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I've tried all the different cotton threads and ones that are cotton/poly. They are okay to sew with, as I am sewing the quilt blocks together, but not while using my free motion foot and quilting. It seems the speed (which I have tried increasing and decreasing)or the back and forth motions is what is the issue. Utterly baffling. It really is a mystery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonnieliz

I am having such a tough time trying to figure out what my machine likes. It has to be my machine--not me LOL
If I try using cotton thread while I'm quilting (machine quilting with or without my frame) the thread will continuously snap and break. Every 6-8 inches...SNAP. How frustrating! If I use a poly blend thread, it doesn't happen. Adjusting the tension does not work.
I have heard that using poly thread eventually "eats/cuts" away at the cotton fabric ruining the quilt.
Oh well. I don't have the option. I've tried lots of things but until I figure it out, all my quilts are made with poly threads.
Bonnie
Cincinnati

Bonnie, are you using the same thread in the bobbin as on top? You probably already are. I wasn't, and it gave me trouble. Mine didn't snap, but would ball-up big time. Now, I have bobbins (many bobbins) that I keep with each spool...everytime I change colors or threads on top, I have one of the exact same stuff for the bottom. It's a little aggravating, but better than the fits the machine gives me if I don't do it. That's more than a little aggravating...fixing all that mess.

I wish there would be more on this sunjects of which thread...The one that still gives me problems, is the free motion ..... :cry:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ania755

I wish there would be more on this sunjects of which thread...The one that still gives me problems, is the free motion ..... :cry:

I had alot of problems with my thread snapping during free motion, until the leader of our quilting group suggested using an embroidery needle (red) as it has a groove that the thread runs down and a larger eye, so the thread doesn't suffer from as much friction!! I have never had a problem since :D

I learned to that the needle you use has a lot to do with how the thread performs.

i refer to this page often when trying to figure out which needle i need:

http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00185.asp

make sure to read all the additional pages the little links lead to. pretty useful stuff. :P

here's another page from my favorites. i don't buy here, but this is also a great reference for needles:

http://www.shiboridragon.com/Notions.htm

someone sent me a very generous gift last year - a box of really expensive threads. some were $9 per spool. i'll always be greatful, of course. it was such a wonderful thought. i always get a warm and fuzzy when i load it onto the machine. the thing is, the thread i bought from threadart.com for a fraction of the cost performs just as well. and ... believe it or not, one of my machines works best when i use the dirt-cheap store brand polyester from walmart. (which, naturally, i didn't figure out until i'd spent a small fortune on the fancier stuff. go figure. :lol: )

experiment with the different threads available. buy only one or two at a time until you find the one that works best for each purpose, then WRITE IT DOWN or you'll have to start the search all over again. (don't ask how i know that. :lol: )