thread pulls right out
 

I have quilted 1/2 of my quilt... and now I am noticing that my upper thread pulls right out of the stitching. What do I need to adjust. I have rethreaded both bobbin and top thread, checked for lint or obstructions.... adjusted tension both ways. grr... I am so disappointed, I will have to try and take out all the quilting as it is not stable. Please help. Thanks ladies

If your top thread is pulling right out that means your bobbin tension is too loose and/or your top is too tight. Make a practice sandwich and test. First I would loosen the top. If that doesn't solve it all the way tighten the bobbin a fraction of a turn at a time.

I often refer to this picture guide from superior to remember which tension problem means which needs adjusting.

http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...ottom-tension/

Sounds like a thread tension problem to me. This looks like a pretty good site for tension problems. I didn't read all of it but it looks good. Look on the bright side...if the thread pulls right out you won't have to do a lot of ripping....just pulling.

http://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-the-Te...Sewing-Machine

Sounds like your bobbin tension needs to be increased.

I know you stated you checked for obstructions but I have found the teeniest bit of thread in the bobbin case...was hardly visible. I had to use the head of a pin to get it out. It was the same issue you are having. That's just my experience and it has happened on top and front bobbin loaders, so it is not vintage or newer specific.

Best of wishes because this kind of issue is so frustrating (or can be).

Weight, ply, type of thread used in top and bobbin, needle size and type makes a difference in a balanced stitch.

I agree with FelineFanatic about trying to loosen your top tension first. For FMQ, it generally should be set between 1-3.

oh my, get more fabric scraps and practice. find what works. good luck!

did you re-thread your bobbin and top thread? I sometimes have trouble when the top "jumps" out of the pick up arm or check spring--but get some practice pieces out and try adjusting tension, too.

I had that once or twice. I ended up re-threading and that took care of the problem. At least it worked for me. Every thread issue is a particular one.

Your top thread and bobbin thread are not locking.....try a 90/14 topstitch needle. You didn't mention your needle size...that could be the issue. The thickness of your sandwich, the stitch length (try lengthening it ) and your needles ability to get to the locking point with your bobbin thread is the issue, not your tension.

I don't believe you said whether or not the bobbin thread is coming to the top. If it is, I'd go with the suggestions for readjusting the tensions (either loosening the top or tightening the bottom.) Try changing just one at a time and use 2 contrasting threads that are a different color from your test fabric. It's way easier to see it that way. And definitely a) draw a picture of the bobbin with the starting position of the screw on it and b) record the starting tension of the upper thread. That way, you can return to your starting position. This will make you braver in doing it, too. :)

hugs,
charlotte

Before adjusting your tension try checking your bobbin carrier or case.
The little slit where the thread fits may be full of lint. With a pin you can remove the lint and it will work fine. Try this before adjusting the tension.

Deb, You are so right. This is the FIRST thing to check before turning knobs and screws. This unfailingly has fixed my tension issues on all 11 of my machines.

I had that happen when my machine wasn't happy with the thread I was using. I never could get the tension adjusted ok, so I just changed threads.