Need Help
 

Just spent over 100.00 trying to get my Sapphire 850 fixed. When I FMQ, it sews so far then thread frays. Doesn't matter what kind of thread. Have quilted alot with this machine, am so frustrated. Will drag it and the quilt back to the shop. It is okay when I straight sew. Thought maybe wear and tear caused some sharp areas, have not been able to detect. Anyone else run into this problem?

Sorry you are having problems. I know how frustrating it can be.

I read your post as this is a new predicament for the machine so are the fabrics different from what you have quilted before? Regular cotton fabrics are more forgiving than Batiks. Thread Different? You might try using the next size up needle or use a top stitch needle which has a longer eye and is a bit more sturdy and forgiving as that may help.

Other things that could cause you trouble are burs in the tension assembly, a bent needle or as Tartan commented the needle hitting the stitch plate (but if that were the case - I would think that the repair man would have caught that) . Older thread might also cause problems as well. If it were me, I would try a new needle, a new spool of thread and a new bobbin freshly filled and see if that gets you anywhere. I might even try a practice quilt sandwich with different fabrics.

Burr on the hook or needle hitting the hook, would be my guess. Whatever it is, sounds like it needs to go back to the shop.

I hope your repair person can get it going for you, quickly.

I've been having similar problem and I blame it on the thread--but it is thread I want on my quilt. So I drag the tip of "all purpose SEWER'S AID" several times down the spool. It seems to help the thread glide thru the needle eye. I also use mineral oil in a small bottle with tip--like eye drops come in. Neither are harmful to the quilt or machine as it disperses/soaks into the spool and minimal amt goes into the stitching. And I wash my quilts after finishing anyway to remove marking. I always let it sit for a few minutes before beginning, and this has been working for me. I've noticed this happens with a certain brand of cotton threads that are varigated. Otherwise, I love the threads. I hope it might work for you.

Certain machine can only tolerate particular threads. Check with your technician or the manufacturer to see what threads are recommended for your machine.

What needle plate are you using? Zigzag or straight stitch?

If you are using a zigzag plate, there could be a small burr on it that wouldn't be noticed on straight stitching.

watch for lint in the bobbin area. I had shredding problems VERY badly and it was lint in the hook assembly (the part that goes around the stationary bobbin)

I didn't read any of the other's answers.....but it set off an alarm for me. :) Reminded me of my mother's sewing machine years ago.... She battled that dang thing for YEARS (caused me to not sew for years, too). Finally, a different repairman and BINGO...he used a magnifying glass and looked into the area where the needle goes down.....found a tiny DING in the metal...that little burr was fraying the thread!! Hope this helps!

This happened to me but only on FMQ. Talked to the Bernina rep about it and she said to change the needle. I did and still had the same problem. I kept trying different needles and finally ended up with size 80 and it worked just fine. Weird that everything goes fine with the walking foot and the same thread but a different needle. Hope I remember this the next time I FMQ, but its likey that I'll go through all this again.