I have a Brother Nouvelle 1500 that I'm using on a quilt frame. No matter what needle, batting and thread I use, the thread continues to shred every 12 inches or so. I'm ready to throw it out the window!! Anyone have any suggestions???

When you say no matter what size needle, did you try an 18. I had same problem using Juki on a frame then company I bought from asked was I using an 18 needle. Kinda hard to find but he sent one and it worked fine. No more shredding. I've used 16 also with good results.

18 is a BIG needle. The machine should work if the needle is appropriate to the thread size. Is there maybe a burr somewhere? Or a hang up in the thread? That's a good machine model, there's surely an explanation.

Thanks, Vicky. I'll give that a try!

I'm using 35 or 40 wt thread with a denim needle. I keep looking for a solution but so far, no luck. Thanks for your input!
If I take it out of the frame, it sews like a dream. When I put it back and try to quilt with it, it becomes a nightmare!

Hi Deb - I had the same annoying problem with my system, I tried everything and it stressed be out to no end. I was convinced the thread I had was ALL bad, then I felt like I'd been taken advantage of by a little old lady who I bought the system from. I felt exactly the same way you are feeling right now. One thing I NEVER considered would be a real issue was how I loaded my backing on the roller. I used to roll it under, after watching and listening to others I noticed many loaded their backings so it wound OVER the roller. Guess what??? I have not had thread breakage since! Crazy I know. But Im a much happier camper now. Good luck, maybe if you can...take pictures of how you have it loaded, threaded etc... SUE

When I put my backing on the roller, I turn the roll toward me. So when it comes off the roll, it's coming from underneath. Is that what you do now or have I misunderstood?

When mine comes off the roller, it rolls over the top, not underneath.

That's opposite from my machine instructions but I'll try anything at this point! Thanks for your help!

Thats how I was. Got to be a game after a while and I was the loser until I did this. Good luck, keep me posted. Also, make sure your back is rolled rather snug.

Thanks, Sue......I'll let you know.

You can also try a metallic needle. It's not as hefty as a topstitch, but the hole & scarf are designed to minimize shredding of delicate metallic thread. If the other suggestions don't work, you might want to try this.
BTW, I don't have the same set up as you, but my dealer told me to have the backing come over the top.

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions....I'm keeping all of them on case I have trouble again. Right now I'm back in the quilting business! woo hoo!! My backing was rolling as it should. I was too upset at the time to realize it. Duh! The 16 needle did the trick! That's again..you saved my sanity and the life of whoever was walking outside my window when threw the machine out! And I was gettin' real close. Lol

Simple solution, problem solved...it's gonna be a goood day. Give thanks!

I had an awful shredding problem on a lap quilt, but it was the thread. Once I changed to a 'non-metallic' thread of a good quality, the problem was solved.

Keep this hint in mind, too..... Rolling the backing too tight will cause problems. Don't be afraid to let it be loose...a quarter should NOT bounce on it!

I have a Babyloc Quilters Proffessional on a New Joy frame and I also had problems with the thread breaking-a friend of mine who owns a quilt shop told me to put silicone on thread - NO MORE BREAKING OF THREAD-I have a small bottle of silicone and squeeze on a few lines across the cone it did the job

I have the same machine on a Gracy II frame. Was having the same problem and while talking to the frame company on another issue I mentioned that the thread was breaking too often and he suggested the fabric was too high and try lowering the rod so the fabric was not floating but a bit lower than the plate of the machine. - So I lowered the rod and the thread stopped breaking. No needle change necessary.

I solved my problem by ditching the stitch regulator. Did not realize that not only was the thing missing large areas of stitches, but as soon as I took it off, my thread breakage problem disappeared.
Decided I can quilt without the regulator.
Happy days are here again, and the stockpile of unfinished quilts can now be tackled.

Carole

I have a Juki on a pennywinkle and had the same problem I to had to loosen the quilt top and use 16 or 18 needle. I talked to Sue Patton she is a longarm quilter who teaches longarm quilting and she said it didn't matter what batting you use or thread although cotton does break a little more then and others. Then you have to slow down you must give the needle time to get in the quilt and come back up especially when doing curves....

I also have a Babylock Pro and it was breaking thread constantly. Let the darn thing set for over a year, I was so frustrated. Finally looked at the plate cover and the hole where the needle goes down through was damaged (by me) and the rough edges were cutting my thread. I used a fine file and smoothed the edges and have very little breakage since.

I do not know if this help you might want to try and Inspra needle - I hear it is sharp and has a groove for the thread and if you have alot of dust bunnies in your bobbin compartment it is the surface of the thread that produces those dust bunnies - I have not tryed this needles but just ordered them Friday to try on my mega quilter.... And I will see what happens - My thread does that every once in a while and thought It was the thread which is the star thread and because I want to try other threads - I thought I would try these needles.....

Try taking some unwaxed dental floss and thread your machine with the dental floss, and pull it through. Sometimes thread gets stuck inside the machine and the dental floss gets it out. Also, try putting a little oil on the dental floss. My embroidery machine use to do the same thing - using the dental floss on a regular basis has been helpful, not as many problems with thread.

As a general rule, at least half of the eye of the needle should be empty when the thread is in it...

When I had that problem I had the roll up bar too high!