I have a Brother PC 8500 that I can not get to FMQ. It is a wonderful machine and I bought it used for a great price. Everthing else works like a dream, even the embroidery, but everytime I try FM it breaks a needle. I have done FMQ with other machines, I have changed the needle, lowered the feed dogs, tried different threads and bobbins, cleaned it and even manually moved the needle and it looks like it is fine. BUT when I start sewing within two or three stitches the needle breaks EVERY time. Is there anything else I could try or just take it to a repair shop?

Did you move the needle position? I've broken needles because i forgot.

what foot are you using?

have you looked on the brother website to see if you can download the manual?

I have done all of the above and am using the embroidery foot. Any other ideas?

I would use a darning foot or a freemotion quilting foot. I think the foot is where your problem is.

Debbie KS

The embroidery foot is the same as a free motion foot on my machine.

The brother 8500 does not do free motion. It was one of the problems with this machine from the time it came out. From what I remember it had a special roller that feed thread and the thread couldn't be delivered fast enough for free motion.

Brother corrected the problem in their newer machines , but the Brother 8500 will always have this problem.

I will try to do more research on this if you would like.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news :cry:

Margaret

Don't be sorry, I'm just glad to know it's not me. But in the user manual it tells you how to free motion quilt. I guess that's what had me stumped. I do have another machine that I can use, this one is just my favorite.

I would appreciated any information you can give me on this. I may have to see if I can upgrade?

I have been searching on the internet for discussions on this problem. I have been on sewing and embroidery boards for many years and I remember reading about the problem a long time ago. There isn't much info about it on the internet anymore.

If your brother dealer has been selling brother machines for a long time, he might remember the problem. I don't think this machine can be upgraded to allow it to do free motion better.

Margaret