Linework is the foundation of tattooing — and it’s also the first thing to expose a beginner’s technique. If your lines feel shaky, inconsistent, or unpredictable, you’re not alone. Here are the most common linework problems apprentices face and exactly how to fix them.
1. Wobbly Lines
Cause: No anchor point / floating hand
Fix: Plant your pinky or side of your hand. Create a tripod with your grip.
2. Shaky Lines
Cause: Death grip / over-caffeination / poor breathing
Fix: Relax your hand. Exhale during long pulls. Take breaks.
3. Inconsistent Line Weight
Cause: Uneven speed or pressure
Fix: Maintain a steady machine speed and keep your hand movement consistent.
4. Lines Not Reaching the Dermis
Cause: Shallow depth
Fix: Adjust hand angle, stretch tighter, and ensure the needle is hanging out properly.
5. Blown-Out Lines
Cause: Too deep, too slow, or no stretch
Fix: Tighten your stretch and increase speed so you’re not dwelling in one spot.
6. Scratchy Texture
Cause: Slow pulls or dragging needles
Fix: Increase voltage slightly. Avoid dragging — let the machine do the work.
7. Patchy Lines
Cause: Lifting too early or inconsistent saturation
Fix: Take slower pulls. Keep your machine angle consistent.
8. Double Lines
Cause: Stencil movement
Fix: Let stencil fully dry before tattooing. Avoid leaning your hand on fresh stencil.
9. Lines Not Connecting
Cause: Poor planning
Fix: Map your stroke direction. Tattoo from solid-to-open space.
10. Needle Clogging
Cause: Heavy inks + slow cleaning
Fix: Rinse frequently, wipe less often, run the needle through Cleanse between dips.
11. Skipping Lines
Cause: Poor stretch or tough skin
Fix: Triangle stretch. Flatten the skin before starting the pull.
12. Dragged Circles
Cause: Pulling the whole circle in one go
Fix: Break circles into 3–4 segments.
13. Uneven Curves
Cause: Overshooting during turns
Fix: Move your body, not just your wrist.
14. Flicking Out Lines
Cause: Lifting too fast at the end
Fix: Slow your lift. Finish with purpose, not panic.
15. Blowouts on Thinner Skin
Cause: Using the same pressure everywhere
Fix: Reduce depth + lighten touch on wrists, ankles, inner arm, etc.
16. Chewed-Up Skin
Cause: Overworking lines
Fix: One confident pass. If needed, do a second pass after a few minutes.
17. Ink Spreading Under Stencil
Cause: Heavy globs of ointment
Fix: Use less. Let stencil and skin fully dry.
18. Uneven Black Packing Near Lines
Cause: Wrong needle grouping
Fix: Use proper liners for lines + mags for fill.
19. Needle Drag in Long Pulls
Cause: Low-quality cartridges or poor membrane tension
Fix: Use cartridges with consistent tension — like Fire — for smooth pulls.
20. Lines Look Great at First… Then Heal Thin
Cause: inconsistent depth or timid pressure
Fix: Commit to the line. Confident pressure, solid stretch, steady speed.
