“Shredding” thread
 

When thread separates and wads up before it passes through the eye of the needle, is that because the thread is inferior ? I’ve got shoeboxes of thread (Mom’s) and it’s all brands which I like to use up on charity quilts.

I have some very old threads that do not shred. You might check to see if your needle is too small for the thread.
Superior threads has good information under the education tab at the top of the page. I tried to send a link but it would not paste. superiorthreads.com/education

That has happened to me too before. I always change the needle in case there is a "burr" in the eye. If that doesn't do the trick I change the size of the needle eye and if it still doesn't do it, I toss the thread or use it for hand sewing. Not all thread is good.

Sometimes, yes, it's the thread. If other thread of the same weight & type is not shredding, it's probably bad thread and not a bad needle. It doesn't have to be old thread either, sometimes it's just poor quality. I've experienced that.

But trying a new needle is a good troubleshooting technique and worth the effort.

Pull some thread and see how easy it breaks by hand.

What is the project and what size needle are you using now?

Another recommendation to change the needle. Can you check the upper tension and threading? There could be small pieces of thread caught inside. Check the bobbin area also for stray pieces of thread.

Re-thread top and bobbin threads. There can be combination of issues. I usually start over with a whole re-thread including new needle. Needles can be bad out of the package.

Good Luck!

I doubt if all the thread would be inferior, especially if it's assorted brands. The others have offered good suggestions.

I have some from Sulky that did that. It was only one color, so I think that it was that particular spool which had a problem.

Sometimes it's the thread, sometimes it's the wrong needle or the wrong needle size for the thread, sometimes loosening the tension solves it.

What size is your thread, and what size is your needle? If you have a heavier thread, such as a 40 wt, and you're using a smaller needle like a 10 or 12, that can cause shredding and breakage above the needle's eye.

I have found weak spots on a spool of thread. Sometimes if light is just right I can see where the weak spots are. Without doing anything, other than pulling some off it starts sewing just fine. So I decide for some reason there is weak thread in places on the spool.