Mastering Different Kinds of Machine Embroidery Stitches: The Ultimate Guide

1. Introduction: The Essential World of Machine Embroidery Stitches

Machine embroidery boils down to three core stitch systems—running, satin, and fill. Master them, and you’ll unlock clean outlines, glossy lettering, and professional coverage with texture and depth. This guide gives you a practical roadmap: clear definitions, technical parameters that actually matter at the machine, step-by-step execution (including stabilizers, tension, and curve handling), and advanced applications like appliqué and textured fills. Whether you’re digitizing your first logo or refining production settings, you’ll find actionable techniques to elevate stitch quality and consistency.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction: The Essential World of Machine Embroidery Stitches
• 2. The Three Foundational Stitch Categories in Machine Embroidery
• 3. Executing Stitches: Practical Techniques and Tutorials
• 4. Practical Applications: Where and How to Use Each Stitch Type
• 5. Stitch Comparison: Characteristics and Optimal Use Cases
• 6. Advanced Techniques: Creative Combinations and 3D Effects
• 7. Machine Settings and Optimization Best Practices
• 8. Conclusion: Building Your Stitch Mastery Toolkit
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions

2. The Three Foundational Stitch Categories in Machine Embroidery

2.1 Running Stitches: The Versatile Backbone

Running stitches are sequential single stitches along a path—lightweight, precise, and economical. They’re your go-to for outlines, fine details, travel paths, basting, and the first and second stages of appliqué (placement and tack-down).

• Technical sweet spot
• Stitch length range: 1.25–7.0 mm.
• 2.5 mm is a reliable default for balanced definition and efficiency.
• Wearables: keep individual stitches below 7 mm to avoid snags and breaks; non-wearables can extend up to about 12 mm when needed.
• Curve handling and node optimization
• Tight curves need shorter stitches—down to about 1.25 mm—to stay smooth and avoid “faceting.”
• For flat areas, digitize straight nodes about every 2.5 mm to optimize stitch count without sacrificing line quality.
• Useful variations
• Bean (triple) stitch: runs back-and-forth over the same path to build visibility without jumping to satin—great for bold outlines on thin fabrics.
• Manual (node-by-node) placement: when you need exact needle penetrations (geometric shapes, micro-details).
• Ripple/expanded pathing: running stitches arranged in spirals, rows, or grids to build light texture or transition toward area coverage.

Practical tip: Use longer lengths (3–7 mm) for temporary basting; shorten for curves and micro-details. Test on the actual fabric and stabilize accordingly.

2.2 Satin Stitches: Precision and Shine

Satin stitches span edge-to-edge across a column, laying parallel stitches that create a glossy, high-impact finish—ideal for borders, monograms, and readable text.

• Working dimensions
• Optimal working width: roughly 2–10 mm.
• Beyond about 0.5 inches (≈12.7 mm), satins become mechanically unstable (sagging, snags). For garments, keep satins at or under ≈7 mm to reduce catch risk.
• Minimum functional thickness: about 2 mm. Below that, satins can stack and lose clarity; use running/bean for ultra-fine lines.
• Directional behavior
• Stitch direction is perpendicular to column edges; consistent angles deliver the signature sheen.
• On curves, machines shorten stitches along edges to maintain smooth surfaces—good digitizing anticipates this.
• Variants and where they shine
• Satin Column: the standard for lettering and borders; supports controlled thickness changes along a path.
• E-Stitch (for appliqué edges): a gentler edging option commonly used for sensitive garments while still securing layers.
• S-Stitch/Zigzag Satin: curvilinear or zigzag interpretations that mimic fill looks or elevate decorative edges.

Pro move: Use satin for crisp letters and narrow fills; switch to fill (Tatami) once widths approach the instability zone.

2.3 Fill Stitches: Mastering Coverage and Texture

Fill stitches—especially Tatami—cover areas efficiently with consistent, multi-directional rows that handle large shapes, backgrounds, and textured surfaces.

• Fundamentals and density control
• Tatami builds uniform coverage via alternating rows—excellent from small shapes around ~2.5 mm up to large fields.
• Density and stitch length determine coverage, weight, and drape. Higher coverage reads bold; lighter settings introduce texture and reduce bulk on lighter fabrics.
• Advanced patterns for visual interest
• Brick and Zigzag fills (and other geometries) introduce distinctive textures while maintaining full coverage.
• Directional changes distribute stress across the fabric, improving stability versus unidirectional approaches.
• Blending and effects
• Fills excel at blending and color transitions; layering and directional shifts create “stitch painting” and surface simulations (e.g., fur, brickwork).

Selection cues: Use fill for larger areas or when satin becomes too wide. On light/stretchy fabrics, reduce density and pair with appropriate stabilizers to prevent puckering.

3. Executing Stitches: Practical Techniques and Tutorials

3.1 Step-by-Step Stitch Implementation Guides

A consistent execution framework keeps quality high across fabrics and runs.

• Prepare materials
  • Stabilizer: tear-away for stable wovens and temporary support; cut-away for knit/stretch or heavy garments needing permanent reinforcement.
  • Thread: 40-weight polyester is the industry standard for durability and visibility on most fabrics.
• Hoop and position
  • Hoop fabric smoothly with the stabilizer; avoid overstretching knits.
  • Many machines allow fine on-hoop nudges (about 7 mm in any direction) to correct placement—handy for micro-adjustments without rehooping.
• Calibrate tension and test
  • Balance upper/bobbin tensions to prevent puckering, looping, or top thread dominance.
  • Test-stitch on the same fabric/stabilizer combo. Document the successful settings for repeatability.
• Execute by stitch type
  • Running stitch: set 2.5 mm for general lines; drop to 1.25–2.0 mm for tight curves; keep wearables under 7 mm per stitch.
  • Satin stitch: work within ≈2–10 mm width; for garment durability, keep satins ≈7 mm or narrower; adjust density to suit fabric weight.
  • Fill stitch (Tatami): choose stitch length and density for the fabric and effect; change angles to distribute stress and add texture.
• Troubleshooting quick wins
  • Thread breaks: check needle wear, tension balance, and thread-to-fabric compatibility.
  • Puckering: increase stabilization, reduce density, or adjust tension.
  • Misalignment: verify hooping tension, stabilizer support, and slow down for dense sections if needed.

3.2 Advanced Applications: Appliqué and Texture Creation

Appliqué sequencing (clean, repeatable, professional)

1. Placement stitch (running): outlines where the appliqué fabric goes.
2. Tack-down stitch: secures the appliqué to the base.
3. Border stitch: usually satin (or E-stitch) to finish the edge and lock layers.

Execution notes

• Program machine stops for fabric placement and trimming.
• Use appropriate stabilizer for the base fabric; keep density and pull compensation realistic at the edge so borders sit cleanly.

Textural fill strategies

• Use built-in fill libraries (Tatami variants, Brick, Zigzag) to create fur, stone, or fabric simulations.
• Density + stitch length shape the hand feel and visual depth. Layer fills with different angles for blended effects.

Production mindset

• Sequence designs to minimize stops and color changes.
• Preflight: review density vs. fabric weight and underlay choices before stitching the first production piece.

3.3 Optimizing Garment Embroidery with Proper Hooping

Proper hooping is the hidden lever for speed, quality, and fewer defects—especially on garments.

• Why magnetic embroidery hoops matter
  • Consistent, even tension helps prevent puckering and hoop burn.
  • Faster setup shortens idle time and supports throughput.
  • Especially effective on uneven zones (seams, zippers) where uniform pressure is tricky.
• A practical option for production teams: MaggieFrame magnetic embroidery hoops
  • Time savings: moving from traditional screw hoops to MaggieFrame magnetic embroidery hoops can reduce garment hooping time from about 3 minutes to roughly 30 seconds—around 90% faster in repetitive workflows.
  • Quality: the magnetic holding distributes pressure more evenly, which helps minimize visible hoop marks and keeps fabric stable through dense stitching.
  • Compatibility and sizes: available in more than 17 sizes (roughly 4" x 4" up to 17" x 16"), with brackets for a wide range of commercial and industrial machines (including Tajima, Brother, Baby Lock, Ricoma, Barudan, Happy Japan, SWF, ZSK, Melco, Janome, PFAFF, Bernina, Husqvarna Viking, Fortever, and others).
  • User-friendly alignment: reference lines on the frame assist quick placement and repeatability across runs.
• Best-use notes
  • Designed for garment hooping (not for caps/hats).
  • Pair with a suitable stabilizer and avoid overstretching knits during hooping.
  • For larger orders, a dedicated hooping station can streamline placement and consistency.

Action step: If hooping is your current bottleneck or you’re fighting puckering/hoop burn, test a magnetic embroidery hoop on your most common garment and document the time and defect-rate difference across a small batch.

4. Practical Applications: Where and How to Use Each Stitch Type

4.1 Structural Stitches for Foundation and Support

Think of structural stitches as the rebar inside concrete—they don’t show, but they hold everything together.

• Running stitch for basting, travel, and underlay
• Use longer lengths (about 3–7 mm) to baste layers temporarily or to “travel” between elements without visible bulk.
• For outlines and fine detail, shorten toward 2.5 mm as a general default; tighten further near curves.
• On wearables, keep individual running stitches under 7.0 mm to avoid snags; non-wearables can stretch to roughly 12 mm if necessary.
• Straight stitch (a continuous, single-direction running line) excels for crisp logos or monograms that need simple, high-contrast definition.

• Lock stitches for security and longevity
• Add lock stitches at the start/end of sequences or after trims to prevent unraveling.
• In dense areas, lock stitches function like “invisible anchors,” supporting underlay so coverage stitches sit flatter and survive repeated wear and washes.

• Why structural passes matter
• They stabilize the fabric at the needle-point level, limit distortion during dense sections, and set up cleaner edges for the stitches that follow.
• Use stabilizer appropriate to the fabric (tear-away for stable wovens, cut-away for knits/stretch) before running any foundation passes to prevent puckering.

Pro move: Plan your structural runs before decorative ones. The cleaner your foundation, the fewer issues you’ll chase later (puckering, distortion, misaligned borders).

4.2 Decorative Stitches: Borders, Text, and Embellishments

When you want shine and sculpted edges, satin is your headline act; chain brings looped, organic texture where your machine supports it.

• Satin for monograms, borders, and readable text
• Work within a practical width window: about 2–10 mm in most designs. On garments, keep satins around 7 mm or narrower to resist snags in daily wear.
• Avoid ultra-thin columns under ~2 mm where stitches overlap and lose clarity; switch to running/bean for micro-lines.
• Direction matters: satin’s angle creates that signature sheen. Consistent, intentional angles amplify legibility and polish.

• Chain for flowing, decorative lines (where supported)
• Chain stitch builds linked loops that read as textured, dimensional lines—beautiful on organic borders and sweeping motifs.
• Trade-offs: looped construction can be less precise than satin and may unravel if a loop is damaged. Reserve it for decorative elements not subject to heavy abrasion.

• Blended use in the same design
• Satin text with a running or bean outline for a defined edge.
• Satin borders framing fill or appliqué fields for a crisp, premium finish.

Tip: If letters or borders approach the instability zone for satin, pivot to fill (Tatami) for the interior and keep satin as a narrow edge treatment.

4.3 Creative Fill Applications for Textures and Effects

Fill stitches (especially Tatami) are your texture engine—capable of everything from quiet, matte coverage to painterly blends.

• Patterned fills for surface simulation
• Use built-in patterns (Brick, Zigzag, and other Tatami variants) to suggest materials like fur or brickwork without extra stitch count where it’s not needed.
• Vary stitch direction to distribute stress and add visual depth; angle shifts change the way light plays across the surface.

• Layered fills for dimension
• Stack lighter-density layers at different angles to create gradations and soft transitions (“stitch painting” inside filled areas).
• Pair a textured fill interior with a satin outline for crisp, dimensional edges.

• Density and stitch length control
• Heavier density reads bold but adds weight; lighter passes reduce bulk and preserve drape on knits and lightweight garments.
• Always test on the actual fabric with the real stabilizer; refine coverage before you commit to a production run.

Selection cue: When shapes grow beyond satin’s comfort zone or need nuanced texture, switch to fill. Let the surface do the storytelling while satin handles the punctuation at the edges. You can find free machine embroidery designs online that showcase these textural effects.

5. Stitch Comparison: Characteristics and Optimal Use Cases

5.1 Technical Specifications and Limitations

• Running (and straight) stitches
• Typical length range: about 1.25–7.0 mm. Around 2.5 mm is a strong default for balance and control.
• Wearables: keep under 7.0 mm to reduce snags; non-wearables can push toward ~12 mm when necessary.
• Strengths: minimal thread use, clean outlines, travel paths, fine details, basting, and underlay support.
• Limits: very short lengths can “dig in” and disappear; very long lengths are vulnerable to catching.

• Satin stitches
• Working width: roughly 2–10 mm for most elements; for garments, aim near or under ≈7 mm for durability.
• Strengths: glossy finish, excellent legibility for text, crisp borders, high visual impact.
• Limits: wide spans become mechanically unstable and prone to looping or snagging; ultra-narrow columns lose clarity.

• Fill stitches (Tatami and pattern fills)
• Strengths: scalable coverage from small shapes to large fields; multi-directional stress distribution; rich texture and blending.
• Limits: can distort tiny shapes; for very large coverage areas, appliqué often beats dense fill for time and cost.

• Chain stitches (where supported)
• Strengths: distinctive looped texture; flowing, decorative lines.
• Limits: reduced precision versus satin; if loops are damaged, unraveling can occur—avoid high-wear placements.

Fabric compatibility snapshot

• Lightweight/stretch fabrics: use cut-away support and lighter densities to prevent puckering; prefer running for fine lines and fill for areas.
• Sturdier bases (e.g., hoodies): satin handles borders and text well thanks to solid foundations.

5.2 Project-Based Selection Matrix

• Small details and micro-outlines
• Choose running or bean (triple) stitch for visibility without bulk; shorten lengths on tight curves.

• Text and monograms
• Satin is the default for legibility and sheen. If letter stems exceed satin’s stability window, switch the interior to fill and keep a satin edge.

• Large fields and backgrounds
• Use fill (Tatami/pattern fills) for coverage, angle shifts for interest. Consider appliqué for very large areas to save time and stitches.

• High-wear zones (uniforms, kidswear)
• Favor durable linework (bean for emphasis) and avoid overly long satins. Lock stitches at starts/ends for longevity.

• Artistic effects and gradients
• Layer fills at varying angles/densities for “stitch painting.” Combine satin outlines with textured interiors to sculpt light and shadow.

• Thread consumption and efficiency
• Running: most economical per inch.
• Satin: higher consumption but high impact on small-to-medium features.
• Fill: highest consumption for coverage; offset with density tuning or appliqué swaps on big shapes.

Decision rule of thumb: If it needs shine and edge crispness, think satin. If it needs surface, think fill. If it needs control lines or economy, think running (or bean for bold).

5.3 Economic Impact and Efficiency Considerations

• Time vs. stitch choice
• Large dense fills drive stitch count and run time; replacing massive fill areas with appliqué can shorten production while preserving visual weight.
• Clean pathing (fewer color changes and trims) often beats micro-optimizing density for throughput gains.

• Thread and consumables
• Running consumes the least thread; satin and fill ramp up usage with coverage and density.
• Proper stabilizer matching reduces defects (puckering, distortion), which cuts rework and waste.

• Defect reduction = ROI
• Use lock stitches at entry/exit points; plan underlay where needed; select stitch angles that support the fabric grain.
• Document successful settings per fabric to replicate quality across batches—consistency is a bottom-line advantage.

• Practical workflow
• Always test-stitch on the real fabric/stabilizer combo; adjust density, stitch length, and angles before scaling to production.
• For bulky or high-friction sections, slow the machine modestly to prevent breaks—fewer stoppages often recoup the seconds.

6. Advanced Techniques: Creative Combinations and 3D Effects

6.1 Layered Stitch Strategies for Dimension

Depth isn’t an accident—it’s engineered with layers, angles, and edges.

• Fill + satin pairing
• Use textured fills (Tatami, Brick, Zigzag) inside shapes; add a satin outline to “frame” and lift the edge.
• Shift fill angles between adjacent regions to create natural light play and separation without changing colors.

• Multi-pass fill blending
• Layer lighter-density fills at different angles to build gradients and soft transitions—ideal for fur, stone, or weathered surfaces.
• Introduce a bean or running stitch accent to sharpen select contours without overpowering the texture.

• Light and shadow logic
• Treat stitch directions like brushstrokes: perpendicular directions reflect light differently. Plan angles to push highlights forward and recess shadows.

Tip: Keep densities modest when layering. Thin, smart layers beat a single bulletproof pass.

6.2 3D Puff Embroidery and Foam Applications

When you want sculptural impact—raised lettering, bold logos—foam plus satin delivers.

• Core workflow
1. Digitize satin elements that will sit over foam; avoid ultra-fine detail in puff regions.
2. Insert a stop for foam placement.
3. Place foam neatly within the shape boundary.
4. Stitch dense satin over the foam to compress and “pop” the form.
5. Remove excess foam after stitching; run any edge-cleanup passes as needed.

• Quality factors
• Density and tension work together: too sparse and the foam peeks; too tight and you flatten the effect or cause breaks.
• Stitch angles guide how thread wraps the edges—opt for angles that cover corners cleanly.
• Digitizing note: when running satin over foam, avoid auto-splitting features that can compromise the raised effect.

• Best uses
• Short, bold text and emblem shapes, especially where dimensional branding matters.

6.3 Thread Painting and Creative Expression

“Paint” with thread by layering color and direction—no brushes required.

• Running-stitch layering
• Build gradients with multiple passes of running stitches in related hues; vary angles and lengths to blend edges organically.
• Keep individual stitches within a wearable-safe range and shorten around curves for smooth tonal transitions.

• Controlled density for nuance
• Use lighter passes to let fabric peek through (matte, airy look) or stack more passes for richer saturation.
• Reserve satin for highlights or edges where sheen adds emphasis; let fills and running stitches handle midtones.

• Stabilization and testing
• Thread painting creates non-uniform stress; select stabilizers accordingly and test small sections to confirm drape and coverage.
• Document thread combinations and pass counts to recreate effects across a series. For more inspiration, explore embroidery designs online.

Creative prompt: Try a three-shade gradient inside a fill field, then crown it with a narrow satin edge. You’ll see the surface come alive under changing light.

Action step: Pick one design element you already run—outline, letter, or fill—and re-digitize it with a layered angle shift or a satin-on-fill combo. Stitch a small sample, check the light play, and refine. Continuous micro-tests build pro-grade instincts fast.

7. Machine Settings and Optimization Best Practices

Dialed-in settings for embroidery machine computerized separate clean, professional stitch-outs from headaches. Use the right thread, match the needle to the fabric, balance top/bobbin tensions, and control density so designs read boldly without stiff “bulletproof” slabs. Test on the real fabric/stabilizer combo, document what works, and repeat it with confidence.

7.1 Thread and Needle Selection Guide

Choose thread for durability first, then aesthetics, and let fabric dictate the needle.

• Core thread choices
  • 40-weight polyester (standard): durable, colorfast, and dimensionally stable through washing—ideal for garments and high-use items.
  • Rayon: high luster and smooth running, best for decorative pieces with minimal laundering or heat exposure.
  • Cotton: natural look with moderate durability for heritage-style projects.
  • Metallic: decorative shimmer; requires careful handling and testing to prevent breakage.
• Match needle to fabric and thread
  • Ballpoint needles for knits: the rounded tip slides between fibers, protecting stretch fabrics and reducing runs.
  • Sharp (regular) needles for tightly woven fabrics: the point pierces cleanly for crisp stitch formation.
  • Size selection: align needle size to thread weight and fabric density so the thread passes freely without enlarging holes or shredding. If you see fraying, birdnesting, or fabric damage, change the needle.
• Practical cues
  • Garments: 40 wt polyester + ballpoint (knits) or sharp (wovens) is a dependable baseline.
  • Decorative/delicate projects: rayon for sheen; test stability before committing to production.
  • Any specialty thread: run controlled tests and tune tension/speed before a full stitch-out.

7.2 Tension Calibration and Troubleshooting

Balanced upper and bobbin tension deliver smooth outlines and stable fills. Calibrate systematically, then lock in your setup with test swatches.

• Brand baselines and adjustments
  • Machines differ (e.g., Tajima vs. Bernina) in tension feel and control interfaces. Start with the manufacturer’s baseline, then adjust in small increments while test-stitching on the actual fabric and stabilizer.
  • Balance upper and bobbin threads until neither dominates on the top or underside and outlines look clean.
• Speed optimization
  • High speeds can compromise precision on fine detail.
  • Very slow speeds can create excessive thread buildup in dense fill areas.
  • Tune speed to the design’s density and thread type, and re-test after tension changes.
• Common issues and fixes
  • Puckering: increase stabilization (cut-away for knits/stretch, tear-away for stable wovens), reduce stitch density, fine-tune top tension, and ensure even hooping.
  • Thread breaks: replace worn needles, reduce top tension when needed (especially with sensitive threads like rayon), optimize speed for dense sections, and verify thread-to-fabric compatibility.
  • Looping or nests: re-thread, verify thread path, correct tension imbalance, and test again on the same material stack.
• Material-specific note
  • Rayon typically prefers slightly reduced top tension compared to polyester due to different elastic properties and fiber structure. Validate with a test swatch.

7.3 Density Control and Quality Assurance Protocols

Density drives coverage, drape, and longevity. Your goal: full, even coverage without stiffness or distortion.

• Prevent the “bulletproof” effect
  • Avoid oversaturating stitches. If designs turn stiff or sink into the fabric, reduce density, lengthen stitches modestly where appropriate, and deploy strategic underlay to build foundation without overloading the surface.
  • Choose thread and stabilizer combinations that support coverage without overcompaction.
• Test, then document
  • Always test-stitch on the same fabric/stabilizer stack you’ll use in production.
  • Record the winning parameters (thread type, needle, tension notes, density, stitch lengths, angles, stabilizer) by fabric and design category. Reuse these settings to replicate results across runs.
• Production consistency
  • Standardize your “approved” settings for common substrates (e.g., hoodie fleece, performance knits, stable wovens).
  • For dense fills or large areas, vary angles between adjacent regions to distribute stress and keep fabric flat.
  • Conduct a quick pre-run sample for every new thread/fabric combo or major design change; inspect for puckering, registration, coverage, and sheen before scaling up.

8. Conclusion: Building Your Stitch Mastery Toolkit

Mastery is a loop: choose the right stitch (running, satin, fill), match thread and needle to the fabric, balance tensions, and control density to avoid stiffness. Test on the real material, document the settings that work, and repeat them. Layer angles and underlay for stability and visual depth. Each small calibration compounds into clean outlines, glossy lettering, and even, textured fills. Keep sampling, keep notes, and turn your best settings into your everyday production playbook.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

9.1 Q: What thread should I use for most garment embroidery?

A: 40-weight polyester is the standard for durability and colorfastness through repeated washing. It maintains dimensional stability and a clean look on wearables.

9.2 Q: When is rayon a better choice than polyester?

A: Choose rayon for its exceptional luster on decorative pieces that won’t see frequent laundering or high heat. It delivers vibrant sheen but is less durable than polyester.

9.3 Q: Which needle types should I use on different fabrics?

A: Use ballpoint needles on knits (the rounded tip slides between fibers) and sharp needles on tightly woven fabrics (for crisp penetration and clean stitch formation).

9.4 Q: How do I fix puckering on knits or lightweight fabrics?

A: Increase stabilization (cut-away on knits/stretch; tear-away on stable wovens), reduce stitch density, fine-tune tension, and ensure even hooping. Test on the real fabric/stabilizer first.

9.5 Q: My thread keeps breaking—what should I check first?

A: Replace the needle, rebalance upper/bobbin tension, and optimize speed for dense sections. Confirm the thread type suits the fabric and that the needle size matches the thread.

9.6 Q: How do I balance upper and bobbin tension?

A: Start from your machine’s baseline, then test-stitch on the project fabric. Adjust in small increments until top/underside look balanced with no looping, nesting, or outline distortion.

9.7 Q: When should I switch from satin to fill?

A: Satin excels around roughly 2–10 mm widths; for garments, keep satins near ≈7 mm or narrower for durability. Switch to fill (Tatami/pattern fills) when widths grow beyond satin’s stable range or when you need broader coverage.

9.8 Q: What running stitch lengths work best?

A: A 2.5 mm running stitch is a reliable default for clean lines. Shorten toward 1.25–2.0 mm on tight curves; use longer lengths up to about 7.0 mm for basting on wearables.

9.9 Q: How do I avoid the “bulletproof” effect in fills?

A: Reduce density, lengthen stitches modestly where appropriate, add strategic underlay for stability, and verify stabilizer choice. Your test swatch will reveal the sweet spot.

9.10 Q: Do Tajima and Bernina require different tension settings?

A: Yes—calibration and interfaces vary by brand. Begin with the manufacturer’s baseline for your model, then test on the actual fabric and adjust upper/bobbin tension in small steps until balanced.