I do not do FMQ. I've done it badly in the borders of one quilt, but I've been practicing. I thought I was getting better.

I've decided to try it in areas on my Farm Block quilt. I go along just fine for a few inches then it quits catching the bottom thread and finally the top thread shreds and breaks.

I have changed the needle and rethreaded both the top and the bottom. Any suggestions?

I wonder if needle might have a burr in the eye? Or there may be something wonky with the bobbin?

Keep going to a bigger size needle. That's the only thing that stops the shredding of thread for me. One day the darn machine may want a size 100 needle and the next it may want a size 80. It's a dozen combinations that have to be pefect in order for the FMQ to be a breeze and finding that combination is the trick. Always write down the thread used, the needle used, the batting used and the fabric brand used. They all make a difference.

yes and cotton is best on top. and larger eye needle.

yesterday i was doing some zig zag stitches and happened to want white and got out an old poly on poly thread. shredded like mad! i changed the top to Essential cotton and it worked fine after. didn't have to change my needle.

Please make sure that your FMQ/darning/whatever foot just touches the top of your quilt - not so much it impedes your free movement, but just above that. This has really solved a lot of thread shredding/breakage issues for me. Also moving to a larger needle, balancing thread weights top and bottom, and proper tensions.

I've changed thread. I was using cheap polyester. Now I'm using cotton. I've changed needles. It's still shredding.

What size needles do you all generally use???

Hmmm. It depends on the weight of the thread. What weight and brand are you using?

Try a denim needle. or a top stitching one. That is what I use.

I have all sizes of needles. I keep changing the size until I get one that works. If none of them work then it's something else wrong other then thread and needle.

I think I'll go get top stitching or denim needles in the morning. Right now, I have to be on break so I don't bang my head on the table.