Desperate--Monopoly thread keeps breaking
 

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!

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

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

Thanks, Mary. I'll try this.

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.

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.

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

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. :thumbup: 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.

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?

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.

Good thinking! I've had the same problem with a particular spool of Gutermann invisible thread and I'm going to try the mug method, too. Thanks!

Just a note if you are going to but a Free Standing Spool holder - check out the one made by Superior. It really is superior.

Thanks for the info. My quilting DD has already been told it should be added to my Christmas wish list. lol

i can't really express how happy it makes me feel that the solution to this problem was to put the thread in a mug.

thanks for such a great smile on such a rainy crappy day :)

aileen

Glad to hear you got your thread problem worked out. I use Superior Monopoly often, without problems. I do have one of those Superior "superior" thread holders though. :p

Since you solved your problem by putting the thread in a mug, I'm going to assume that you are using a cone of thread, not a spool...because spools and cones are wound differently, a spool has to be in a vertical position for the thread to come off it properly and a spool needs to be horizontal. Just one more thing to think about!