Breaking thread

[Vicki]

I'm new to the forum and knew this was the go to place for my first machine quilting problem. I'm trying to practice stippling and my thread keeps breaking. The tension seems to be balanced, I've put in a new needle and tried to move the "sandwich" evenly so there's not a lot of stress on the needle. I've rethreaded several times and changed the bobbin. I'm using C & C all purpose thread. (Maybe this is the problem?) My machine is a Brother Innovis 1200.

I'd appreciate any help you can give.

Vicki

[jrchapman]

Re: Breaking thread

I've had this problem before and it was because I was using too fine a needle. I've found that a heavy duty needle (for denim or something similar) is useful for sewing through all those layers when quilting.

[stitchywoman]

Re: Breaking thread

My suggestions would be first to make sure it's threaded correctly sometimes we get hung up on what the problem is and it becomes so huge and we discover it's something as simple as incorrect threading! So frustrating! In any case it can't hurt to check, other wise tension for the top and bottom are my only suggestions :| I've found that for freemotion stuff I can't leave my tension on auto but have to make sure that the tension is manually adjusted to the correct setting. Good luck!

[Vicki]

Re: Breaking thread

Thanks for your suggestions. I haven't tried a larger needle...I'm using a 90/14... so I'll try that next.
I've rethreaded a few times so I don't think that's it, but I'll try again. I've fussed with the tension with no luck.

Any recommendations about thread brand?

[Natalie]

Re: Breaking thread

Gutterman or Mettler threads are commonly used and loved in the quilting world. They are a bit more expensive than coats and clark but, for your final quilting you may get better results.

Let us know how things are going! ~Natalie

[Vicki]

Re: Breaking thread

I tried a small area of stippling with a bigger needle (16) and the thread didn't break. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! I'm also going to try different thread brands to see what happens.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

[jrchapman]

Re: Breaking thread

Glad to be of help