A threader that doesn't like some threads!

[Grandma G]

I have a babylock and my needle has to be in the top most position for it to work right - can't have hand turned the wheel even slightly. Since I have a needle up/down button, I have finally gotten into the habit of hitting that before I attempt to use the needle threader. It works for me, hope it helps!

Good advice. The automatic threader on my Janome 7700 refuses to work unless in the top most position, too. It took me taking it to the dealer and telling them the automatic threader didn't work to learn that important lesson.

[GrammaBabs]

My Janome threader "stopped working",, but it was after a sever "jam" of sorts... I sew all types of thick seams and broke a needle and then it just stopped.. so I gave in and took off all the "stuff" and it looked like under my bed with "bunnies"...LOL My quilter GF;s laughed and said..WTH!!! But I think it is out of alignment,, just stopped using it... it was fine for the first year, but like I said, i'm "run roughshod"... BUT,, now i'm gonna' check that whole "needle up" thing... my Brother has directions so difficult to read about the threader,, I just said,,, heck, I could have the whole project done, by the time the needle is threaded!!! B

[IBake]

Sandy, Maybe for MEN you have to have a size 16, but I have a new Viking and I was told you can use any size needle in it for the threader. My guess is that he can's see the needle to thread it! MEN!

[Genny]

Yup, threaders. Never noticed a problem with thread types. BUT I was truly amazed the last time I took my machine (Viking) to have routine maintenance done - the sales 'guy' was checking to see if there was anything he could do (other than dropping it from the top of the table . . . again) to give the technician a day of rest. He went to thread it and actually became kind of rude because I had a small needle in place and . . . get this "You need to have at least a size 16/100 or larger needle to use the threader." And I thought, "Okay, Dummy, and if the needle is that large I can see the hole and easily thread it the regular way. " Give me a break - if you are going to have a threader on the machine it better be able to thread at least a size 11/75 needle or it is NO GOOD and a waste of real estate, especially on an embroidery machine.

Sandy I can't get past what you said "other then dropping it from the top of the table again"...did he drop your machine??? I probably would have come unglued on him. Rude is something I can't stand, but I can pretty well keep my lips closed...sometimes... but not being careful with your machine is another. We pay good money for these machines and when we take them in for cleaning or anything else the sales people should be courteous and careful. Just saying...Genny

[coffeebreak]

I have a babylock and my needle has to be in the top most position for it to work right - can't have hand turned the wheel even slightly. Since I have a needle up/down button, I have finally gotten into the habit of hitting that before I attempt to use the needle threader. It works for me, hope it helps!

Mine has to be up to and I too press the "needle up" button to make sure. The little pokey thing grabs the thread, but to the right of the needle and pulls it back..doesn't to into the eye. And I try to push the pokey thing over and it doesn't help

[coffeebreak]

Yup, threaders. Never noticed a problem with thread types. BUT I was truly amazed the last time I took my machine (Viking) to have routine maintenance done - the sales 'guy' was checking to see if there was anything he could do (other than dropping it from the top of the table . . . again) to give the technician a day of rest. He went to thread it and actually became kind of rude because I had a small needle in place and . . . get this "You need to have at least a size 16/100 or larger needle to use the threader." And I thought, "Okay, Dummy, and if the needle is that large I can see the hole and easily thread it the regular way. " Give me a break - if you are going to have a threader on the machine it better be able to thread at least a size 11/75 needle or it is NO GOOD and a waste of real estate, especially on an embroidery machine.

Wow... a 100? That is pretty big! Most commonly required are 70 or 80's. Wonder if he didn't know what he was doing and just told you that! I didn't think it was even useable to use a 100 in quilting cottons. If it is on the machine, it should be able to accomodate the most common needle sizes. I think he is pulling your leg...I mean thread!

[coffeebreak]

Superior recommends top-stitch needles for all their thread. With the bigger eye in a top-stitch needle, do you think that would help?
I have a Bernina 440 and have no problem with mine.

I had been buying the Schmitdts (mispelled I know) and I forget now the specific, but not the universal ones. When this happened I tried Singer brand ones thinking, maybe that's the case...stick with the same brand. But that didn't help either. I now buy Singer brand simply cause they are often cheaper than the Schmidtz. I asked the repair guy and he said, no that wouldn't matter anyway, it takes all brands.

[coffeebreak]

My Janome threader "stopped working",, but it was after a sever "jam" of sorts... I sew all types of thick seams and broke a needle and then it just stopped.. so I gave in and took off all the "stuff" and it looked like under my bed with "bunnies"...LOL My quilter GF;s laughed and said..WTH!!! But I think it is out of alignment,, just stopped using it... it was fine for the first year, but like I said, i'm "run roughshod"... BUT,, now i'm gonna' check that whole "needle up" thing... my Brother has directions so difficult to read about the threader,, I just said,,, heck, I could have the whole project done, by the time the needle is threaded!!! B

Yeah, I have had that feeling too! I even tried a hand needle threader...worked fine until the little thin wire thingy pulled out of the holder!

[coffeebreak]

Sandy, Maybe for MEN you have to have a size 16, but I have a new Viking and I was told you can use any size needle in it for the threader. My guess is that he can's see the needle to thread it! MEN!

I think so too IBlke! I think he just didnt' know the answer and didn't want to make himself look stupid or not a big "man" and just said that to her! THat is why they call needles "universal"...they all fit all machines. I was told by my Singer repair man that it doesn't matter. I told him about my problem and said I even bought Singer brand needles, and he the brand wouldn't matter. I use 100 for denim material...needed due to the weight of the denim...but a 100 for cotton? That'd make huge holes in the fabric!

[HdWench]

My Babylock threader does an okay job. I use robison anton embroidery thread. This is going to sound stupid, but it doesn't like certain colors. lol

Not at all, I can believe that different colors take more dye to get them "true" so I would believe that some colors of the same thread may be a tiny hair larger!!

Thanks all never thought to hit the needle up and try it - I get flustered and use the white paper behind the needle most times it's faster to do that then fiddle with the theader