what can cause thread to break?

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10-31-2011, 08:15 AM

#51

Jackie Spencer

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2011

Location: Southern Indiana

Posts: 5,052

You need a new needle.

10-31-2011, 08:33 AM

#52

quiltbea

Member

Join Date: Oct 2011

Location: Maine

Posts: 70

I was having lots of breakage when I did my free motion quilting. I have a Viking Quilt Designer II and the book stated that Inspira needles were best so I got my first one. They are a bit more expensive but worth every penny.
What a big difference. No more breakage. These needles have a smooth beveled entry so the thread doesn't wear and tear.
Thread I thought I'd never be able to use for quilting again is never a problem any longer.
I'd say its your needle.

10-31-2011, 08:37 AM

#53

mary quilting

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Ga

Posts: 1,448

I would use a14 or 16 to so on denim . Igo by the US size 10 11 12... Not the Europe size75 80 90... your needle will be inter changeable a good brand is Schmetz thats hat I use

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhaorth

well I found a package of kenmore needles that were with the machine... they are color coded, I checked the chart in that other thread, and no clue what the numbers mean and what would be good for cotton wovens.

Kenmore color codes
Kenmore colors its needles with a different system of color codes which indicate the needle's size:

Shank color Shaft size Shaft size (europe)
blue 11 75
orange 12 80
red 14 90
purple 16 100
green 18 110

I have one of each of these... which one should I use?

10-31-2011, 08:51 AM

#54

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Northern CA

Posts: 422

Sometimes when my thread breaks, I find that for whatever reason the thread gets out of the "pick-up lever" (the little thing that you see moving up & down right in front of you when the needle moves) before the thread goes down to the needle. I just have to rethread the needle. I am glad to learn all about the importance of changing needle through this thread. THank you all.

10-31-2011, 11:06 AM

#55

babindg12200

Junior Member

Join Date: Jan 2010

Location: Houston Texas

Posts: 220

Also dust out the bobbin area, and oil your machine.

10-31-2011, 11:39 AM

#56

FroggyinTexas

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2007

Location: Here and there

Posts: 1,669

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhaorth

I noticed last week when I was working on piecing the strips, that every once in awhile the upper thread would break. (bobbin thread was fine).

I also noticed that it almost sounds like it is stitching through paper... a sort of tick tick sound when stitching.

It doesn't jam or snag, or snarl, just every once in awhile the thread breaks.

Any suggestions? Please help, new to sewing and not sure what is happening.

Try the simplest thing first--change the needle. froggyintexas

10-31-2011, 11:53 AM

#57

fayeberry

Senior Member

Join Date: Aug 2011

Location: Atlanta, GA

Posts: 841

I have had thread break when there is a rough spot on the edge of the spool. Smoothed it off with a nail file.

10-31-2011, 01:32 PM

#58

galvestonangel

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Galveston Texas

Posts: 1,596

If it is the needle making the tic tic noise, you need a new needle. For more trouble shooting, go to Superior Threads web site. They have a trouble shooting chart that is easy to follow. The have an educational series on thread, tension, and needles, excellent. It really opened my eyes, he debunked a lot of myths about thread and tension. I found the series on The Quilt Show but it may also be on the web site.

10-31-2011, 02:05 PM

#59

Eileen

Junior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: St. Charles, Illinois

Posts: 287

If you are using Coats & Clarks thread, make sure that the end of the spool where the thread ankers, is opposite from where the thread comes off to go through the maching. If the thread gets caught in there, it will make a clicking sound until the thread breaks. Know from experience.