I am not sure why this is happening..my thread keeps breaking in the middle of my free motion quilting..this is my first quilt and I have never even used a sewing maching before..all seems to be going well so far but I tried to put some decorative thread in the quilt (sulky rayon) just because I found it to be the prettiest!! :) I think I'm using the right size needle..which is a 90/14..using some sewers aid and all that...so not sure what is going on..almost done with the stippling..so it has become very frustrating!!

also..I am loosening the tension..but all I end up with is the loops on the back of my quilt..:(

Some days you have to play with the tension to get it just right. Machine speed, hand speed, batting thickness and thread all seem to effect the tension setting.

I think it is helpful to make a sample square of the same materials as the quilt and play with it until I get the tension right.

I break my thread a lot when I start taking the curves too fast.

Wow! That is very brave to FMQ on a first quilt and never have sewn before! I hope you can get your tension fixed. Lisa is correct. Practice on a sample for a bit and get the "hang" of the machine and it's qwirks. Otherwise, awesome job. Don't forget to post a picture!

How old is the thread? Sometimes old thread has gone brittle and isn't good anymore.

Try using a top stitch needle in your machine when doing free motion quilting. Also wind a new bobbin as well. Sometimes that can also create problems.

NEW microtex needle, GOOD thread, feed dogs lowered, stippling foot, bobbin tension....soooooo many things to factor in...it takes practice on a sandwich first...not on the quilt....you might also be going to fast....slow it down and let the machine do the work not your shoulders!

wet the spool and place in the fridge for a few days

Some spools have a plastic spool and have a slice in it to rewind, if the slice is at the beginning it will snag there and brake , I just found that out myself , it was nerve racking, until I saw what it was.. hope this may help.. good luck

I've never had much luck with sulky rayon. Breaks everytime in both my newer machines.