on screen; see manual
- **Panel:** colour LCD touch screen, USB
- **Formats:** PES, PHC, DST (combined design limit about 200,000 stitches and 125 colour changes)
- **Manual:** [PE800 operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch100741/888l90_l91_l93_k90_k92_om03en.pdf)
- **Tags:** home, embroidery-only, 5x7, beginner
A very common first embroidery machine. Typical complaints are birdnests under the hoop (upper thread not seated in the tension discs), "file not showing" on USB (file name, folder or design size), and thread breaks from old or low-quality thread.

### Innov-is NQ1700E and mid-range Innov-is (NQ, NS, XE series)
- **Type:** Home embroidery-only or combo, single needle
- **Years:** NQ1700E 2021–present
- **Field:** 260 × 160 mm (10-1/4 × 6-1/4 in) on the NQ1700E
- **Max speed:** adjustable on screen; see manual
- **Panel:** colour LCD touch screen, wireless LAN, USB
- **Formats:** PES, PHC, PEN, DST
- **Manual:** [NQ1700E operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch102340/888g60_g70_g72_om01en.pdf)
- **Tags:** home, embroidery-only, 6x10, wireless
A step up from the PE line with a bigger field and wireless transfer. Adds wireless network messages on top of the usual home messages. Same no-oil rule as other home machines.

### Innov-is Luminaire (XP), Stellaire (XJ) and Aveneer (top-tier)
- **Type:** Premium home sewing and embroidery, single needle
- **Years:** 2017–present (several generations: XP1, XP2, XP3, XJ1, XJ2)
- **Field:** up to 408 × 272 mm on Luminaire XP1; smaller on Stellaire
- **Max speed:** adjustable on screen; see manual
- **Panel:** large colour touch screen; built-in camera and projector on Luminaire
- **Formats:** PES, PHC, PHX, PEN, DST (see each manual)
- **Manual:** [Luminaire XP1 embroidery manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch101504/xp1_omemb_03en.pdf), [XP3 manual list](https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_inovxp3eus), [Stellaire XJ2 manual list](https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_inovxj2eus)
- **Tags:** home, premium, camera, projector, large-field
Feature-rich machines whose error messages appear as screen pictures in the PDF manuals. The ones you hit most are the needle plate warning (removing the plate with power on), the dual feed foot warning in embroidery mode, and camera positioning-sticker messages. Never oil these machines yourself.

### Skitch PP1 (app-controlled)
- **Type:** Home embroidery-only, single needle, no screen
- **Years:** current (manual v03)
- **Field:** 100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in)
- **Max speed:** 400 spm
- **Panel:** none; Artspira app over Bluetooth LE, one LED "Start/Stop" button
- **Formats:** designs are sent from the app
- **Manual:** [Skitch PP1 operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch102864/888r000_om03en.pdf)
- **Tags:** home, app, bluetooth, 4x4, numbered codes
Brother's small app-driven machine. It is the only Brother embroidery machine covered here that shows numbered error codes (#1001 to #1006) in the app. Most problems are threading, a needle plate cover not clicked into place, or a lost Bluetooth link.

## Error codes
| Code | Message | Meaning | Fix | Models | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check upper and bobbin thread | Check upper and bobbin thread. | The thread sensors saw a problem: top thread broken or out of its guides, bobbin empty or broken, tension too tight, or lint in the tension discs. | Rethread the top thread under the upper and middle guides. Check the bobbin has thread with about 2 in pulled out. If the thread is not broken, take off the tension dial and clean lint from between the felt washers. Back up a few stitches before restarting. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual, PR1X manual |
| Safety device activated | The safety device has been activated. Is the thread tangled? Is the needle bent? | The motor stopped because thread is jammed or the needle is bent or hitting something. | Turn the machine off. Cut away tangled thread in the hook area, check the bobbin case is seated, put in a new needle and rethread. On PR machines also put a drop of oil on the hook. | All | PR1055X manual, SE600 manual, PE800 manual |
| Trimming sensor error | Trimming sensor error. | The thread trimmer did not finish its cycle, usually because of lint or thread around the knives. | Remove the needle plate and brush lint from the moving knife, fixed knife and thread retaining plate. Do this once a month as routine. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Wiper error | Wiper error | Thread is wound on the wiper, lint is around the knives, or the thread did not go through the thread cutter groove. | Pull tangled thread off the wiper, clean around the knives, and seat the thread fully in the cutter groove when threading. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Picker error | Picker error | The thread picker that holds the top thread at start did not move correctly. | Remove thread tangled on the picker, then touch OK on the screen. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Needle threader error | Needle threader error | The automatic needle threader jammed. | Remove thread caught in the threader mechanism, then touch OK. If it keeps failing, check the needle is fully up and straight. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Needle threader in position | Needle threader is in threading position. | You pressed another button while the threader was still working. | Press the automatic threading button to finish, then do the other operation. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Inappropriate needle stop position | Inappropriate needle stop position | The needle stopped in the wrong place, often after a jam or turning the handwheel by hand. | Turn the handwheel until its mark is at the top, then touch OK. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Needle bar case home position error | Needle bar case home position error. | The needle bar case could not return to its start position. | Touch OK to let the machine reset the case. Remove anything blocking the case or thread pulling on it. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Needle bar case position error | Needle bar case position error | The needle bar case stopped between needles. | Touch OK to reset. If it repeats, check for tangled thread at the thread guides above the needle bars. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Needle case motor locked | Needle case motor has been locked. | The motor that moves the needle bar case jammed. | Touch OK to reset. Clear any thread or object in the case's path. Call a dealer if it keeps returning. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Stop while transferring | Stop while needle bar case transferring. | The machine stopped while changing needles. | Touch OK so the case resets, then restart. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Change to a larger frame | Change to a larger embroidery frame. | The frame fitted is too small for the design, or the frame holder thumb screws are loose so the frame is misread. | Tighten both thumb screws on the frame holder. If they are tight, fit a frame large enough for the design. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Thread antenna | Please set up the "Thread antenna" | The thread guide assembly (antenna) is folded down. | Raise and lock the thread guide assembly before sewing. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Unlock key | Press the unlock key to unlock the machine. | The trim button was pressed while the machine was locked. | Touch the unlock key on the screen first. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Go to embroidering screen | Go to Embroidering Screen and press the unlock key. | The trim button was pressed on the wrong screen. | Switch to the embroidering screen, unlock, then trim. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Start and end points | Impossible to set the start & the end points. | The chosen start position does not fit inside the frame. | Pick another start point or move the design inside the frame. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Exceeds data capacity | This pattern cannot be used since it exceeds the data capacity. | The design has too many stitches (over 500,000 on PR1055X) or too many designs are being edited. | Reduce stitch count or split the design in your digitizing software. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Pattern cannot be used | This pattern cannot be used. | The design was bought or downloaded for a different machine. | Use a copy of the design licensed for this machine, or a plain PES/DST export. | All | PR1055X manual, SE600 manual |
| File cannot be used | This file cannot be used. | The file format is not one this machine reads. | Export as PES (or DST) and copy it again. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X, newer Innov-is | PR1055X manual, Brother online manual |
| Cannot recognize data | Cannot recognize the data for the selected pattern. The data may be corrupted. | The file is damaged or was written by another maker's software in a way the machine cannot read. | Turn the machine off and on. Re-export the file from your software and copy it fresh to the stick. | All | PR1055X manual, PE800 manual |
| Pattern cannot combine | This pattern cannot combine. | A split (oversized) design cannot be merged with another design. | Sew the split pieces on their own. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| USB media error | USB media error | The USB stick cannot be read or is damaged. | Touch OK and try again; then try a different plain flash drive from Brother's USB compatibility list. | All | PR1055X manual, PE800 manual |
| USB not loaded | USB media is not loaded. Load USB media. | You tried to open or save on USB with no stick in. | Insert the stick and wait a few seconds for it to be recognised. | All | PR1055X manual, PE800 manual |
| USB cannot be used | This USB media cannot be used. | The stick type is not supported. | Use a plain USB flash drive. Card readers and hubs often fail. | SE600, PE800, NQ1700E, Innov-is | SE600 manual, PE800 manual |
| Not enough space | Not enough space. Delete some patterns or use a different USB media. | The USB stick is full. | Delete files from the stick or use another one. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Failed to save file | Failed to save file. | More than 100 screen images or camera images are on the stick. | Delete old image files from the stick or use a different stick. | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X | PR1055X manual |
| Not enough memory | Not enough available memory to save the pattern. Delete another pattern? | Machine memory is full. | Delete saved designs you no longer need. | All | PR1055X manual, PE800 manual |
| PC link (USB) | Cannot communicate between PC and machine. Please check the USB cable connections to run the Link application. | Link mode cannot get data over the USB cable. | Turn off the machine, reseat the USB cable, turn it back on. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| PC link (wireless) | Cannot connect to the PC. Please check the network connection. | Link mode cannot get data over wireless LAN. | Check the wireless connection on both PC and machine, then restart the machine. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Positioning mark not found | Cannot recognize the embroidery positioning mark. | The camera did not see the positioning sticker. | Place the sticker inside the selected area, flat and well lit, and scan again. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Jumbo frame mark | Can not find the positioning mark, please set the frame to the previous position. | During a jumbo-frame design the sticker could not be found. | Repeat the jumbo-frame positioning steps from the manual. | PR1055X | PR1055X manual |
| Main motor errors | Main motor current / encoder connect / encoder signal / rotate / speed error. | Fault in the main motor or its sensor. | Turn off and on once. If it returns, stop and call an authorised Brother dealer. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Power supply voltage error | Power supply voltage error (24V or 40V, high or low). | Internal power supply out of range. | Plug straight into a wall outlet (no extension reel), restart once, then call a dealer. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Machine PCB error | Machine PCB power off. / Machine PCB reset. | Main board fault. | Call an authorised Brother dealer. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Communication errors | Communication error. / Communication time out error. / Data receiving command error. / EEPROM read/write error. / Panel communication error. / Embroidering stop. | Internal electronics fault. | Restart once; if it repeats, call an authorised Brother dealer. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| X/Y home error | X-axis home position error. / Y-axis home position error. | The frame carriage could not find home. | Check nothing blocks the carriage, restart once, then call a dealer. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| XY moving error | XY moving error. | The design would drive the frame past its limit. | Fit a larger frame or move the design back toward the centre. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Preventive maintenance | Preventive maintenance is recommended. | The machine's run counter says a service is due. | Touch OK to keep working, and book a service with a dealer; the message comes back until it is serviced. | All | PR1055X manual, SE600 manual |
| Resume after power off | OK to recall and resume previous memory? | Power went off during sewing. | Touch OK, then back up a few stitches before restarting. | All | PR1055X manual, PE800 manual |
| Set the clock | Set the clock. | Date and time are not set. | Set the date and time in the settings screen. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Select a pattern | Select a pattern. | Start was pressed with no design chosen. | Choose a design first. | PR1055X, PR680W | PR1055X manual |
| Pattern outside frame | Pattern extends to the outside of embroidery frame. | Lettering or edits make the design larger than the frame. | Make the text smaller, change layout, or use a bigger frame. | All | PR1055X manual, SE600 manual |
| Selected pattern too big | Selected pattern field extends to the outside of the embroidery frame. | The design is bigger than the largest frame. | Resize the design to fit 7 × 5 in, or pick another design. | PE800 | PE800 manual |
| Check and rethread | Check and rethread the upper thread. | The top thread is broken or not threaded correctly. | Raise the presser foot and rethread from the spool, making sure the thread is in the take-up lever. | SE600, PE800, NQ1700E | SE600 manual, PE800 manual |
| Bobbin almost empty | The bobbin thread is almost empty. | The bobbin sensor says the bobbin is running out. | Stop, cut threads, take off the frame and put in a full bobbin; then back up a few stitches. | All home models | SE600 manual, PE800 manual |
| Lower the presser foot | Lower the presser foot lever. | Start was pressed with the presser foot up. | Lower the presser foot lever. | SE600, PE800, NQ1700E, Innov-is | SE600 manual |
| General malfunction | A malfunction occurred. Turn the machine off, then on again. | An internal fault was detected. | Turn the machine off and on. If it returns, take it to a dealer. | SE600, PE800, NQ1700E | PE800 manual |
| Bobbin winder safety | The bobbin winder safety device has activated. Is the thread tangled? | The bobbin winder jammed. | Cut the tangled thread under the winder seat and rewind using the winding guide. | SE600, PE800, NQ1700E | PE800 manual |
| Carriage will move | The carriage of the embroidery unit will move. Keep your hands etc. away from the carriage. | Normal warning before the unit moves. | Keep hands clear and touch OK. If the unit does not move, reattach it with the frame off. | SE600, PE800, NQ1700E | PE800 manual |
| Data too large | Data volume is too large for this pattern. | The designs being edited use too much memory. | Remove some designs from the combination. | SE600, PE800, NQ1700E | PE800 manual |
| Main shaft motor heated | The safety device was activated since the main shaft motor was heated. Is the thread tangled? | The motor overheated. | Clear any tangle and let the machine cool. If it repeats, call a dealer. | Newer Innov-is | Brother online manual |
| Needle position sensor | The safety device was activated since the needle position sensor malfunctioned. | The needle position sensor failed. | Turn off and on. If it returns, call a dealer. | Newer Innov-is | Brother online manual |
| Needle plate warning | Turn off the machine before attaching or removing the needle plate. | The needle plate was removed with power on, or a straight-stitch plate is fitted for the wrong stitch. | Turn off, refit the correct plate, turn on. | Newer Innov-is | Brother online manual |
| Copyright pattern | Includes a special pattern that cannot be saved to external memory. | Built-in copyrighted designs cannot be saved to USB. | Save it in the machine's memory instead. | All | PR1055X manual, Brother online manual |
| Foot controller | The "Start/Stop" button does not operate with the foot controller attached. | Sewing mode will not start with the button while the foot pedal is plugged in. | Unplug the foot controller or use it to sew. | SE600 | SE600 manual |
| Wireless router not found | The wireless LAN access point/router cannot be detected. | The machine cannot see your Wi-Fi router. | Move the machine closer to the router, check the router is on, and re-enter the network name and key. | NQ1700E, PR680W, PR1055X | NQ1700E manual, Brother PR680W FAQ list |
| SSID or key wrong | The SSID and Network Key are incorrect. | Wrong Wi-Fi name or password. | Re-enter the network name and password exactly. | NQ1700E, PR680W, PR1055X | NQ1700E manual |
| F** | F** (F followed by a number) | An internal machine fault. | Note the number, turn off, and call an authorised Brother dealer. Do not keep restarting. | SE600, PE800, NQ1700E, Innov-is | SE600 manual, PE800 manual, NQ1700E manual |
| #1001 | The bobbin thread is almost empty | Bobbin running out. | Put in a wound bobbin and back up a few stitches. | Skitch PP1 | Skitch PP1 manual |
| #1002 | Check and rethread the upper thread | Top thread broken, misthreaded or running out. | Rethread the top thread from the spool. | Skitch PP1 | Skitch PP1 manual |
| #1003 | The machine is sensing an operational issue | Motor locked by tangled thread or a bent needle. | Turn off, clean the race, reseat the bobbin case and bobbin, replace a bent needle, rethread. | Skitch PP1 | Skitch PP1 manual |
| #1004 | Check the needle plate cover | The needle plate cover is off or not seated. | Refit the cover as shown in the race-cleaning steps until it clicks. | Skitch PP1 | Skitch PP1 manual |
| #1005 | Preventive maintenance is recommended | A service is due. | Keep sewing if needed and book a dealer service. | Skitch PP1 | Skitch PP1 manual |
| #1006 | The connection with the machine has been lost | The app lost its Bluetooth link to the machine. | Keep the phone close, restart the app and machine, and pair again. | Skitch PP1 | Skitch PP1 manual |

## Common problems and fixes
### Top thread keeps breaking or shredding
**Symptoms:** thread, needle, tension
**Likely causes:** threading missed a guide, bent or sticky needle, tension too tight, old or poor thread, burrs on the needle plate or foot, dense or stacked stitches in the design
1. Rethread with the presser foot UP so the thread drops into the tension discs. On PR machines make sure it passes under the upper and middle thread guides.
2. Put in a new needle (75/11 embroidery). Needles with adhesive from spray or sticky stabilizer cause breaks; replace them.
3. Pull the thread by hand below the needle: it should feel smooth and even. If it jerks, look for a missed guide or a knot.
4. Try a fresh spool of quality thread. Old thread gets brittle.
5. Slow down to 400 spm for metallic or specialty thread.
6. On PR machines, clean lint from between the tension felts and check the tension dial is not over-tightened.
7. Check the design: stitches with zero length, very short stitches, or three or more layers on top of each other break thread. Fix density in your digitizing software.
**Call a technician if:** the needle plate hole, hook or foot has burrs you can feel, or breaks continue after a new needle, new thread and clean tension.

### Birdnest (thread tangle) under the fabric
**Symptoms:** birdnest, thread, tension
**Likely causes:** top thread not in the tension discs, presser foot down while threading, wrong bobbin, flagging fabric
1. Cut the nest away from the bottom of the hoop. Do not pull the fabric out by force.
2. Raise the presser foot and rethread the top thread completely. This is the number-one cause on SE and PE machines.
3. Take out the bobbin case, brush lint from the race, and reseat the bobbin so the thread unwinds in the direction shown in the manual.
4. Use only Brother-type bobbins made for your machine. Other bobbins do not seat correctly.
5. Hoop the fabric drum-tight with stabilizer.
**Call a technician if:** nests continue with fresh threading and the right bobbin; hook timing may be off.

### Bobbin thread shows on top or tension looks wrong
**Symptoms:** bobbin, tension
**Likely causes:** top tension too tight, bobbin not seated, lint in the bobbin case spring, wrong bobbin thread
1. Rethread both threads.
2. Clean the bobbin case tension spring area with the edge of a business card each time you change the bobbin (PR machines).
3. On PR machines, test bobbin tension with the included weight and adjust it before touching top tension. Check again whenever you switch between prewound and metal bobbins.
4. On home machines, use embroidery bobbin thread and the bobbin case meant for it. Some models include a second case that can be adjusted.
5. Sew the built-in tension test design: from the back, bobbin thread should cover about one third of the satin width.
**Call a technician if:** tension will not change when you turn the dial.

### Needle breaks
**Symptoms:** needle
**Likely causes:** needle not fully up in the clamp, loose clamp screw, bent needle, frame hitting something, wrong presser foot height
1. Fit a new needle with the flat side to the back (home) or as shown in the PR manual, pushed all the way up, and tighten the screw.
2. Check the embroidery foot is attached correctly.
3. Make sure the frame and carriage cannot hit a wall, table edge or loose fabric.
4. Use stabilizer under every design.
5. Replace a scratched needle plate, foot or bobbin case.
**Call a technician if:** the needle hits the needle plate, or there is forward and back play in the PR needle bar case.

### Machine stops with "safety device" message
**Symptoms:** sensor, motor, thread
**Likely causes:** thread jammed in the hook race, bent needle, bobbin case not seated
1. Turn off the power.
2. Remove the needle plate cover (home) or bobbin case (PR) and pull out every loose thread with tweezers.
3. Brush the race clean. On PR machines add a drop of oil to the hook.
4. Fit a new needle and rethread top and bobbin.
**Call a technician if:** the handwheel feels stiff or the message comes back with nothing jammed.

### Thread not cut or "Trimming sensor error" (PR series)
**Symptoms:** trimmer, sensor
**Likely causes:** lint around the moving knife, fixed knife and thread retaining plate, bobbin case not for this machine
1. Remove the needle plate and brush out lint around both knives.
2. Make this a monthly job, or weekly on busy machines.
3. Use the correct Brother bobbin case.
4. Check the thread passes through the cutter groove.
**Call a technician if:** knives are chipped or the error stays after cleaning.

### Embroidery unit or frame not detected or will not move
**Symptoms:** hoop, frame, motor
**Likely causes:** unit not fully clicked in, frame attached before the unit initialised, PR frame holder too small or screws loose
1. Home models: turn off, remove the hoop, reseat the embroidery unit until it locks, turn on, and let the carriage finish moving before you attach the hoop.
2. PR models: tighten the two thumb screws on the frame holder and use the holder that matches the frame.
3. Touch the frame move key to bring the carriage to a spot where the frame slides on easily.
**Call a technician if:** the unit makes grinding noises or will not initialise on a second machine.

### Design misaligned or outlines do not line up
**Symptoms:** registration, hoop, frame
**Likely causes:** loose hooping, no stabilizer, frame too large, frame hit something, too little pull compensation
1. Hoop tight with the right stabilizer for the fabric.
2. Use the smallest frame the design fits in.
3. Keep the frame and fabric clear of walls and table edges.
4. On PR machines, never push the carriage by hand while sewing; if it moves, turn off and on so the frame returns to its stored position.
5. Add underlay and pull compensation in your digitizing software for stretchy or napped fabric.
**Call a technician if:** the same design drifts on stable fabric every time.

### Loops on top of the fabric
**Symptoms:** looping, tension
**Likely causes:** top tension too low, thread missed the tension disc, wax build-up on the tension guide plates
1. Rethread with the foot up and pull the thread to feel tension.
2. On PR machines, compare the feel with a needle bar that sews well.
3. Clean thread wax from the upper and middle thread guide plates and the tension disc.
4. Try a different thread.
**Call a technician if:** the tension dial does not change the result.

### USB design does not show on the machine
**Symptoms:** usb, file
**Likely causes:** wrong file type, design bigger than the field, special characters in names, too many stitches or colours, unsupported stick
1. Save as PES (or DST). Home SE and PE machines read PES, PHC and DST only.
2. Check the design size: 4 × 4 in on SE models, 7 × 5 in on PE800, 360 × 200 mm on PR1055X.
3. Rename files and folders using only letters, numbers, dash and underscore.
4. Keep PE800 designs under about 200,000 stitches and 125 colour changes; PR1055X under 500,000 stitches and 127 colour changes.
5. Use a plain USB flash drive; wait 5 to 6 seconds after inserting it.
**Call a technician if:** no stick works at all; the USB port may be faulty.

### Machine is noisy or the handwheel feels heavy
**Symptoms:** noise, oiling
**Likely causes:** lint wound in the hook, missed oiling on PR machines, damaged hook
1. Clean the hook and race.
2. PR machines: oil the hook. Home machines: do not oil; take it to a dealer.
3. Rethread.
**Call a technician if:** noise continues after cleaning; the hook may be damaged.

### Skitch will not connect or stops with #1003
**Symptoms:** network, sensor
**Likely causes:** Bluetooth link lost, thread jam, needle plate cover not seated
1. Keep the phone near the machine and restart both.
2. For #1003, turn off, clean the race, reseat the bobbin case, change a bent needle and rethread.
3. For #1004, refit the needle plate cover until it clicks.
**Call a technician if:** the machine will not pair with any phone.

## Maintenance schedule
| Interval | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every bobbin change | Brush lint from the bobbin area | PR: also clean the bobbin case tension spring with a card edge and check bobbin tension with the weight |
| Daily, before sewing (PR only) | One drop of oil on the hook | PR1055X, PR680W, PR1X and earlier PR models; oil before first use too |
| Every 40 to 50 hours of sewing (PR) | One drop of oil on each lower needle bar above the felt washer | Too much oil drips onto the work |
| Weekly or when lint builds up | Clean the race and hook area | Home: remove needle plate cover and bobbin case, brush and vacuum, never oil |
| Monthly (PR) | Clean around the needle plate, moving knife, fixed knife and thread retaining plate | Prevents Trimming sensor and Wiper errors |
| When tension gets inconsistent | Clean the tension discs and thread guide plates | Remove tension dials on PR models and clear wax and lint |
| When stitches skip, thread frays or after a needle strike | Change the needle | Shop rule of thumb, not a Brother interval; also after sewing sticky stabilizer |
| When "Preventive maintenance" appears | Book a dealer service | The message returns until the counter is reset by service |
| Never (home SE, PE, NQ, Innov-is, Skitch) | Oiling by the user | Brother states these are pre-lubricated; stiffness or noise means a service visit |

## Settings that cause stitch problems
- **Thread sensor OFF (PR):** with the thread sensor turned off the machine will not stop for a broken or tangled thread and keeps sewing to the end. Keep it ON for production work.
- **Jump stitch trim and DST jump codes (PR):** PR machines turn jump codes in a DST into trims, set by default to trim after 3 jump codes. If your DST trims where it should not (or leaves long jumps), change the number of jump codes or the jump length in the trimming settings.
- **Jump stitch trim length (home):** home machines skip trims on jumps shorter than the set length. A long setting leaves long tails to cut by hand; a very short one slows the machine.
- **Maximum speed:** PR speeds go from 400 to 1,000 spm, but cap, cylinder and clamp frames are limited to 400 to 600 spm. Drop to 400 spm for metallic thread on any model.
- **Embroidery Frame Identification View (home):** when ON, the machine checks the design against the frame you say you are using and may refuse designs that would fit a larger hoop. Turn it OFF or pick the right frame.
- **Manual colour sequence and needle assignments (PR):** if needle colours are assigned wrong, the machine sews the right stitches in the wrong colour. Check the colour list before you press start.
- **Upper and bobbin thread sensor OFF (home):** turning it off hides the low-bobbin warning, so you run out mid-design.

## Official manuals, FAQs and support
- [PR1055X operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch101931/884t15-16_om03_en.pdf) — full error message list (66 messages), troubleshooting table, oiling and cleaning
- [PR1055X manuals page](https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=us_ot&lang=en&prod=hf_pr1055xeus) — manuals, update addenda, USB compatibility list
- [PR680W operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch102285/884t23_om01en.pdf) — 6-needle PR manual
- [PR680W manuals page](https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_pr680weus) — manuals and update notes
- [PR670E operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch101051/pr670e_om02en.pdf) — previous 6-needle model
- [PR1X operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch102793/882t52_om01en.pdf) — single-needle PR error list
- [PRS100 manuals page](https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_prs100eus) — Persona manuals
- [SE600 operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch101011/888m20_om02en.pdf) — home combo error messages and F** code
- [SE600 manuals page](https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_se600eus) — manuals and USB compatibility list
- [PE800 operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch100741/888l90_l91_l93_k90_k92_om03en.pdf) — embroidery-only error messages, design size limits, no-oil rule
- [PE800 manuals page](https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_pe800eus) — manuals and USB list
- [NQ1700E operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch102340/888g60_g70_g72_om01en.pdf) — includes wireless messages
- [Luminaire XP1 embroidery manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch101504/xp1_omemb_03en.pdf) — top-tier error screens
- [Skitch PP1 operation manual (PDF)](https://download.brother.com/welcome/doch102864/888r000_om03en.pdf) — #1001 to #1006 codes
- [Brother online manual: error messages](https://support.brother.com/g/s/hf/htmldoc/hsm/om/888p5x/en/09_06.html) — current Innov-is online manual page
- [PR680W FAQ list: error messages](https://www.brother.com.ph/en/support/pr680w/faqs?cate=235) — Brother FAQ index of LCD messages

## Frequently asked questions
### Do I need to oil my Brother embroidery machine?
Only the PR multi-needle and PR single-needle machines. They need a drop of oil on the hook every day before use and a drop on each lower needle bar every 40 to 50 hours. Home SE, PE, NQ, Innov-is and Skitch machines are lubricated at the factory and Brother says not to oil them yourself.

### What does F** mean on my Brother machine?
An F followed by a number means the machine found an internal fault. Write down the number, turn the machine off, and contact an authorised Brother dealer. Restarting over and over will not fix it.

### Why does my PR machine keep saying "Check upper and bobbin thread" when nothing is broken?
The thread sensor reads movement through the tension unit. Lint and wax between the tension felts, thread out of the upper or middle guide, or tension set too tight all trigger it. Clean the tension disc, rethread, and check bobbin tension with the weight.

### Why won't my PE800 show a design from USB?
The PE800 only reads PES, PHC and DST files up to 7 × 5 in, and it hides files whose names use special characters. Very large designs (roughly over 200,000 stitches or 125 colours) are also skipped. Re-save as PES at the right size with a simple file name.

### Can Brother machines sew DST files?
Yes. Brother machines read DST, but DST has no colour information, so the machine shows default colours and lists the file by name without a preview. On PR machines, check the DST jump-to-trim setting.

### Why does my Brother keep birdnesting?
Almost always the top thread was threaded with the presser foot down, so it missed the tension discs. Raise the foot, rethread from the spool, check the bobbin is the right type and seated correctly, and hoop with stabilizer.

### What is "Preventive maintenance is recommended"?
It is a service reminder based on the machine's run time, not a fault. You can touch OK and keep sewing, but it will keep coming back until a dealer services the machine and resets it.

## Diagrams

- [Five-minute diagnosis](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/diagnose-flow.svg): Where to start when the machine stops or sews badly.
- [Upper thread path](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/thread-path.svg): Every guide from the cone to the needle eye — the fix for most breaks and nests.
- [Why birdnests happen](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/birdnest.svg): What a nest is, the usual causes in order, and how to clear one safely.
- [The I-test for tension](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/tension-test.svg): Read the back of a satin column to balance top and bobbin tension.
- [Bobbin drop test](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/bobbin-drop-test.svg): Set bobbin tension before you touch the top tension.
- [Needle orientation](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/needle-orientation.svg): Long groove to the front, scarf to the hook, pushed fully up.
- [Hook timing](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/hook-timing.svg): What correct hook-to-needle timing and clearance look like.
- [Presser foot height](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/presser-foot-height.svg): Too high causes flagging and loops; too low drags and breaks thread.
- [Hooping layers](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/hooping.svg): Firm, flat and square — the root of most puckering and registration faults.
- [Caps: frame and sequence](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/cap-frame.svg): Cap frame set-up, centre-out sewing and safe sew height.
- [Cleaning and oiling points](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/maintenance-points.svg): Daily and weekly care points on a multi-needle head.

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Part of the EasyDigitizer embroidery machine troubleshooter: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/ · Agent playbook: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/agent.md · Not affiliated with any machine maker; the machine's own manual takes priority. Design-related sew-out problems (density, underlay, pull compensation): https://easydigitizer.com/help