What thread do you use when FMQ. I have used both cotton and poly/cotton covered thread. I have changed size needles 12 and 14. Any ideas. I do have this problem ever so often. I just change until I find a solution. Any ideas. I have FMQ for a long time but don't have all the answers. :lol: The one with all the answers please step forward. :wink:

I'm taking a step back, since I don't have all the answers. It happens to me as well, and I have done the same as you by changing the needle and different threads. I can't figure it out. I think that is just one of the casualties of FMQ.

My favorite thread is Aurifil 100% cotton 50 WT thread. I don't have many thread breakages.

Have you tried to adjust the tension? Maybe it needs to loosen up a little? Another thought - what kind of foot are you using? Could your foot be catching on previously quilted sections and pulling? I had that problem with an open foot. I like the closed one for that reason.

There are times it's a breeze, no thread breaking, no dragging, you know everything goes smooth. But then there are times, ooh. :roll: I'm thinking the background material I used may be the problem. That is what I'm quilting right now. It may not be 100% cotten. It's a scrappy table topper.

No I haven't adjusted tension. I have a D1 and usually it is adjusted accordingly. I am using a FMQ stitch where the feed dogs are dropped automatically. The foot is small round and clear, not open but is the same I always use. No it isn't catching on other stitches. I may try the tension change. Thank you.

Hello - well I DONT have ALL the answers but thought I'd run a couple things past you. Are you using a "cone" of thread or a spool? have you loosened your top tension?

If your using a cone of thread, be sure you are using it with thread coming off the top of the cone (not cone laying down) does that make sense?

Just a regular spool.

OK, try the tension then, different fabrics and battings have different results. I used to be afraid to adjust my tension, but not anymore. If you adjust your top tension, you may have to adjust your bobbin as well. Stitch on a practice piece as your adjusting your tension.

Ive learned alot from Bob @ Superior Threads, what needles to use with what types of thread and tension etc.... here is a link to a Thread Guide that is awesome. I have printed it out and placed it on the wall by my machines.
http://www.superiorthreads.com/media...HOME_10-10.pdf

thanks for the link

SueBee thank you for the chart. I printed it out. I changed the top tension. It didn't break as often but is still breaking.

It could be so many things...could be speed at which you are stitching, I had to learn to slow down. I hope this helps.

I feel your pain. I am going through that right now. It finally did the FMQ and now I am having thread breaking while using the walking foot to sew on the binding. I tried everything above too. Sometimes I guess it just happens. Will wait to see if someone has the magic answer.

i use and love the machine quilting threads from Connecting Threads

I tried practicing on a block of muslin, poly batting and no thread breaking. It is either the cotton batting or the white background material, not sure of it's contents. Confession time, lol. The thread ravels and then breaks if that makes sense. I have tried cotton and poly/cotton thread.

I changed the top tension. It's not helping a whole lot. I don't know how to change bobbin tension.

I don't have all the answers, but I do use Sewer's Aid on the thread to prevent breakage. Works like a charm! It is a liquid silicone. I have been using it sine the early 90's and it has never 'gummed up' my Bernina.

cotton covered cotton thread.
darning foot (with spring on shaft)
fast pedal speed
slower speed on moving quilt with your hands
feed dogs down (usually)

yep, done all that. thanks

Never tried that.