Tonight is a first for me... my machine keeps missing stitches as I free-motion stipple. The thread (which is GOOD quality) keeps fraying and then breaking. I changed the needle, messed and messed with the tension, cleaned out any lint that had built up, and I still keep having problems. The bobbin thread is the same as the top thread - 100% cotton. It is the same thread I piece with. I have NO idea what to do next... besides give up for the night and try again in the morning. :cry:

I think that's the best idea for now. Just let it be for a bit.

Sometimes one gets inspired during sleep.

I've run into my first batch of "bad thread". It may be defective. If you can't figure out the cause, the thread may be at fault. I have a huge cone of cotton thread that I suspect is pretty old(bought from someone else) and I've had nothing but problems with it. I suspect I'm going to toss it as I've never had the thread breakage I'm having before!

I was thinking the same as Candace. The thread maybe old or just a bad batch. If you can easily break the thread with your hands then it is not any good. Toss it and start with new thread.

My Elna was always fraying thread and breaking. Changed thread, changed needle, checked tension, cleaned thoroughly, still breaking. Took it in under warrenty to find the burr in the system. Still breaking. Took it to another repairman. Still breaking. (even with straight piecing) Gave up and bought a Bernina...what a pleasure to not have to deal with breaking thread!

I doubt it is my Janome. I am thinking it is about time to take my machine in and have it cleaned and checked over. I just don't want to lose it for a couple of weeks!

I am going to try a different thread this morning and see if that is the problem.

I was taught buy a nearby thread store manager to take the thread before you buy it and make sure it doesn't break. If it breaks it will cause problems and will not hold your quilt together as well.

Most likey the thread.
I had a spool that I purchased at a quilt shop and it shreaded and skipped changed thread no problem
I can use it to piece and quilt with my DSM but not the longarm!

I used some "Sewers Aid" on the thread this morning and I only had one breakage the rest of the quilt. I now just need to bind the quilt and send it off to my July swap partner. I did WAY more quilting than I planned because some of my seams puckered a bit. I grabbed the wrong fabric when I started cutting and just went with it. Wished about ten minutes into the sewing that I hadn't, but I already cut out all the pieces.

I am just going to use the remainder of the thread for piecing.