ThayerRags

Yes, the problem that is being discussed here usually occurs well into a stitch line, not just when beginning the stitch line. But, tension may have something to do with it even though I think the problem has to do with humidity and the thread.

At our shop, we use a multitude of threads, both layer-wound spools and cross-wound cones. We’re doing mending and alterations, so we have a lot of thread color/type changes. The thread feeds off of the spools on one of the two machine spool pins. The thread feeds off of the cones on a multi-cone thread tower. There are times when we get twisting in the thread at the top thread guide, and I’m not sure why. We get a twist sometimes from both spool and cone threads. This is possibly where the thread humidity may figure in. Almost all thread towers change the direction of the thread path by the thread being pulled over a surface. So does the top thread guide on the machine. Could the humidity in the thread, or lack of it, cause the thread to act differently when being pulled over a surface? Could that be what’s causing the twist at times?

At some point, the twisted thread is finally pulled through the guide. So possibly, when the twist gets to the tension assembly, normal thread travel is interrupted long enough for the thread loop to not be able to release from the hook normally, and multiple loops then form on the hook. Maybe the thread clearances at the hook don’t have anything to do with the problem?

We notice times when our thread seems to have considerable static in it, and other times when it doesn’t, but we don’t know if it’s us or the thread that is causing the static. What’s causing that change?

The seemingly random times that the problem occurs makes it difficult to nail down what is happening. My service date records aren’t very useful since I don’t service the machines on a regular schedule after a thread tangle, but I’ve not found any changes in the clearances. So, my wife will start a logbook to record as much as she can about what the conditions were just prior to the event. Thread, fabric, and weather will be included, as well as static conditions and when she last re-threaded the machine.

CD in Oklahoma