Questions on Thread
 

Wish I could help you. I have been using Mettler but that is because that is what they carry at my LQS.

I have started using Aurafil and like it. Your thread might be breaking based on the needle. I use 90/14 for everything, but I know you are suppose to change based on what you are doing.

I have made several totes using all purpose coats and Clark. Maybe you need a new needle?

for (basic) sewing- like garment/bag construction a fairly heavier weight thread may be better suited- i would choose a 30-40 wt thread- polyester is a stronger thread than cotton.
with thread the lower the number the heavier the thread- a 100 wt silk thread is very very fine- a 12 wt cotton thread is almost string-
visit the Superior Threads website....they have lots of (Thread Education) on the site- and free charts you can print off that tells you all the different types/fibers/weights/uses of threads; what to use them for, and even what needles are best for which threads....the site is a good resource when ever you have thread or needle questions.

i should have added---silk thread although wonderful thread- is quite expensive & i would never (waste it) on constructing a tote bag- those of us who tend to use alot of silk threads generally use them for applique- and sometimes for very special quilting.
often when making and quilting quilts we use 40-60 wt thread- long arm machine(ers) tend to use aurafil & polyester threads- the machines go very fast & cotton thread breaks easily- but cotton works well often when quilting with a domestic machine.
i piece with cotton most of the time - poly for totes/purses/ table toppers, runners/ items that will be used, abused & laundered often- applique with silk and quilt with polyester or aurafil...but that is just the (general) way i do things- i may do things differently from one project to another- i've used lots of (specialty threads) metalics, invisibles, rayons, what ever suits my project.

I use Aurifil because I have a machine that doesn't like anything else. I hear good things about connecting threads, but have not tried it as I hate to buy it if it won't work in my machine. It sounds to me like a needle change or try rethreading your machine if it was working o.k. before.

Assuming that your thread is not old and brittle, it might be that something else is causing the thread breakage. Like skowron5 says, check the needle and thread path. You can test the strength of the thread by just pulling on it. Also be sure your tension is not too tight and your needle is large enough for the thread.

Go to the Superior Threads website for answers to questions about thread and tension.

superiorthreads.com

CKCowl...

Thank You! I'll be going to that wensite!!!

Susan

Thanks to all of you!!! Now I'm on to superiorthreads.com :-)

I have used coats and clarks, gutterman, mettler,connecting threads, madeira,and have never had any breakage. I am inclined to believe it is also the needle

I like using Robison Anton 40wt cotton for piecing most of the time. I have tan, white, and grey for colors. It is strong and I have never had any problems using it in my high speed industrial machine.

Remember that needle size, making sure needle is in correct and tightly, burrs, and tension issues, and proper threading, are also some things that contribute to thread breakage.

I use both cotton and Glide, and others in my longarm and my cotton has never broken. :) just thought I'd share my experience. There are 2 other LA'ers in the area that also use Signature cotton almost exclusively with no problems. I like Glide because it isn't as linty as cotton, but I use each about 50/50 of the time. Depends in customer request and what the quilt says it wants. :)