I hated FMQ for a long time, because it didn't matter what I did, the top thread would break.

Then I tried ISACORD brand thread, which I've only found online, and it hasn't broken once. Maybe it would work for you?

Once I had this problem, I read somewhere to try using the same exact thread top and bottom and that helped quite a bit. Don't know if this will clear up your problems but it's worth a try.

I am sorry for your trouble, here is what i do:re-thread, next check for any fuzz or lent in any of the tensions (smallest piece can cause biggest problems for me) and even the bobbin, one of the thread guides on my machine has a small plastic tube on it and if it jumps off no more sewing.Check for a burr in throat-plate or bobbin case.You may have checked all this . I hope things start working better, it is not fun when you have so much trouble.Good luck.

Hello,
Well here is my 2 cents worth, your doing better than I did I started a wedding ring quilt for my daughter and her hubby just before they got married and 10 years yes it took me ten whole years to finish but they are going to get it for Christmas this year. But than is not why I have responded to your plea you see I am new to FMQ and after tring two different machines I have found that using a Top stitch needle and Sulky 100% viscose thread is the only thread that does not break or shred not only with FMQ, but also works great in my embroidery machine on those small letters. You can buy it at JoAnn's and use a coupon as it's a little over $11.00 for a spool but you get 1500 yards of thread. Good Luck.

I also keepmy dogfeeds up and that hasreally made a difference. I also nolonger cover them up. I have the best luck with gutterman thread not breaking. You also may want to try a larger needle.

I lost the post I started...hope this is not a duplicate. Do not mess with your tension! If your tension is OK with a straight stitch, then the tension is OK for your FMQ. Nine times out of them the problems you are having is your needle SIZE..one reason your metallic needle is working better.,...it has a larger eye. Try a 90/14 microtex needle, if you don't have one, then use a 90/14 topstitch needle. Your needle has to match your thread, then you need to consider the type of fabric you are quilting. Check with the thread manufacturer to see what needle size the recommend for the type and weight of your thread. Ask me how I know....had your same problems in a FMQ class....
after 20 minutes of frustration, broken needle and broken threads, I too the cone of the spool and luckily inside the spool the manufacturer had the needle recommendation for that weight of thread. I changed needles and it was smooth sailing from then on.

Wow! so many great suggestions! I appreciate all the advice from everyone. I have put the quilt aside for a few days to work on some less-stressful projects. I will probably try to finish quilting this on Saturday. Thanks all!

If you are using cotton wrapped Polyester Thread that may be the problem. When I got my Viking sewing machine ( a long time ago before my kids grew up) it wouldn't stitch long before the thread would start shredding and riding up into a knot before the polyester core broke. Try using 100 % cotton thread or 100 % polyester thread. You may find that it will work better with out using a cotton wrapped thread.

I had trouble with thread breakage when FMQing on my Singer 401A, but only when I moved to the left. I tried everything to no avail. Soooo, I bought a vintage Bernina 830 Record and it FMQs like a dream. I think some machines are just not suited to the purpose.

Just a simple tip that worked for me, when thread kept breaking, use "Top stitch" needle, I use size 14, they have an extra long strong eye, similar to a needle for metallic thread.