Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   I'm about to kill my machine! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/im-about-kill-my-machine-t155815.html)

JSNOMORE 09-26-2011 03:24 PM


Originally Posted by wannaquilt1
Does anyone know what causes the top thread to break when FMQ? It will be going fine for a few minutes and I'm making sure I go slow enough and everything will be going great then snap out of the blue it will snap. I don't know what to do i can't finish this quilt like this i just want to cry. My husband still won't tell me if i can get a new machine so i'm stuck with this one.

do you think it could be because I spray basted it? does this have anything to do with it?

Try a different size needle. The size of the eye in the needle has a lot to do with it.

kolacequeen 09-26-2011 03:27 PM

I had a new Pfaff and I had the same problem. I would hear a little clunk and the thread would break. I was in tears. i tried everything. I did take it to the sewing machine place and showed them what was happening. There was a slight burr on a bobbin part. They were able to smooth this out and I haven't had any problem since.

ube quilting 09-26-2011 03:30 PM

This may or may not be relevant depending on what kind of thread you are using. This was happening to me a long time ago and as I followed the thread back to the spool I discovered the thread was getting caught in the slit in the thread cone where you slip the thread to keep it from unraveling. I flipped the spool around and no more problem.

mudsprite 09-26-2011 03:39 PM

One option is to use a spool with a stand for your thread that way there is no binding on spool or extra tension on thread so even inexpensive thread feeds evenly thru needle and quilting.

Good Luck

Betty Ruth 09-26-2011 06:12 PM

Either the tension is too tight, or the thread is not strong. It may be old or have weak spots.

janquilts'ncrochets 09-26-2011 06:25 PM

Have you tried using a top stitch needle? They worked well for me on my last quilt.

Betty Ruth 09-26-2011 06:37 PM


Originally Posted by janquilts'ncrochets
Have you tried using a top stitch needle? They worked well for me on my last quilt.

I didn't know that there was such a thing. They must be stronger and with a larger eye to accommodate the heavier thread usually used for top stitching.

grammysharon 09-26-2011 09:56 PM

Have you loosened the top tension and used a top-stitch needle?? ;)

christinetindell 09-26-2011 11:28 PM

I've found it's when I get in too much of a hurry and I am pulling the quilt faster than I should. Also, try to loosen the tension a bit.

Flo Pierce 09-27-2011 08:29 AM

All the answers to your question are great suggestions but did
You think your machine needed a good cleaning and adjusting
done by a professional . I found that once a year my machine
works much better if that is done. Especially if you sew alot.

you could have top tension problems. My Janome does that
same thing lots. Very discouraging when you need to get a
job done.

Flo in NNY


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:00 PM.