Frustration/FMQ and Janome 1600P
 

ARGH! Spent the whole morning fighting with my sewing machine trying to do a sample of a 8 1/2" QAYG block. Thread shreds and breaks every few inches.

Now, I use this machine on my HandiQuilter frame and admit that it usually takes a bit of time to get it sewing without excessive thread breakage. I am never sure what I did that actually worked -- change thread, change needle, change tension on the quilt, raise or lower it from the sewing machine bed. But finally some combination works and I can (mostly) get the quilting done.

I thought doing the small blocks with my machine on the desk would be easier. Also thought I might be able to see what is happening that causes my threads to break. Not sure I know any more than when I started, but wondering if the fact that my free motion foot does not move close to the fabric on the needle downstroke might be causing the thread to rub somewhere more than it should? Or if anyone has any words of advise, I'd love to hear them. I am at my wits end and don't know what to try next.

could you be using the wrong type/size needle for the thread you are using?
i've been quilting for a number of years now and have found that polyester or a blend thread works much better than cotton thread (the machines go too fast for cotton thread) cotton is fine for hand quilting- but for machine quilting---not so much
and if your needle is not the correct size for the thread it can shred/fray your threads.
i generally use sharps (sometimes a universal) in the size necessary for the thread being used-
if you are unsure about thread/needle sizes/types/uses visit the Superior Threads web site- they have free charts you can print off that tell you about all the different threads, different needles- what they are best for- and the sizes to use for which threads.

If your FMQ foot doesn't have a spring in it, then it is a floating foot. You might want to try a generic darning foot (with spring) to see if that helps.

What thread are you using? I agree that a polyester thread may work better than an all-cotton thread.

Have you checked underneath the throat plate to see if there is lint buildup there? That can cause thread breakage.

I have a 1600P and love it. If I start shredding thread, my first thought is always the needle. In fact, while I am at it, I take the machine apart, clean completely and oil it, just on general principles, but the needle is usually the main problem. If you have shreded a bunch of thread, there are almost certainly shreds in the machine. Also, I was advised by the repair guy in my dealership to slow down a bit on FMQ. Titanium needles last a lot longer.

I have a Brother 1500, I use to have the same problem until I read on another forum about stretch needles, I use a 90/14 Schmetz stretch needle with a polyester thread, or a cotton covered with polyester thread 40 or 50 wt. I don't know why but they work so much better when I FMQ. Hope this helps.

I have a 1600p and it runs good. when i bought the machine for my long arm. they
said only use superior thread #50 and alway oil the place down by the bobbin after each use.
tension on 3 and i think i always use a size 10 needle for it.

Well, I came back to the project this morning with all the above advice.... After more trial and error, I found that the one spool I have of Superior Threads So Fine #50 with a #14 embroidery needle also the only one I have) seems to work. Of Course that one thread that works is not the right color. So I went online and ordered one in white. The site said I should use a #12 embroidery needle so I ordered a package of them.

Every time I think I have this licked, it comes back to bite me. Will go back to this project when my thread and needles arrive.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Hi,

I have a Janome 1600P and a Gracie frame.
I have had some thread breading issues and big loooooooooong gaps when I was FMQ.
I've managed to solve things for the time being. The biggest problem was the darning foot that originally came with the machine was literally worn out on the side so that everytime I would turn a corner, the thread would break or I would have a gap. It was replaced with a different free motion quilting foot and darning plate. The original one just "sat" on top of the existing plate. This plate screws in.
I did get a list of do's and don'ts from Janome regarding this machine if you would like a copy, please PM me.

Carole

I have the ELNA 7100, which the site says is Janome 1600 (both made by same company). I've had mine since last summer & I LOVE it..absolutely no problems, tho I do break the needle thread whenever I get too rambunctious. But the plate to cover the feed dogs is as mentioned above--just snaps on ..and seems to make the machine noisier. I'd like the plate that is stationary. 'Carole'..did you buy yours separately? I should do a search!

Mermaid - When I took the machine to the dealer and they found that the FMQ foot was worn out, they told me that they had redesigned the foot and the plate.
Here is a link to the Janome site with pics of the foot & plate http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/...r_1600P_Series

You can look around for a dealer that has one Part # 767-433-004
Hope this helps :o)

Carole