Why does the thread keep breaking?
 

I am trying out a Janome 1600p for quilting and can not figure out why the thread kept breaking. I was using Star thread and changed the needle size larger. Still kept breaking checked the threading, checked the needle, changed stitch speed, changed stitch length nothing worked. I really like the space I have with the machine and the lighting is good, I like the needle up down and thread cutter but why does it keep breaking the thread? Opinions appreciated. Anyone own this machine and what is your experience and advice?

Seems like a common problem from what I am seeing. Most said they had to change the thread weight. What is your tension set at?

I have the Elna 7100--it is the same as the Janome 1600 (you know Elna is made by Janome?)...I was enjoying it so much for FMQ. Suddenly I could take maybe half dozen stitches and thread would break. Over and over and over! I adjusted tension, changed needle several times (thread had been working beautifully before), removed bobbin--again & again, bought a new darning foot, etc. There's a bald spot on my head from the frustration, and a nervous rash. Anyway, I went to the machine ONE MORE TIME (all this over span of 2-3 wks. Could not figure it out). Then SUDDENLY! I espied-barely-the thread had wrapped around the take up bar. Must have been loose tension and it 'flopped'. I am now sewing up a storm---which enforces the advice to RE-THREAD in order to catch these little blips. I was lazy about doing that--it all looked perfectly in path. So I was wrong. Hope your bump in the road is soon "problem solved".

Be sure to try a different thread. Some machines don't like certain threads.

Do your machine a favor and stop using Star thread. Probably the most linty thread sold.

I have a spool of Star thread and wondered why I've never used it - compared to King Tut you can see the difference. Just for the heck of it I'm going to try it on a scrap piece. Thanks for the heads up!

i have a 1600 p do you have the bobbin in right and pushed all the way in. and my tension is on 3
and my machine only uses superior thread. i have it on my fmq frame. i love mine it sews so nice.
also make sure you have it going around the tension disc right. took me a couple of times to
get that right

I don't have your machine, but I too have troubles with thread breaking, and currently have walked away from a project because of that reason. I can not figure out why. I too, have tried everything, including re-threading. I also have used star thread. I bought a spool of King Tut, that cost me close to 30 bucks, that thread broke all the time, but then the next project, I can go the whole quilt and not have one break. Today I will go back and re thread again, and see if that helps. wish me luck, and good luck figuring your problem out, I will be reading the suggestions to see if i can figure out my problem, also.

If Star is 50 wt 3 ply you need a topstitch size 90/14 or larger needle. Try using a thread stand so the thread will unwind vertically.

I use topstitch needle for everything! Once in awhile you can get a bad needle which can cause thread to act up. Bad needles happen more often than we think. We expect each needle to be perfect and they should be! If your thread is breaking now and then when using the same thread and needle I would suggest the problem is machine related.

I've been fighting this problem since I got my machine, JanomeP DBX. I recently read that the DBX takes a rounded topped needle and not a flat topped one. And preferably sz 18. I'm anxious to see if this helps, the new needles just arrived. I've been so discouraged I've even offered it for sale, then decided "Just one more try."

I never believed this could be true but my Babylock doesn't like Walmart but loves Joannes. That's OK. Gives me an excuse for a shopping trip.

I was just piecing a quilt the other day and my thread kept breaking. I changed my thread and it stopped being a problem. Maybe it's the thread.

Sometimes if your bobbin is filled TOO full it will break too. I found this out by trial and error.

Change needle, re-thread machine, re-wind spool, and if all else fails try another type/brand of thread.

Check to see if there might "burr" on your bobbin case. Mine did that and the repair man found a tiny "burr".

Well I will be trying a different thread but will be a few days before I can do it. Also will check for burrs on the hook, however it seems that the thread is fraying where it passes through the needle have also had some problems with skipped stitches. Otherwise the machine stitches wonderfully but I have got to figure out the thread issue.

The needle size for a 50 wt thread is 70, not 90.
Anyone know the tex (measure of strength) for star thread? I think (don't quote me) it's not very strong.
Needed to use a lower tex thread in my LA (due to color) and had to go very slow.

Janome and thread
 

I had been having real nightmares trying to FMQ on my Janome 6300. Bobbin washers really help. They seem to work well to prevent the bobbin backlash thing that makes thread break. A really experienced quilting friend suggested them to me when I was pulling out my hair over trying to FMQ a heavier flannel quilt. Bobbin washers and tension tweaking - do change your bobbin tension to a lighter setting and then work with your top and bottom tensions until your machine likes your thread. This doesn't always work out but reading here and on the forums at PR in the quilting section really helped me see that tweaking the tensions for different machines and threads is really something you have to do. I use a #14 Superior Topstitch needle always, and would go up to a 16 or even 18 is using heavier threads on flannel or something like that. I love Superior threads, but so far my machine prefers Maxi-Lock and also likes Superior Magnifico and So Fine. I am working on getting it to like the Masterpiece and King Tut - so we'll see.

I have the 1600P on a handiquilter frame. Mine is very picky about threads. In fact the only thing I have had luck with is Mettlers thread , a topstitch needle, set just shy of 3 on tension with bottom line in the bobbin. Skipped stitches are typically caused by your encoders. Be sure that your track is free and clean of lint and dust. Good luck and just keep playing. I found it easiest to make a journal of what worked and what didn't.

With my Gammill, finally changed thread back to 40 tex to stop breaking thread. Doing fine now.

[QUOTE=roserips;6065596]I am trying out a Janome 1600p for quilting and can not figure out why the thread kept breaking...

Roserips, Did you solve the problem? I am currently looking at this machine and would love to know if you enjoy yours.

50wt 3 ply thread is a thick thread. That extra ply makes a big difference. And probably is the same thread is in the bobbin so that is 6 ply in the stitches moving fast when fmqing. More then likely a universal needle is being used so a size 90/14 or larger is the best choice for 50wt 3 ply thread if the thread is linty with slubs.