Breaking Thread
 

Does anyone know how to hydrate thread? I'm sure that it is too dry and that's why it keeps breaking. I have put in a new needle and that doesn't help. I use my embroidery machine to make labels for my quilt. I have quite a bit of thread and most of it I have had for quite some time. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Fredda

I just give my Long Arm thread a spray or two of water. Read it somewhere.LOL I'm serious, I do.

Sewers Aid is a silicone lubricant that I use when I FMQ on my domestic machine. It might work.
http://www.amazon.com/Sewers-Aid-1-2.../dp/B000YQKO6K

Sometimes thread just gives up and breaks easily.

The only thing it is good for is hand basting or decoration on the spools.

I'm with bearisgray--the thread is no longer any good. Thread likes to be at 50% humidity for long shelf life.

Sharon Schamber will dip her thread cones in white or pharmaceutical grade mineral oil, let drain for a few minutes, wipe off excess, and use. She teaches this in her classes.

HTH

I know Sharon does that, but I don't think I could ever dip my threads in oil. Seems so wrong to me.

There are Schmetz "microtex" needles that have a smoother eye. That might help. Or slow the machine speed down, if you can.

Good Luck!

Understandable! I have a friend who had a bad cone, she tried different needle, different tensions, different fabrics, even a different machine, and nothing worked. She figured she had nothing to lose, dipped her cone in the mineral oil and it worked for her. She showed our quilt group her project; there were no stains or marks from the oil at all. Her experience is why I feel free to recommend this.

May be a silly reply but try the fridge or freezer then allow to dry slightly before using.the cold may hydrate slightly.

If thread is " rotten" - has gotten very weak - how do any of these " treatments" make it durable for the longer term?

I have a small tote full of thread I won' t do permanent sewing with.

I use Sewers Aid that I bought inside JAF (doesn't appear to be online). I ONLY had to use it when sewing with metallic thread. Your thread if it is old, I would toss it. If it is new, I would return the spool to where I bought it from with a sample of what was happening.

I have heard this technique recommended before. Wouldn't hurt to try.

Wow, that's wild! I'll have to file that bit of info away for later. I wonder how Sharon figured that out!? I'd be scared of oil marks too but sounds like it works fine. Interesting!

I've always wondered how this works. Most modern refrigerators and freezers are "frost free", which means they suck the moisture out of the air inside. The only possibility is that when the thread comes out of the freezer, the moisture in the air in the room condenses on it. Why not just spritz it with water?

The OP didn't say "rotten", she said "dried out". Sharon Schamber's theory is that the thread gets dried out, which makes it brittle, and re-hydrating it with oil restores flexibility.


I suppose we won't really know what's happening unless someone gets a microscope out and does some scientific testing of some kind. ;)

I never have time for so many things, I would just buy new. Depending on how old, I would return to manufacturer and see what happens. I have some old thread but only use for any mending or practice hand stitching. I buy new for my machines.

Is it definately the thread that is snapping or is you machine breaking the thread? This could be a tension problem and not weak thread.

Thanks for the great ideas. I, too, had heard of the freezer option. Might try that.
Also, does Sharon dip the whole spool in the mineral oil?
The thread is several years old and just used for my embroidery machine. I recently had it serviced so hopefully that isn't the problem.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Fredda

Yes. Dip it, let it sit and drain on a paper bag or something similar for a few minutes, then wipe any excess off with a paper towel.