Beehiveof9

I have a Juki TL-2000 Qi which I use for quilting purposed almost exclusively. For the most part I love it. However, from time to time, I'll be quilting along zen-style, then all of a sudden the needle breaks. I have no clue what is going on. The trouble shooting I've done so far :
1. I'm NOT sewing over or even near pins when it happens
2. The tension is balanced
3. Yes, I'm sure it's threaded correctly
4. I've changed needles.

It is just strange. As I said, I'll be quilting along for a while, no problems, everything smooth as butter, then the needle breaks. Any ideas?

Lisa

yngldy

Are you FMQ? If so, you might be pulling the fabric even without realizing it. Therefore, you are also bending the needle a little and it will hit the needle plate and break. It usually happens on a curve.

PaperPrincess

What yngldy said. You may need to slow down a tad to let the needle come completely out of the fabric before you move it. It's pretty easy for the needle to get caught, deflect and hit the plate. Also might want to try a hopping foot if you aren't using one. The foot holds the fabric down for the stitch, then hops up so you can move the sandwich, minimizing the opportunity for the needle to bend.

Tartan

Yes, you are probably pulling or pushing it off center enough that it hits the needle plate or the bobbin casing. Sure startles you when it happens though. I just had a needle that must have hit something just enough to put a little bend in the tip of the needle. Boy did that ever sound bad when stitching.

Beehiveof9

Yes, I am FMQing. I think you all might have hit the nail on the head, now that I think back on it. I will be more careful and pace myself a little bit slower.

Thank you!

Prism99

You can minimize needle bending by switching to a bigger needle. What size needle are you using?

Ladybird1957

Funny you should post this I am just learning free motion and sometimes things go smooth then I will break 2-3 needles in a short time. For me in truth not sure which need I should be using...my quilt is flannel...the needles I have used are 80/12 and 90/14 both Schmetz I just replace my needle with Xlasse 80/12 Titanium....hope that wasn't a mistake.... I have always liked Schmetz I just ran out and couldn't find any. I hope you have better luck with the breaking of your needles....I do think the cause for me is moving to fast...
Ladybird1957

Beehiveof9

I'm using a size 12 at the moment. "Organ" brand... came with the machine.

Prism99

I would move up a size to a 90/14.

purplefiend

When I machine quilt, the needles I like are the Superior titanium top stitch in a 90/14 or 110/16.
Sharon in Texas