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Top thread keeps breaking :( why?
So today, I sewed on my new machine for about 4 hours. Just straight 1/4 inch seams, but I'd say within that 4 hour time period, my top thread broke 7 or 8 times. :( I just don't think that's normal. Or is it? What could be wrong? I am so new to sewing, machines, quilting, etc... so I'm really clueless unfortunately. My aunt couldn't figure out what was wrong either. I kinda wondered if it was the cheap wal-mart thread my aunt had. I didn't want to say that though! Maybe that's not it at all. I think I may just bring my own better quality thread next time and just tell her I don't want to keep using hers since she paid for it! Thank you for any thoughts or suggestions!!!
Candace :) |
I would also suspect the thread. The solution of bringing your own better brand sounds perfect. I like gutterman thread myself but there are many other good threads to try. It would help to read the machine manual too, they usually have a trouble shooting section. If it was a spool of thread with the little notch for fastening the thread, sometimes that can catch the thread . Also check the thread path for any spots it might be snagging. Some spools have a definate way that they like to come off the spool. Some like to be upright and some like to come off the spool sideways.
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There are different kinds of thread and not all of them can or should be used on a sewing machine. Some threads are for hand sewing only. Some threads are for embroidery only. The other funny thing about thread is there are different sizes of thread. Each different size of thread uses a specific needle size. I am on my iPad right now and I dont have access to my thread guides but I am sure you could look them up. The thread size will be noted in the 'weight' of the thread like 30,40,50 weight and the needle sizes are like 12,14,16. You will have to look up what weight thread goes with what size needle. Also there are different kinds of needles to use such as univeral or sharps or ball point or wing tipped. There are many other types of needles but those are first ones that came to mind For quilting I would recommend a sharps or universal. Different kinds of needle for different kinds of fabrics. If the needle is too small for the weight of the thread then it could break. If the needle is too big it could cause the thread to fray. If the thread is dry then it could become brittle and break. You place your thread in the fridge or freezer for an hour before sewing and will keep it from being brittle. And the difference between hand sewing thread and machine sewing thread is the direction the thread is twisted. Hand sewing thread is twisted the opposite direction so it runs through the machine it will actually unravel. There are a lot of things that could cause the thread to break but since you are new I thought this info might help.
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Check your threading diagram in the manual first of all and re-thread the machine-- you may have missed one of the thread guides. Every step is important in feeding thread to the needle correctly. Then try better thread and a new needle. Since your machine is new, it might have a bit of packing material or dirt in the thread path, so use your little cleaning brush to clean out the shuttle area.
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I would bring better quality thread also. But remember to wind a new bobbin with the better thread and use it as well as the better thread in the top also. Make sure to use a new needle also. I hope this helps.
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I went through a spell when if it wasn't my top thread my breaking it was the bobbin thread jamming. I was so frustrated. As suggested here I changed threads. I now use gutermann and only gutermann. I just don't even want to try anything else. Others here have threads they like and swear by.
Good luck and do't get too frustrated it you will figure it out. |
Thank you all so much for the great information!!! :)
Candace |
I went through a spell when if it wasn't my top thread my breaking it was the bobbin thread jamming. I was so frustrated. As suggested here I changed threads. I now use gutermann and only gutermann. I just don't even want to try anything else. Others here have threads they like and swear by.
Good luck and do't get too frustrated it you will figure it out. |
Could be thread, could be the needle is too small for the thread, machine might be threaded incorrectly, could be wrong spool cap and thread is getting caught around the base of the spool pin. It can also just be your machine, some machines don't like certain thread. I would say get a bigger needle and rethread, if this doesn't solve the problem try another spool or brand
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I have been using up some old wooden spools of thread -- all still fine for machine sewing, but the upper thread kept breaking. I worked out that it was snagging on the small notch cut in the top of the spool, as someone else has suggested. So I use an emery board to rub out the notch and smooth it down, and have no more problems.
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