Proper way to remove thread from your machine

[OhCanada]

I just found out today that I shouldn't just pull the thread backwards through the tension disks when removing the spool. Apparently you risk damaging delicate tension disks, cut the thread between the spool and the tension lever and pull downwards from the needle area.

[Jeanne S]

We just had a machine repair guy come to our last guild meeting who gave a presentation about machine maintenance and he said the same thing! Most of us had never heard this either, but I have been cutting my thread at the spool and pulling it out the needle now.

[lisalovesquilting]

Good to know. Thanks.

[BrendaK]

Thanks for the information. I have heard that before and I keep forgetting. BrendaK

[mandyrose]

when I worked in sewing factories many many years ago that's one of the first things they tell you.

[OhCanada]

when I worked in sewing factories many many years ago that's one of the first things they tell you.

What other words of wisdom did they share with you?

[QuiltnNan]

thanks for the reminder

[ghostrider]

I have yet to be convinced that it makes any difference so long as the foot is raised to release all resistance as the thread passes between the tension discs. If the tension discs are disengaged, how can something as thin as a piece of thread passing untouched between them cause a problem?

I think a more logical rule would be this one...foot down, cut up; foot up, cut down.

[Lori S]

I have yet to be convinced that it makes any difference so long as the foot is raised to release all resistance as the thread passes between the tension discs. If the tension discs are disengaged, how can something as thin as a piece of thread passing untouched between them cause a problem?

I am with you on this issue. If fact I have a machine that is 60 plus years old and can tell you the thread was never removed from the spool end and no damage was ever done. I can understand if the foot in down so the disks are together ... it would damage... but its also much harder to pull the thread in any direction when the foot is down.

[Jeanne S]

I have yet to be convinced that it makes any difference so long as the foot is raised to release all resistance as the thread passes between the tension discs. If the tension discs are disengaged, how can something as thin as a piece of thread passing untouched between them cause a problem?

I think a more logical rule would be this one...foot down, cut up; foot up, cut down.

The guy in our guild presentation said it had to do with the way the thread plys are twisted together---they are designed to glide smoothly in the direction from spool to needle; but when pulled 'backward' up through the tension discs that small bits of the thread gets shredded off and will eventually cause problems. News to me!