Originally Posted by
Annaquilts
Aurifil 50 WT Sometimes when the thread breaks it might be because the needle opening is too small. I quilt on my Janome 6500 and it is a thread snob. It can not handle much else. I also use a top stitch needle 90/14 schmetz. I also use a vintage Bernina 830 recorder and can use thick thread on it as long as I use the top stich needle.
I read all the post for this thread and this post is closest to what I just learned at a FMQ class I just took given by a Master Quilter. We were told to bring a size 12 Top stitch needle and explained that the hole needs to be larger than twice the size of the thread. With the small holed needles, the thread frays and loops, resulting in breakage. I asked if this was good for my machine on a frame and was told yes. Another thing she taught us was that if the thread is streight wound on the spool that it should roll from the side. If it is cross wound on the spool, such as a cone, it should be pulled from the top. If not done this way, it will twist as it unwinds. She also recommended Superior Threads.