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.

Point Well Taken from In Cahoots states that you can use Sewer's Aid on your thread if you have trouble with it breaking or fraying.
Also the book suggest trying an embroidery needle 80/12 or 90/14, or even a jean needle 80/12 or 90/14.

I use Sulky's 30 weight cotton to hand quilt, and I wax it.

Jan in VA

I agree with the advice of trying sewer's aid or mineral oil on your thread.

maybe try a smaller needle and use vertical spool

Sometimes changing the spool position makes a ton of difference. You can simply put a coffee cup behind your machine and put the spool in there an bring the thread up over your machine and thread it. I learned this weekend that even taking the spool and turning it upside down can make a difference in it not breaking; especially in metalic thread.

If you have a computerized machine it is not recommended to use Sewer's aide. I have a Viking Ruby and was told I could damage my machine by using it. I paid way to much money for it to test that thought. I have a small Kenmore but also computerized and I won't use it there either. I can't afford repair or replacement bills.

What works for me is a tension setting of around 3. Either needle should be OK, but the 100 Top Stitch is preferred because of eye size. If you still experience breakage,try lowering both bobbin and needle tension. A large spool cap can be helpful as well.

I have a Babylock Ellure and it has trouble with Sulky thread, also. My machine has horizontal feed, I found if I set up for vertical feed of the thread it does do better. It does help if you use an embroidery needle on the machine. The embroidery needle is made to use with the machine embroidery threads, something to do with the shaft and size/shape of the eye.

I've been able to use Sulky with no problems on my Pfaff. The only time I have had trouble with any thread breaking was when I started speeding through the stitching.

Thanks everyone!!! I finally got through that quilt. Luckily it is a small one!

try topstitch needle a bigger size needle