Cap Embroidery Help

We have a SWF/ET1502 Embroidery machine. Everything runs smoothly while embroidering caps until it gets to the bottom of the cap by the seam. The machine makes an unusally loud sound and misses several stitches on the hat. Once gthe machine gets past that seam on the bottom, it continues to run smoothly. Can anyone help?? Much appreciated.

Location: 
United States

A few questions:
1. Is your design sewing from the bottom up/inside to the outside?
2. Is there any underlay at the seam of the design?

minimalist's picture

You are sewing the design too close to the seam. If it's that low the bill is most likely in contact with the cover plate over the presser feet/needle bar distorting the design or breaking needles. You'll need to raise the orientation up from the bottom seam of the cap.

We have a rule of thumb doing caps, first, no closer than your thumb with from the bottom. Always sew center out and bottom to top.