I have a Designer 1 sewing machine. My problem when I try and free motion the thread keeps shredding. I have tried changing the thread-changing the bobbins from prewond to regular hus. bobbins-changing the throat plate from zigzag to 1 hole-changed the size needle exp. quilting, embroidery,universal-putting a magic bobbin washer in and without-changed color thread on spool holder and in bobbin-different feet exp q foot-darning foot etc -setting my machine on q foot or free motion-feed dogs up or down. I can change to regular sewing and it works fine.

Have you tried loosening the upper tension?

Try changing your stitch lenght to zero.

I have tried stitch length at zero still shreds thread but thanks for the response.

When I play with the tension the thread loops at the top or at the bottom. Thanks for the response.

I have tried looseing the upper tension but the thread loops then. Thanks for the response.

I get the best results with a topstich 90/12 or 90/14 needle. The topstitch needle or a metalic needle has a bigger eye, and really helps with the shredding. Not sure when you changed your needle what size and type you put in?!

I have had that problem in the past, too. The only thing that seemed to help me was to slow down. I did all the things you have done and still had trouble, but I found if I quilted more slowly it worked.

You may need to loosen both upper AND bobbin tension. Whenever I have had problems with shredding thread and I had the correct size needle in for the thread I was using, it was a tension issue.

When using my domestic machine for free motion, I use a top stitch needle, lower the needle tension a bit. But I do not run my machine at top speed. The heat built up from the speed can cause the thread, any thread, to shread.

I know the "experts" say run the machine fast, move the fabric slow but that don't always work. After all, that is why there is a stitch regulator on longarms.