Every time I try free motion quilting with my ancient machine (Singer Futura II that I got in '76!) my needle breaks. I can't adjust tension in the bobbin, but I can in the top and it doesn't seem to help. In fact, the only thing that seems to do is mess up the sewing that I do manage to get before the needle breaks.

I have no problems with regular sewing. I really want to figure this out, since a new machine is not in the budget this year. This one has served me faithfully, and been a real work horse. I plan on taking it in for servicing while I go on a vacation next month, but if anyone has any suggestions in the mean time, I'd appreciate it!

not sure, new to FMQ myself, I am sure someone will have the answer

Hi Teri - have you dropped your feed dogs? It may just be that you are moving the quilting too fast and putting too much tension on the needle. Also are you using a darning foot or free motion quilting foot? if you are trying to use a regular foot, it could be the needle hitting the foot.

Maybe the service man can help you, haven't done free motion yet. Good luck.

Just what I was going to ask.

I took some lessons on my new/used machine last year and one of the things she suggested is to get titanium needles. She says they're much stronger. You can get them at a LQS or online at several places. They probably won't break on you. Good luck. :thumbup:

I use a cover plate to cover my feed dogs, and no foot. I just looked and I do have a foot I've never used that I don't recognize, I wonder if that's what it is? Up until the last couple of years, and really up until this year, I've only used my machine for clothing. In fact, my machine did not see the light of day for several years while my attention was focused elsewhere. Now that I'm almost an empty nester (youngest is in college, but lives at home, sort of :) ) I have time to finally pursue this new hobby!

I use a cover plate to cover my feed dogs, and no foot. I just looked and I do have a foot I've never used that I don't recognize, I wonder if that's what it is?

If you look at a free motion or darning foot you will see it has a spring on the shank. That is to keep the fabric from popping up and down. You can also get free motion needles with a spring on the shank. You need that spring. Go on line and look at what a free motion foot or darning foot looks like and then get one of them. You need it. You are putting too much tension on your needle with out it and that is why it is breaking. The needle hangs up on the uptake and if you have any speed at all the needle is bent and therefor snaps. I recommend Clotilde's catalog or Nancy's notions. They are not that expensive if you have low shank feet, if you have a Bernina you can get an inexpensive adapter for a low shank foot.

Generally I recommend sewing with a foot for a couple of reasons. Including making it harder to hit your fingers.

The odds are that you are moving the fabric to fast for the speed you are going. If you watch you machine when you sew it sort of pauses when the needle is going in and out of the fabric. The fabric moves while the needle is in the up position. The force of the fabric will pull the needle. Ifat the right time it will bend it enough to hit the plate. And or it can bend it. Either way. Bent or broken it won't work.check your plate. The odds are you will have marks on it.

Solution, go faster with the machine and go slower with the fabric.

If you still have the instructions to your machine, you can identify that foot. It will probably be clear and a circle or oval shape. Here is a link: http://www.google.com/search?q=Pictu...w=1258&bih=565

I FMQ a lot and have never had to use titanium needles. It is a good suggestion, but would be my last resort. :wink:

i think you need a quilting or free motion foot. without a foot to hold your fabric down you're probably catching the needle in the fabric and pulling it.

ps, you would probably break titanium needles too. i use them and on rare occassion have broken one. they do last longer than regular ones.

Make sure you arre using the right size needle for the thickness of your fabrics.

Try going here and see if anything Leah advises will help you:

http://www.daystyledesigns.com/freemotionquilting.htm

If your needle continually breaks I would think you have the wrong size needle as it isn't large enough to take the constant pulling motions when FMQ therefore you are putting too much pressure on the needle. Also do you have your needle put in properly?

Also you can go to Bob's at Superior Threads and view his educational tips regarding needle siza the type of thread that would help you regardless of whether you purchased his threads:

http://www.superiorthreads.com/?gcli...FYrr7QodzxA9CQ

sometimes it is because you are moving your quilt too fast