Thinning, breaking thread

[JAM]

Hello everybody!

I need some advice. I've done quilting on my machine many times, but I'm really new to the free motion.
I set everything up according the instructions and started to quilt. Enjoying the process of doing so, until my thread started to break.
First it is thinning and then it breaks. I changed the needle, tried with conditioning the thread and without. Changed the thread to a really good quality one too. I also changed my bobbin case to a low tension bobbin case. What seems strange to me is, the thread doesnt break while I do regular quilting with the walking foot.
So this is my mysterie for today!

Thanks for reading and maybe you are better detectives than I.

[a1angiem]

Have you adjusted your top tension? I set mine to almost 6. I also use a larger needle, 90/14. That should do it!

[JAM]

Thank you, I will try this.

[Oleg]

I had to change the type of thread I used. 100% cotton thread is fine for piecing and using the walking foot, but when I need to FMQ I have to use the 100% polyester thread. My machine just likes it better. The cotton thread was a nightmare; shredding and breaking on me like crazy. Since I made the switch, I've had no problems.

[Peggi]

Sounds like the eye of the needle is too small, and it's causing friction and wear & tear on the thread. Are you using a topstitch needle? A topstitch needle has a larger eye and longer scarf. If you have the machine on a frame, you might use a size 14 or 16.

[Lilbitsofthread]

If the top thread is shredding it usually means your top tension is too tight. If it continues after loosening the top tension, try rotating your needle to the "5 o'clock " position. This sometimes helps as well.