BREAKING NEEDLES WHILE FM
#41
Originally Posted by margecam52
know this is an older post, but a size 80/12 needle is too weak to use for FM quilting. Go to a 110/18 & you will have much better results (Jeans needle)
Marge
Marge
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: WI
Posts: 706
Because we restore vintage machines we get a lot of questions like this. Quality and type of needle used has a profound impact. Go to Schmetzneedles.com for a guide.
Tension set too high can also put tork on the thread and needle especially in free motion. Many times free motion can be done with a presser foot attached and that helps stablized the pull and drag of the thread through the fabric from side to side etc.
Another good thing to look up is sewing Machine trouble shooting on the web- there are many places that give you a comprehensive list. If you're able to do a straight stitch with the machine, more likely then not it is something to do with your motion and or tension. You really don't realize how much pressure is being exerted against the needle when you free motion.
Tension set too high can also put tork on the thread and needle especially in free motion. Many times free motion can be done with a presser foot attached and that helps stablized the pull and drag of the thread through the fabric from side to side etc.
Another good thing to look up is sewing Machine trouble shooting on the web- there are many places that give you a comprehensive list. If you're able to do a straight stitch with the machine, more likely then not it is something to do with your motion and or tension. You really don't realize how much pressure is being exerted against the needle when you free motion.
#45
Does your machine have a threader? If so, make sure when using it that the needle is not hitting the plate. My threader (on my Viking Sapphire) was bending my needle just enough to have the needle hit the plate. In one evening I broke over a dozen needles. It would be ok for about 8-15 stitches and then break. Here the maintenance person at the dealers shop had put in a new threader (without my asking for it as it was working just fine when I took the machine in to them) and he put it in sideways or something. I had another one put in and needles quit breaking.
#49
Originally Posted by MiMi in Lutz
Does your machine have a threader? If so, make sure when using it that the needle is not hitting the plate. My threader (on my Viking Sapphire) was bending my needle just enough to have the needle hit the plate. In one evening I broke over a dozen needles. It would be ok for about 8-15 stitches and then break. Here the maintenance person at the dealers shop had put in a new threader (without my asking for it as it was working just fine when I took the machine in to them) and he put it in sideways or something. I had another one put in and needles quit breaking.
You've all made suggestions that I'm going to try very soon. It's too hot to work out in my little shop since it's 100 deg. I have a window AC but it can't keep up sometimes. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
#50
PatG,
The first thing my Husqvarna Viking Dealer told me was that Wal-Mart Needles weren't to be used with the Designer I USB & I should use Schmetz. After using 80s to hem Denim I kept breaking needles, went back in & she told me to use 90s or 100s for Denim. They are now carrying Organ Needles that work well too, and are a better value. FMQing is a delicate maneuver, & if one entity is off even a tad, it creates problems. I keep an array of Needle sizes, as I have a Small Home Sewing Business & never know what customers will bring me.
Google fabric type to find out the size needle you need for different fabrics, then try the next size needle when FMQing.
You mention that your Dealer carries 100 needles for $50, but what brand are they? Hope this helps.
The first thing my Husqvarna Viking Dealer told me was that Wal-Mart Needles weren't to be used with the Designer I USB & I should use Schmetz. After using 80s to hem Denim I kept breaking needles, went back in & she told me to use 90s or 100s for Denim. They are now carrying Organ Needles that work well too, and are a better value. FMQing is a delicate maneuver, & if one entity is off even a tad, it creates problems. I keep an array of Needle sizes, as I have a Small Home Sewing Business & never know what customers will bring me.
Google fabric type to find out the size needle you need for different fabrics, then try the next size needle when FMQing.
You mention that your Dealer carries 100 needles for $50, but what brand are they? Hope this helps.
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