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?

I couldn't see that the spray basting would be the cause, unless you sprayed it so thick that it's stiff! Have you tried re-threading the machine? Sometimes that's all it takes. If you're really upset, take a break until tomorrow if possible. Start fresh, after re-threading, and try again.

I doubt it is because you spray basted it. I just finished a a quilt with fmq that I spray basted and I didn't have any problem with thread breakage. I used King Tut for my thread this time and it worked like a dream.

I also just finished fmq a tree skirt with metallic thread and it broke constantly. I figured it was the the thread since the King Tut worked so beautifully.

Sorry no other advice from me.

Try changing your needle also...

There are several possibilities.

1) How old is your thread?
2) What is your thread weight and what kind is it (ie cotton or poly, and who is manufacturer). Ditto the first two questions for the bobbin thread.
3) What size needle are you using?
4) When was the last time you replaced your needle (in aprox hours of machine usage)?
5) Have you COMPLETELY re-threaded your machine? Remember, don't ever pull the thread out backwards through the tension discs to un-thread when the presser foot is down!! Always lift the presser foot first - or even better - snip the thread from the spool then pull the thread out from the needle through the machine.
6) What kind of batting are you using?
7) What kind of machine are you using (make and model)?

Other than these things the other two possibilities off the top of my head are top tension and hand speed vs machine speed. But always start with the above questions first. If you answer those for us, we might have a better idea what could be wrong and make suggestions.

Try a new needle. There might be a small burr that is not visible to the eye.
This happened to me the other day and after I changed needle no more
breakage. Didn't seem like it needed it but it did apparently. ;)

When I had a thread snapping, I found it was the thread. It was an expensive machine quilting thread but it was making a little lint ball as it came to the needle. I changed threads and it was fine. If you are using a thread with the little slit on the spool side, that can catch and break the thread. If you are pulling your sandwich or the sandwich has drag on it, that can bend the needle enough that it clips the thread on the throat plate. Have you checked the tension and made sure the needle isn't bent? A bent needle can also clip the thread on the throat plate. I hope you can find the problem.

Loosen your tension to 0 and go up 1/2 at a time.

My husband still won't tell me if i can get a new machine so i'm stuck with this one. ???????

Oh my....you sound so like me earlier this week when I posted a problem about my Janome and FMQ....I was at breaking point ...when Annaquilts suggested leaving the feed dogs....WOW what a different...I think I may have to take my machine in for a tune up though after messing so much with the tension....I haven't got a clue wether it is right or not because I have played with it so much! But tonight......Feed dogs up....away I went....first time since I have had this machine ( 2 months)....beautifully balanced FMQ with lovely tension front and back.....way to go so happy....did the whole border of a baby quilt.
Just keep perservering....ask loads of questions and someone on this board will have the answer for you.....Good luck

I agree with Tartan on the possibility of the thread getting caught on the spool. I've also had problems sometimes with the thread winding on the spool pin. It is maddening. I hope you figure it out so you can finish your quilt. If it pieces fine, I would guess it's not your machine.

Just a question: How can you FMQ with the feed dogs up?

Lana
the Quilting Dreamer
Lansing, MI

I have had this problem in the past too. You should always rethread and than change the needle. Even if it is a new needle change it again. Also, check to see if you are using the right needle for the thread you are using.

Use a large eye needle preferrably a denim needle. drive slow but go fast.. thats what I read.. Your machine should go faster then you push the fabric..

Lots of folks swear by this method! i use a spring foot and there's a special setting on my machine for this foot. i noticed that each time it takes a stitch the feed dogs come up.

regarging the OP thread issue. I would try loosening the tension a bit.

I prefer to leave my feed dogs up when FMQ, you do that by putting your stitch length to "0".

ok i'll try changing the needle I've done everything else suggested on here already... i've changed thread, rethreaded many times, changed bobbin, done feed dogs up and down to no avail. I wonder if it's the needle or thread. the thread is just coats and clark from walmart and i just bought it but who knows maybe it sat there forever. it could also be catching on that plastic thing they cut out. i hate those things. i have tried 2 different spools but maybe i'll wind to a bobbin and put that on top and see if that helps? I'll answer that list of ? and see if this helps any :)


1) How old is your thread?

I just bought it but may have been sitting at the store?

2) What is your thread weight and what kind is it (ie cotton or poly, and who is manufacturer). Ditto the first two questions for the bobbin thread.

It's poly coats and clark all purpose thread.

3) What size needle are you using?

a topstitch needle

4) When was the last time you replaced your needle (in aprox hours of machine usage)?

i replaced it b4 starting this quilting.

5) Have you COMPLETELY re-threaded your machine? Remember, don't ever pull the thread out backwards through the tension discs to un-thread when the presser foot is down!! Always lift the presser foot first - or even better - snip the thread from the spool then pull the thread out from the needle through the machine.

Yes many times

6) What kind of batting are you using?

Poly high loft

7) What kind of machine are you using (make and model)?

Brother CS-6000

I like the feed dogs up, too. I had some breakage problems earlier this week. The thread was much finer than my machine usually sews with and it just wouldn't behave. I adjusted the tension and the quilt's almost done without another hitch. Another problem - probably the main one was that I forgot which machine I was on and threaded it from the wrong side, but that won't apply to you.

maybe try a bigger needle

Of all the questions you answered ...

I'm not familiar with the thread you are using. I've never FMQ'd with a poly so I have no idea if the type of thread might be your problem. Do you have any other thread available?

Other than that it could be your hand speed is too fast for your machine speed. Either slow your hand speed, or increase your machine speed. Your machine speed should remain a constant but your hand speed should slow down in curves.

Have you practiced FMQ on scrap sandwiches first? Are you familiar and comfortable with it? If not, I can't sress enough how much it helps to make practice sandwiches (same material, batting, needle and thread you are using) and get comfortable first. Don't expect to just jump into FMQ - it takes time. LOTS of time. Sure some are quicker than others, but it will still take many hours before you are even comfortable and uniform.

Good luck.

wrong needle thread combination is my guess, try a bigger needle

I read somewhere that leaving the feed dogs up while FMQ will eventually cause problems with your machine. I'll see if I can find where I read it.

Try flipping the spool over in case it's catching on the notch

What did you use to spray baste your quilt? Make a new sample quilt sandwich using exactly what you are trying to quilt now. Don't spray baste it, pin it or hand baste it a bit. See if your thread breaks.

Try a different spool of thread. I've had recently purchased thread that breaks over and over and then use a spool from mom's old collection that sews perfect. Agree about changing needle also.

is the top thread and bobbin thread the same? that took me a long time to learn...called manufacturer of my sewing machine after being on hold on the telephone line and he said try the same thread on top as you have on the bobbin.

It hasn't been mentioned but you could try loosening the tension on the bobbin...just EVER so slightly......it could be tight and snapping your top thread...at this point it is worth a try...

great list, to this I would add, do a quick cleaning!

I use either a topstitch or a denim needle -- depending on the thread a 12 or 14 usually works well. I have used the c&c poly and found some colors are fine and some shred, but that has also happened with other brands as well (sulky comes to mind). As has been mentioned, if you have a spool that has a notch, try turning it over (or putting a cap on it) so the thread does not get caught in the notch.

Also, is your spool verticle or horizontal -- different types of spools are made to pull off differently so make sure you are pulling it off they way it wants to go.

Here are some other things that I have had happen -- I found going slower helped with these:
-- the thread jumped out of the tension disks
-- the thread jumped out of the take up lever

Hmmm maybe it is the spray basting. Maybe it was too thick. I think I had that with one quilt. You can still spray baste but lightly. I agree with others rethread. Is the thread strong enough? Is the bobbin thread the same or slightly thinner? You can also try and free motion with the feed dogs up. Are you using a top stitch needle with a large eye and a little bump on it to open up the fabric like a Schmetz 90/14 topstitch needle? Do you have the machine set to quilting mode, if that is an option? Often you need to loosen the tension a couple of settings.

You might want to put your spool in a large heavy beer stein or vase and put it a little ways a way for your machine or use a thread holder. Some machines have this side ways holder but you are much better off putting it in a thread holder so it does not come off side ways.

I wish I could remember where I found this list of things to check when having tension and assorte other problems...I did write down the name of the person who wrote it.

Many of the tips are for long arm machines, but some are universal to all sewing machines. This list helped me get the tension on my HQ16 adjusted correctlyafter a month of trying. I downloaded it, printed it and it is on the wall near my HQ16.

I hope it helps you like it helped me.

Dick Fuller’s Tips
24 September 2003

Top Thread Breaking
1. Try different thread or put thread in the refrigerator for several hours.
2. Replace needle and ensure the scarf faces the throat of the machine.
3. Check thread path. Re-thread the machine if necessary.
4. Use larger needle to reduce needle deflection.
5. Loosen fabric roller.
6. Adjust Needle-Bar so all of the Needle-Eye can be seen while looking into the Hook Basket with the Bobbin Case removed.
7. Time: Turn machine forward with Hand Wheel and place the POINT of the Sewing Hook in the middle of the scarf of the Needle as it rises 3/32” (less than 1/8”) from the lowest position. The Hook should almost touch the Needle.
8. Polish Hook Point with fine (800) Emery Cloth.
9. Hopping Foot at the lowest point of it’s stroke should be the thickness of one dime or three business cards.
10. Loosen top tension.
11. Tension Check Spring broken. It should be at 11 o’clock.
12. Turn thread cone/spool upside down.
13. Turn the Needle slightly to the right.

Loops on Under Side of Lining Fabric

1. Moving machine too fast for selected needle speed.
2. Tighten (to the right) top thread tension adjustment ¼ turn at a time until corrected.
3. Clean under the Tension Spring on the Bobbin Case.
4. Bobbin thread not in tension spring delivery eye.
5. Put a sock on thread cone.
6. Check thread path on machine.
7. The stationary finger that holds the Hook Assembly and prevents it from turning should be ½ to 2/3 into the
depth of the notch.
8. Oil Bobbin Case.
9. Replace/repair Bobbin Backlash Spring.

Loose thread Tension on Top Fabric

1. Tighten Tension Adjustment (turn clockwise).
2. Loosen Bobbin tension.
3. Center the thread cone directly under the guide.

Machine Hard To Move

1. Raise Take Up Roller to clear the machine lower arm
by ½” to ¾” or the width of your finger.
2. Thread clogging wheel(s).
3. Center wheels on the track groove by adding or removing washers.
4. Increase Hopping Foot height.

Skipped Stitches

1. Replace Needle, insert all the way up with the scarf toward the throat of the machine.
2. Re-time (See #8 Top Thread Breaking).
3. Take-Up Roller too high.
4. Loosen Fabric Roller.
5. Polish Hook Point with fine (800) Emery Cloth.
6. Thread not on Check Spring Arm.
7. Check thread path on machine.
8. Hopping Foot too high.
9. Tension Check Spring at 11 o’clock with moderate resistance.
10. Correct gap between Needle and Hook.

Needle Breaking

1. Replace Needle and tighten Needle Set Screw.
2. Use larger needle.
3. Moving machine too fast for speed setting.
4. Re-time (See #8 Top Thread Breaking).
*Note on Timing: Adjust the Needle Bar height first. While in the lowest point of the stroke, look at the sewing hook, and the entire needle eye should be visible. None of the needle above the eye should be seen. Ensure the Needle Bar does not rotate from its original position before tightening.

A proper stitch has both the bottom and top threads meeting at the center of the layers. The top thread and take-up lever have much greater affect on tension adjustment than the bobbin tension. The take-up lever takes the slack out of the top thread as the needle comes up out of the fabric.

Thread can become wrapped around the encoder wheel, causing the stitch regulation mode to malfunction. Grasp the thread-end with tweezers and move the machine to pull and unravel the thread.

I always make sure the tension is right for what I am doing and I hear the secret is to sew fast and not slow. But I am slow....no breaks here. :)

On the last quilt I quilted, I applied the spray baste a bit too heavy and it kept gumming up the needle. I tried to clean it, but it wouldn't stay working for long. I must have changed the needle 4 times before I got that thing quilted. I was so glad to finish it. It was the only time I had an issue with the spray baste...user error on that one!

You have plenty of good suggestions to check out and see if they are the reason your thread keeps breaking. I'd like to suggest a couple more. I tried free motion quilting and had the same problem. My LQS suggested I put my thread spool in a mug because it could be getting too hot running on the spool holder attached to the machine. You would need a thread holder to run the thread through to lift it high enough to thread your machine but this might be the answer. Another thought is your backing fabric. I was using flannel and my LQS told me it doesn't slide as easily as other backing fabrics and could be causing my problem. Hope some of the suggestions you have received help you solve your problem. And remember, go slow. If you tend to go too fast you are actually going to pull your needle which will make that break too! :)

I had this problem with my short-arm quilting machine.....I had just changed the bobbin, and I guess I didn't get it threaded thru the little bobbin-holder thingy (brain just went blank)just right. So after working with it for a while and getting VERY frustrated, I finally changed the bobbin out again and it worked just fine.

When your metalic thread keeps breaking take the spool off and put on a drop of oil and just rub it down the spool. There is a special oil you can get but I'm not sure of its name. I do that when I emb. and it works well.

I too doubt it's the spray basting.....But I've had this happen and realized that the thread was catching in the slot of the spool. I took the thread off and turned it around, rethreaded the machine and no more problems. Worth trying anyway.

You should also check for a burr on the bobbin spindle & bobbin casing. Get an piece of nylon hose and wipe around the bobbin area, needle, and throat plate. The hose will 'snag' on any little rough place.

How old is your thread? I was tearing my hair out with it breaking and took the machine to the dealer and it worked fine! Went home and had the same problem--changed to new thread and voila! problem fixed.

OK, I just read your post and it sound very familiar. What kind of machine are you working on for this project? I have a Babylock Quilter's Pro and have run into this off and on. After speaking to friend regarding this situation, she said to me that often when you are FMQ your needle will glance off the edge of the face plate and make a little burr on the edge. Then when you go in that direction it will cut the top thread. I went back and looked really well and guess what? There was a burr. I took the faceplate off and use a tiny piece of "Mitchell's Abrasive Cord" and filed it off. I ordered it on line but later found it at my sewing repair shop. I also used a embry board to smooth the flat edge. I had replaced dozens of needles and thread pkus changed the tension with no avail until this suggestion. I never FMQ without this stuff on hand as I get in a hurry and pull or push the material. Thank you Jean for telling me this and making life better. JC