I have tried everything! I have a Janome1600P set up on a grace frame and I have threaded rethreaded checked bobbin and then I read somewhere I should be using 100% cotton thread is that right. I am so frustrated beyond belief!! Can't seem to keep the thread from BREAKING. Anyone with ideas would be great! Janet

Yes, cotton thread is great but other threads can be used. Are you using a regulator? Have you tried a dif thread? I always test drive before I start a quilt. Are you sure you have the upper thread area threaded right? Watch out for twisting at the needle--that happens to me sometimes.

is the tension ok in between thread breakage?
what size needle are you using?
are you using the same thread in top and bottom?

No I don't have a regulator that would be nice!!! I am sure I have it threaded right just so frustrated I had to walk away for awhile. Jan

Ya what's that needle size? Might be too small for the workout.

I love post like this. It is like ping pong somehow. Help, help given. Help some more, help given. Help, we are still here for you. I really enjoy how we can depend on each other for support and guidance. Good luck. Please don't let some small something make you hate the machine or the experience. You are the human, it is a machine. You are the one in command, you will win!

Don't know if this would apply to your setup or not, but I've found that sometimes when the thread gets near thhe base of the spool if I get going too fast it will somehow wind itself around the spool pin when I stop (I think that's what it's doing anyway) and then when I start up again it will only go a short distance before the top thread breaks. Took me awhile to reach this conclusion, but now I watch really close if I know I'm getting to that area of the thread on the spool and try to catch it before it becomes a prooblem.

I don't know how the gracie is set up but on my frame if the quilt is too taut the thread will break. also if the roller that is in the throat of the sewing machine is too high the thread also breaks.

I've had the same problem, for some reason, if I take out my bobbin thread and unload about 24" it seems to work better.

My needle size says it is a Nm100/16 it is from groz-beckert

if you are using a thinner poly thread instead of a heavier cotton this may be your problem.
try using a smaller size needle a 90/14 or an 80/12

Those are good needles. I use 18 in my machine.

I had a similar problem when quilting recently - the thread was running low on the spool and when the thread was feeding it was catching on the edge of the spool, causing it to break. I ended up changing to a fresh spool and everything worked fine.

I have a Juki on a Superquilter frame and used to have a lot of trouble with thread breakage until my LQS owner suggested using a topstitching needle. I always use a size 14 topstitching needle and seldom have trouble with breakage any more, no matter what type of thread I'm using.

After rethreading the machine if it continues to break....I change the needle and it almost always is the answer.

Another thing that happens is that when we install a new needle, we do not get it pushed all the way up in the needle holder. I've done that and had problems with breaking thread. When I pushed it all the way up, my problems went away.

If the thread is old it can break more easily. I finally went through my supply and threw away a lot. Some was many years old!

I had the some problem and sent it in to be worked on twice. when a man I was looking at buying a new machine from told me to try putting in a new needle and them bring it down just the space of a paper clip before you tighten up your needle. IT WORKED!!! I have not had a problem scene. He said the Janome1600P has a problem with the shaft bending and this will help. Hope this helps with your problem.

ALSO THE HEIGHT YOU HAVE THE QUILT RAILS SET ABOVE THE MACHINE MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TOO CLOSE IT DRAGS TO HIGH IT FLAGS AN BREAKS THREAD

If nothing else helps, check your throat plate and bobbin case for burrs (can happen if a needle hits either one), that may be what is causing the thread breakage.

This is a great suggestion :) Having had a setup like this before I got my longarm, this was a very frequent cause of breaking thread for me.

In addition, you could loosen the tension a bit, both top and bottom. Also, it's possible the batting is upside down and is cutting the thread.

If none of these suggestions work, I'd try some Sewers Aid on my spool of thread. I use 4 good strips down the spool. This is a thread lubricant we use frequently that conditions the thread, doesn't stain, and makes it a little more resilient. You can get it at Hancock's, JoAnn's, online and I think maybe WalMart for about $3 or so.

Hope this helps some. I know it's frustrating.

Just read this thread. I am having the same issues so I am going to tackle it today and work out what is causing the problem.

My top thread kept breaking yesterday and I discovered it was my fault I was going round too fast and some how catching the thread and breaking it. Never done this before.

Does your manual have a troubleshooting guide?

Same set up, same problem for me.
Even after I took the machine off the frame and used to do my quilting on the table, I still had problems.
Someone suggested that I use titanium needles. I just picked them up the other day. Now if I can just figure out where I put them, I will give it a try.

Try to adjust your tention.
Lower your threadstand so that the thread isn't whipping out of there so fast.
Slow your machine down a bit, I have it set right in the middle at the sitting rabbit.
My thread used to break whenver I would start quilting towards the left but adjusting the tention helped.
Make sure that you only use the HL x 5 needles as indicated on your machine.

I hope this helps. I feel your pain and frustration.
I think I might have even had a crying fit or two.

Carole