Problems with Sulky thread
 

Hi everyone. I am hoping for some insight on trouble I have been having with FMQ on my Babylock Quest with Sulky 30wt cotton thread. It keeps shredding and breaking (about every 5 min!!!). I did all the usual troubleshooting: new needle (90); rethread; lower the tension; new needle (went to 100 topstictch)......a little better with the bigger needle, but not much. I use King Tut 30wt all the time with no trouble. Any ideas?????

Well, that's frustrating!! Sounds like you've considered just about everything - maybe also try using a horizontal or vertical spool pin, whichever you haven't used thus far? Maybe some Sewer's aid on the thread? Check out the sulky site: http://www.sulky.com/faqs/longarm.php Good luck!
Pat

I did wonder about thread delivery. My machine has vertical spindles and I have never had a problem before, but this could be the first time. Do you find that horizontal delivery for stacked spools really makes a difference?

My guess would be like the others ... it how the thread is feeding into the machine.

I have never had this problem with my Babylock Espire. My Juki hates any of the invisible threads.

30wt is quite a heavy thread. Seems to me a size 90 needle would be too small for it. Have you checked the Superior Threads website to see if that size needle is compatible with that size thread?

Yes, I checked on the needle recomendation. They recomend a 90 or a 100. That is why I started with a 90 and went to a 100. I thought I was doing all the right things..........:'(..............

Since you've troubleshot everything else, have you looked at how fast you're running the machine? I found with Sulky I need to slow down considerably or it shreds and breaks on me regardless the size of the needle. I suspect it has something to do with the friction/heat buildup when the needle is going up/down at a high rate.
The only other thing that comes to mind is a burr on the needle plate. Have you broken a needle lately? (ask me how I know this one lol)

I have had the same trouble with Sulky thread for quite a while now. I've tried it in all of my machines and it keeps happening, so I gave up on it and went with Metler thread. I haven't had a problem since.

100 size needle you shouldn't have breakage with that weight thread. I quilted on my babylock espire with that thread with no problem. Maybe you need loosen your tension a little, and slow down as well.