help!!!!! Automatic thread cutter
 

I bought a Janome 8900 last August. I used this machine very little due to physical illness. I started to piece together a table topper last week. I saw that when I use the automatic thread cutter and start a new seam the thread is catching in the new seam. This is causing problem with the seam lying straight due the bunch of thread in the seam line. I went to the dealer and showed some sample of what it was doing. It is worse when I am using the 1/4 inch seam. The machine in the store also did this but not as bad as mine. I want to know if anybody else has this problem with the automatic thread cutter. I was told to not use the thread cutter if it was causing me problems.. Well one of the reason I BOUGHT THIS MACHINE WAS FOR THE CUTTER. I tried to take a picture but couldn't get a good shot.

Sorry, I have an 8200 and have never had that problem. I love that feature but sometimes it does not cut the thread. I would want it to work.

my 6600 does that also and I was told the same thing. If i understand you when using the thread cutter and when starting the next seam starts with a thread bunch on the under side

Well that was a coward's way out for the dealer to tell you to just not use the feature! I do hope you find a favorable solution to this problem.

I have a 8900. What might be happening is that when you use the thread cutter it cuts the threads quite short and the bobbin thread often times barely comes up through the hole. In order for me to grab the bobbin thread I take a stiletto and run it under the raised presser foot and it releases the bobbin thread so I can grab hold of it with my finger tips and pull a longer tail out. What might be happening for you is that if you don't pull a bit of the thread up after cutting, that short piece of thread is bunching up when you start to sew again. I have seen comments from others who have a variety of machines that they use tweezers to grab the thread and pull it up to get more of a lead on it before they begin sewing again. Try pulling a bit of thread up before starting sewing again and see if that solves the problem.

I also have the 8900, had some problems with the thread cutter to begin with. Not the same as yours, but discovered that I was just barely touching the knee lift, not enough to engage lift. When I changed how I was holding my right leg everything started working right. If your dealer can't or won't help I would contact another dealer quick before you warranty runs out. Every feature on the machine should work correctly, as advertised, if not get your $3,000 back!

I agree. That rat's tale of thread wouldn't be acceptable to me either. And MY OPINION (and everyone is allowed to have one) if I had to stop and pull up the thread every time I use the thread cutter-well that's more trouble than cutting the threads with a pair of scissors. I would send a complaint to the manufacturer with a CC to the dealer. Actually I have the same problem but haven't thought to go beyond the dealer until now. Thank you for voicing this frustration.

yes, that was what I was trying to explain.

I also have this problem with my Brothers, but it's the top thread being drawn underneath and knotting. Maybe your machine cuts the top too long, though if it's cut too short it won't pick up the bottom thread to sew. I have developed a knack of pulling my pieces out to the left side, while cutting, with the foot barely lifted, and the top thread becomes fixed under the foot. Or try sliding your fabric under the foot sideways instead of from the front, with the foot almost down, so the top thread is caught at the side and held down. That should prevent it from being drawn beneath and tangling. You may have to hold the thread firmly for a few stitches. I also use a knee lift - love it. Hope this helps

After cutting the thread , I can not see the bobbin thread at all. I think when I first got the machine, I did see a short thread but not now. I can't try to pull the thread longer because no thread is showing.

If your thread cutter is cutting the thread OK, but you are only having a problem when you start the next seam, then what you need is a leader. This is a small scrap of fabric that you run first and then start your seam. The scrap catches the top and bobbin threads, so when you start your seam, the threads are nice and neat. You cut off the scrap when you finish your seam. Easy.

Like Sittingprettty use a leader, I think there has been a thread on this before and it's because of the wide feed dog, one way to stop is use a leader or change your plate and use a straight stitch plate,if you're piecing why not chain piece and that way you're not cutting the thread every time

i had a juki with a thread cutter and found it was easier to not use it. seems a shame.

I've gotten used to pulling my fabric out so the top thread is to the right of the needle, then holding onto it for the first couple of stitches -- it supplies the tension needed to form those first stitches and eliminates that nest of thread on the back. My machine is a Viking Sapphire and I love the thread cutter....but understand that there's very little room under the stitch plate, so no way to make the threads ends longer.

I have a BL that has that thread cutter and I really dislike it! Yes, when it works it leaves a little tangle on the bottom....dealer calls that an automatic knot(ha,ha)...... But most of the time, if I cut thread, then start another piece, if I don't get that fabric to engage immediately with the needle with that first stitch, it will unthread itself on that first stitch because the tail it has is so short, it sucks itself up into the head....then have to go thru the whole ritual of retreading, auto needle threader-another pain in backside......not happy and dealer has moved about 25 miles away, in a direction I don't often go in......but one day, I will pack this baby up and leave it at their doorstep! Ok I feel better now that I have vented!

After using your thread cutter, when starting your next seam preform a ( needle down, needle up) bringing your bobbin thread to the top. Hold both top & bottom threads together as you start to stitch. This will keep you from getting beginning nests.

So much good information here. I have the 8900 and have a similar problem. I did not have this problem with my 6600 or 7700, so I think motmorecraft is right in thinking it could be the wide feed dogs. I don't have any problems when I move the needle over to the 1/4 setting.

All machines with thread cutters have this problem, because they must leave a little thread left, both top and bottom, after cutting. Most machines leave around a quarter inch of thread tails or longer. When you star the next seam, those tails get tangled, (the longer the tails, the larger the knot), so you really need to use a scrap of fabric as a "spider" or a leader piece, for that small tangle to fall on, then chain piece onto your project piece. Also, often machines are fussy about which brands of thread work best with the thread cutter. Some brands of thread will unthread and whip up, disappearing into the machine head when cut with the thread cutter. Like you, I was disappointed to find these problems, wish seller had disclosed them before the sale, and don't use the cutter as much as I thought I would. It's still a nice feature to have sometimes.

Ina e a Janome also with the automTic thread cutter. I love it bu it used to drive me nuts. I have solved the problem by using a small (2x2) leader. I use old blue. jean fabric. Solves my frustration and when it get full, I just pitch it. Once you get use to using it, it becomes automatic and solves your problem. Good luck.

I discovered that same bundle of thread on the back side of my recent baby quilt when I started each row of my FMQ "chevron" pattern. I hadn't paid much attention before, but it was noticeable on this particular quilt because I stopped and started each stitching row using my thread cutter rather than my usual meander stitching. I have a Janome6600

Ok.........I don't know if I'm going to explain this right.........but when you thread your machine starting on top....
then bring your thread down and around to go back up to the uptake arm and instead of bringing the thread
around the uptake arm from the right to the left bring it from the left to the right then straight down so that it will
cross on the way going down to the needle area, you won't be able to see it crossed. My girlfriend has a Janome and
she was having trouble with her automatic thread cutter also so the women at the store where she got it told her to
try that and it worked............no more trouble and it works and sews fine!!!!

I know what you mean, but the Janome cuts the threads quite short. In fact, with some poly thread I have found that a needle down might unthread the needle because it is so slippery - but that might also be I was not using proper spool holder...

I use leaders which solves the problem unless of course you are in the middle of the seam line! I also use the up-down-up with tweezers if I need both threads on top of the fabric.

For those who think it is better to cut with scissors...I am using an older machine now while Janome in shop, doing paper piecing, and I am a thready mess!!! I have to hook the threads into the upper manual thread-cutter, do the seam, than hook them over and cut on the thread cutter, then take the piece and nip off the four threads...no threads to cut at the end of every seam is worth the money IMHO! If anyone has a better idea about how to cut threads without a thread cutter, love to know!

I have a Bernina with a thread cutter. I also bought this model to have a thread cutter. I had the same problem with the thread knotting. My dealer told me to always be sure to remove my fabric to the left side. I don't know why, but this solved my problem - just always remove the fabric to the left.

That is not an acceptable answer!! I'm considering buying a new machine and the thread cutter is on my list of "Must Have".

I have a small Brother that I take to workshops and having all those extra threads drives me crazy. The machine I use at home has the thread cutter and I love it.

I am not sure but I think I get it; when I've cut my thread with the cutter the next seam does often have a little wad where the tails got sewed back down into the seam. Is that what you mean?

I don't think the cutter is working wrong, I think that's just how it goes when you have small tails left over. Larger tails hang out and out of the way, but the small tails have nowhere to go so they get caught up in the stitches.

Leaders/enders would solve that; chain piecing would solve that; pulling the tails longer would solve that... I just leave it and then when I'm cleaning up I use my needle-nose tweezers to tug the ends out of the stitches and I snip them off if it's something that'll be visible. If I'm quilting I always start as if I'm FMQ'ing and bring the bobbin thread to the top and pull it long so I can tie a knot anyway so it's not an issue there. If it'll be sewn over or hidden I just leave it; it doesn't seem to cause any problems as it's not really lumpy. If anything it's probably a nice secure "knot"!

Wow, a lot of money for something you were told not to use. Yea, that is not acceptable.

I use the thread cutter only when I am doing embroidery

Keep trying
 

Sometimes it is a matter of talking to the right person. This has happened to me with various problems. Sometimes the right person can sit down and fix it easily. Don't give up! Good luck.

I have only been sewing/quilting about a year - I typically use a small scrap leader, chain piece… and FMQ… I am curious to learn when using a thread cutter would be desirable. I like to tie off and bury my threads if I am FMQ or top stitching (I backstitch to secure, then go on a small bit, stop pull long threads, cut, pull up bobbin, tie off and bury)…
Someone mentioned paper piecing- I can see it being very useful there… what are other instances that its good to use?

I do not have that particular feature on my Janome 4000, but since this is a feature I would like to have should I ever upgrade my machine, I would be very upset that it doesn't work to your satisfaction. I would keep complaining until I had a satisfactory conclusion.

have that machine and no problem.

both my Elna Quilt Pro Queen and my Singer H74 automatic cutters have this problem. I usually chain piece anyway, but if not, use a leader or just use my snips. I'll try pulling fabric out to left and see if that makes any difference.

I bought the 8200 this past September and am having the same problem. I am staying in a RV park for the winter and the other sewers with Janome machines (6600 and 7700) do not have this problem. I will be going back to the dealer when I get home, but after reading the other comments, I don't hold out much hope. I think I will try to contact Janome while I'm here and see what help they can offer. Has anyone else tried this? When I think back, at the dealer they never started at the edge of the fabric...always toward the middle. Leads me to believe that they knew about the problem.

On my Janome there is a way to change the length of that cut thread in the settings. Maybe there is on yours too? When I want short cut threads on the back I DO grab the thread and pull it long with my tweezers, like when I'm FMQ.

One reason I wanted one was for quilting large pieces. When I change colors in the middle of the quilt it is hard to lift up the quilt and look under it for the thread to cut it.