Ok, I'm trying to freemotion quilt , I'm using SoFine on the top and Bottomline on the bobbin. Works out ok, Until I speed up a little, then the thread on the top starts shredding. I did a practice piece last week with serger thread and had no problems with it.
this is on a Janome 6600.
Of course I have no Idea what size needle is in :shock: , or what I should use
Any suggestions?

thanks a bunch! :D

No but I just love your dog!!! :D
I'm learning FMQ so I thank you for starting this!

You might want to try a bigger needle. Changing the needle is a common recommendation when the thread shreds.

both threads are bobbin weight 60 wt, so I don't think it would take much of a needle, what is your fabric? I'm piecing with that machine using batik and have to use a 14 needle to keep from shredding the thread, other fabrics I use a 10 or 12 with this thread. I would say first check your needle size.

I just use everyday thread in my janome 2010, no idea my needle size!

Sounds like the needle.

Yes, that's what I'll try next. Just spent some time on the superior thread site. Topstitch is what I guess I'll try next. Of course I don't have any here , soooooooo it's a trip to the fabric store tomorrow

it's just strange to me that the finer thread shredds, and the thicker stuff goes through no problem ???

Are you trying to quilt through heavyweight fusible?

Awwwwww, too baaaaad. I'll bet it's breaking your heart, right! 8->

you got that right, it's pretty unfortunate :XD:

nope, just quilters cotton and warm and natural

Try using a stretch needle, I was told that several years ago by someone who was told that by a Brother tech & I always use one, have done tons of free motion with no shredding or skipped stitches. Apparently the longer scarf in the stretch needles is what does the trick. I use Schmetz or Organ brand, both good. When Joann's has 50% off notions I stock up on Schmetz.

Never heard of a stretch needle, I had to google it :-D (sometimes i wonder how I ever survived without google)
I'm still not quite clear , does this needle have a point?, not like a ballpoint?

It is a ballpoint needle, made for knits, but great for freemotion.

Hi, I found a denim needle works well for me.

I would think top-stitch thread would be too thick to behave for FMQ. do you loosen your top tension when FMQ. use a NEW needle for each project you do. I like Schmetz quilting needles in the size that matches the thread & fabric.
good luck, FMQ is practice and being loose.

Ha, being loose is definitely part of the deal here, BUT- why did the c**PPY Serger thread do just fine at faster speeds? I don't get that :-(
I stuck a size 14 needle in there for now, and maybe it's my imagination, but it seems to work better ???

I would go with a denim or quilting needle from Schmetz in the 75/11 or 80/12. Never have any problems with these even with 50 weight thread.

http://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/index.html go to this site it was just posted good luck i'm tring to learn too.

In my "learn your machine" class, I was sitting across a gal who had the identical machine to mine. We were doing the identical task with identical fabric and identical thread. She managed to break 3 needles. The instructor gave her a different needle and she sewed like a trooper. So it does pay off to learn about needles.

most of the thread companies have areas where they teach you the different needles, sizes, uses, and appropriate threads. they are very informative and really helps you avoid lots of problems It does sound like it may be your needle is too small for the thread, or the eye may be the wrong shape, some are round, some are long, sometimes some threads just will not work in our machine no matter what we do. i usually start with changing needles, making sure all is threaded right and i take the bobbin out and put it back in if the problem persists i try changing thread, if the problem is gone, i make note that thread does not work in my machine...and i've had that happen with some pretty expensive threads so i don't think it matters, some machines just don't like some thread...