gramajo

I'm having trouble with Superior's Monopoly clear thread breaking while I'm trying to quilt a small wallhanging. I'm using Superior's recommended 70/10 topstitch needle and tension of 2. I tested on a scrap sandwich and all was OK. Now I'm trying to quilt the piece and it sews fine for a few inches and then breaks again. Needle has been rethreaded numerous times. Bobbin has been taken out and replaced. Bobbin thread is Aurifil 100% rayon. Would that make a difference? I've tried both with a spool sleeve and without. I am getting so frustrated! Anyone have any ideas what else I can try?

I'm not FMQ, but doing straightline quilting with a walking foot.

I sure hope someone can help. It should not be taking me this long to quilt it!

sewmary

Feel around the top of your spool and make sure that there is not a burr there where the thread breaks.

labeelady

How fast are you sewing? Have you tried lowering the speed to see if that makes a difference?

gramajo

Thanks, Mary. I'll try this.

snipforfun

If you call Superior Threads 800 number they will help you. I use monopoly all the time and no problems except when it gets tangled at the first threading point. I think its best to put the spool in a jar or something other than putting it on the spindle. I also skip the last threading point.

ckcowl

some invisible threads stretch & break frequently if trying to sew too fast- the speed stretches them- you may have to slow way down---and rayon in the bobbin? maybe try a cotton? or a poly blend? just a thought- but speed is probably the issue-
if you visit Superiors web site they have lots of hints, tips & help links - your answer may be there.

gramajo

I don't sew fast at all--I can't control the sandwich if I do.

gramajo

Thanks for all your quick responses. I'd checked out the Superior Threads site before I posted my desperation plea. That's where I got preferred needle type/size and tension recommendation. I checked for burrs--didn't have any. I put the spool in a mug and now it's working fine. Yay! Guess I'll have to get a free-standing spool holder.

I pieced this using rayon thread because it was the best color I could find for the backing. I used the rayon in both top thread and bobbin while piecing. It's just a small wallhanging 18 X 24, so it won't be getting any hard use.

JulieR

Is the thread just breaking at the needle, or is it breaking somewhere else? When it breaks is it still tight anywhere along the machine, like going to the spool?

gramajo

It was breaking in the tensioners. I think it may have been getting caught at the spool. Putting the spool in a mug and running the thread over the top of my machine seems to have solved the problem.