Sarah Noel

Why does my needle keep breaking? Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong on the machine, it started to happen when I was free motion quilting.

quiltingcandy

What needle plate do you have on your machine? Does it happen every time you use your machine or only when you FMQ? What machine do you have? How fast are you going?

Sarah Noel

Janome 1560 just when FMQ and I suppose i would say medium speed.

sylviak

Using a sturdier needle might help. I use a 14/90. It doesn't bend as easy. Also, you have to move the fabric in tandem to your speed. If you are going at medium speed and moving your fabric too quickly, the needle gets caught in the fabric and may break. Try going faster with the needle and moving the fabric at the same speed you are using. It takes awhile to get into a rythmn. Hold the fabric lightly on both sides (rubber tipped fingers help) and move at an even pace. Listening to music might help....and some people recommend a glass of wine!

Gramie bj

Are you moving the quilt to fast for the machine needle speed?

Tartan

It sounds like when you pull/push the quilt that the needle is hitting something. It is probably the side of the hole in the hole plate. Make sure you have the zig zag plate on and not the single hole plate, that helps. Make sure the whole quilt is up on your surface so there is no drag. Try to puddle the quilt where you are FMQ so you don't push/pull the needle out of alignment. If the needle is pushed/pulled enough it may be hitting the bobbin case or the edge of the FMQ foot.

donnalynett

Check the machine needle shaft and make sure it is not bent.

newbee3

you are probably moving the fabric too fast try slowing down on the fabric a little keeping the speed of the machine the same.

Jingle

I would think one of two things. You need a heavier needle. Or you are moving the quilt too fast, this is my problem when the thread keeps breaking. I don't break too many needles.

MrsM

What foot are you using? Sometimes I foget to switch my feet when I switch my stitch.