Advice on thread breaking
 

I have a Tin Lizzie LA. Every time I try and use it my thread breaks every 12 to 18 inches that I sew. It is driving me crazy. I have did everything the book says. It looks like the needle or something is shredding the thread at the needle. I have tried all kinds of thread, new needles, new bobbins, rethreading, I really would like to take a hammer to it. If I was rich I swear I would. lol Anyone ever had this problem?

What type of thread are you using, and what size needle? Often this is a problem involving a mismatch of needle size and thread type.

I also highly recommend watching this video by Jamie Wallen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1mRhcquZTM
Adjusting the bobbin tension to as loose as possible, then adjusting the top tension until you get a balanced stitch, helped me a lot when I had shredding/breakage issues. The other thing that helped me enormously was switching to Glide thread. It *never* shreds or breaks on me!

Prism99, Thank you. I am using the #18 needles that came with the machine. I have used about 6 different threads including King tut which I love on my other machines. Most have been polyester. Gutterman, So fine, King tut, Coats and Clark. I have some Americana Quilting thread that is 100 % glaced cotten but it does not say for hand quilting. Maybe I will give it a try. Thanks again going to watch the youtube.

I agree with Prism99 about the Glide thread. I use the Glide Delight prewound bobbins and Glide thread. Not one issue with breakage or shredding. I use a high speed Brother PS, size 80/12 titanium coated Topsitch needle. This chart may help you with needle sizes. It lists Tin Lizzy and many other LA brands: http://www.superiorthreads.com/media...edle-guide.pdf

Also be sure your needle is in all the way and eye of needle is straight. I agree with Prism on watching the Jamie Wallen video. Its great and it helps immensley.

Thanks everyone. I do have the right needles and I am going to try the glide thread. What would we do without this board?

Here's where I purchase Glide thread: http://www.bobbincentral.com/embroid...ead/glide.html
The minimum order if $35 but, if you want to try it out first just email or call the company and they will sell you a single cone to make sure it works in your machine.

Also, get out your manual and make sure you are threading correctly. I also have a TL, and I skip one of the holes in the first guide after the spool. I guess I am lucky in that my machine will sew with anything, metallic, cotton, poly, 40 wt, 60wt. etc.
The quilting board is great, however, there is a board dedicated to TL on yahoo that you should also check out.

You might also check your bobbin case to make sure it doesn't have a nick that's snagging the thread. Ask me how I know.

The americana is a hand quilting thread, do not use it in your machine