I am equally as frustrated. Not only is my top thread constantly breaking but my bottom tension is way too loose. I have tried adjusting all the things suggested on the Yahoo group page and still, wanting to throw this thru the roof. I have spent over 5 hours trying to do a lap quilt for a gift and should have had the binding on and done by now.
I am open to any and all suggestions.

Amy

I have a Pfaff Grand Quilter Hobby 1200 and I have never had a problem with it breaking the thread. I guess I got a special one because I use any kind of thread on top (cones) and prewound bobbins. It is the greatest but I had to quit quilting with it in the frame. I do my piecing with it and my straight line quilting because it sews so good. I took the frame to the basement because I am disabled and could not use it any more. Just keep trying. Good luck!

Take it off the frame and sew like normal with piecing foot and feed dogs up. Tweak any tension settings necessary. Also, make sure you are using the right size & type of needle for the thread & fabric you are using. Once you get it working off the frame then we can figure out what's going on with the sandwich. There are too many variables so rule them out one thing at a time.

Some thread just does not work in some machines. It's too linty, too brittle, too uneven in thickness, too slick, etc.

Does your machine have the 3 hole pre-tensioner before going through the tension dial? Some people only use the first & third hole.

What kind of thread & needle are you using? Is the bobbin in correctly? One step at a time. You will get it figured out.

I was putting together a raggy denim, corduroy & flannel quilt earlier this week and managed to break 5 needles. 5 needles on a tiny little baby quilt! Denim needles don't seem to like corduroy or flannel. Also, the corduroy was causing my thread to fray and snap. I was using Coats & Clark all purpose but I think there is something wrong with this spool or there is a much bigger difference between all purpose and dual duty than I expected. Had I been less stubborn, I would have switched to a machine quilting thread to piece the stupid thing but it was working fine until I started assembling the bigger pieces together. Drag on the needle from the heavy material is what caused most if not all the needle breaks. I also tried a 100-16 titanium quilting needle and that wouldn't even go through the multiple layers in some areas.

Today, I fixed a tear in hubby's barbecue cover using the same type needle (100-16 denim) that didn't want to work on the raggy quilt but I used cotton machine quilting thread top and bobbin and my sewing machine just zoomed right through that chore.

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with your 1200. I love mine. I don't use a frame but have used poly thread, cotton thread, Schmetz needles (denim, quilting and universal). Never a problem. I FMQ and straight stitch with it. I did buy a walking foot to use when straight stitching. I usually use it in the middle "speed", Hope it gets to working better for you.

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with your 1200. I love mine. I don't use a frame but have used poly thread, cotton thread, Schmetz needles (denim, quilting and universal). Never a problem. I FMQ and straight stitch with it. I did buy a walking foot to use when straight stitching. I usually use it in the middle "speed", Hope it gets to working better for you.

after 6+ hours and many a tear, not to mention all the tearing out of loose bottom thread, I think it is actually better, not exactly sure why, though, which is equally as frustrating.

I also have a Pfaff Grand Quilter on a quilting frame and was having alot of problems with the thread breaking. After reading the manual I found out that I had the needle inserted incorrectly in the machine. The flat side of the needle should be facing the right side as you are facing the machine. Once I corrected this I no longer have problems with the thread breaking.

Agreed. I use either 16 or 18 in my Janome 1600.

First love your name LoL. I bought a Bailey home Quilter and a grace pro GMQ frame at had a hard time at first. I found a group for Bailey owners on yahoo groups you may find one for the Pfaff Quilter there and get some help. Good luck.

Also check that you have a finger width of room between the quilt roll that sits within the harp, and the bed of the sewing machine. You have to adjust the height of the take-up bar as you go - the more quilt you have rolled, you have to raise the bar.

Good luck!