Thread why?
 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]619859[/ATTACH]Once in a while the top thread seems to stitch through its own loop? All my thread guides are right and I will need to cut the thread, unquiet to a corner and redo. Does anyone know how or why it does this?

I have no clue why it happens. I have had it happen on my domestic and my longarm. I am just happy it doesn't happen very often.

Rule of thumb is looping on top is the bobbin tension. Maybe just a bad spot when winding the bobbin. If it keeps happening, try a new bobbin.

Not positive from the photo, but is the thread out of that last guide just before you thread the needle?

I have it happen on occasion with the long arm--I think it might be the check spring because often the thread has jumped the check spring.

It looks like it to me.

Don't feel bad, mine does this also once in awhile. I just stop, bury my threads, start over and go on.

I just finished FMQ'ing 2 wheelchair quilts. I use my domestic sewing machine. I had it happen 3 times on the first quilt, once on the 2nd. Going with the theory that it's a tension issue, I have some observations. On the first quilt I was using a spool of thread with not much thread left on it. (I was actually seeing if I could complete the entire quilt without changing it!!) So it's highly possible my tensions were off there. On the 2nd quilt I ran out of bobbin thread shortly after it happened. So it's likely the tensions were messed up there too.

So maybe it's a tension issue?

I'd love to know exactly what is causing this. It looks so odd, like the thread goes through the eye of the needle twice although I know that's not what's really happening.

Is there anyone who can explain what's happening in the photo that Tartan posted? Upon reflection I'm pretty sure it only happens to me when I FMQ, not when I plain old sew. So curious.......Thanks!

The only time this happens to me is when I pushing the machine faster then the speed of my needle. I know to turn up the machine speed or slow down.

Since Tartan first made this post I've been trying to pay attention to the conditions when it happens to me. I believe speed may be a factor for me, as well as possible tension issues.

Are you doing FMQ when this happens? My machine will do this when I move the quilt in what is a backward motion for the machine. Usually when moving up and to the left, if I remember right. It has to do with the way a stitch is formed. Sorry I can't give a full explanation, there is one online. Going fast in that direction makes it worse, but sometimes it happens even when I slow down. It usually shreds the thread also.

I can't speak for Tartan, but yes I am doing FMQ on my DSM, not a long arm. I'll have to pay even closer attention to see if it happens as you describe. Thanks!

You mentioned an explanation that's online? Do you have a link or the search terms used to find it? I would not even know how to describe what's happening.

And yes, shredded thread often.

I just had it happen again so I wanted to update this before I forget. I was going backwards and to the left as you thought Sue. Plus my bobbin was almost empty so that messes with the tensions. I am trying to pay close attention to the conditions when this happens.

Can someone explain though why it looks like there is more than one piece of thread in the needle? What on earth is happening?