I just started on the Brother ULT2003 and have had many problems with the tension, density, etc. My needles are breaking, my thread keeps breaking, I've had a couple of times where the thread got all messed up in the bobbin. I've adjusted the tension up and down, the tension up and down. I can't find anywhere that will help me know what tension, density, needles to use with what fabrics. My book gives some info but not really a big help. If anyone out there has had any problems like this or can help me in any way, please let me know. You can email me directly at snipped-for-privacy@charter.net too. Thanks so much!!!
Hi Daphne - Some questions I have first are: What kind of thread are you using on top and in the bobbin? The book gives very good suggestions for needles. I use Brother bobbin thread for the bobbin. It works best for me and I use the default tensions. Also with brother bobbin thread I never have the white bobbin thread coming to the top of the design. I know it can be a nightmare when you first start out. Make sure you have stabilized well enough for the project too. If you are using a material with a nap, such as towels, make sure you are using a water wash away stabilizer on top besides the regular stabilizer on the bottom or use a tulle on top. Cactusgem
Sounds to me as if the thread is not feeding through correctly. This is the only time I have had needles break. Check that it is not catching, this will cause the needles or the thread to break. Another thing to do is use prewound bobbins, no trouble with these. I use Marathon sideless prewounds. Just checked my manual and on page 1-32 there is an illustration of threading the machine. Also a paragraph which states CAUTION. Be sure to thread the machine properly. Improper threading can cause the thread to tangle and break the needle, leading to injury. I have the ULT 2001.
Thanks for the help! I think (or at least thought) I have it threaded correctly. I've read many newsgroups about making sure the presser foot is up, which I'm doing and I'm following all of the threading directions. I'll check my manual again to make sure. I'm using the NEB prewound bobbins and the thread from Ultimapoly. Everyone I've seen recommended the Ultimapoly and the NEB prewounds so I just assumed they would be good. Maybe I should try another type of thread. Thanks again! I'm going to keep trying different things including different stabilizers too.
If you have had needle problem already, take it to a service centre and get them to check the tensions and the timing and bobbin for damage. Push for warranty replacement of parts.
Make sure you have a straight needle! Use a new one or roll it on a flat surface and look carefully.
Take your bobbin assembly out of the machine and look the plastic housing over closely for where the needle has pierced the housing. Press the hole flashing back into the hole with a hard object and file off smooth with a nail file. Above all make sure it is smooth.
Embroidery tension is different than sewing tension. The threads do not meet in the material but rather the top thread pulls all the way through and nearly meets itself with very little bobbin thread used.
Check your upper thread path for lint in the tensioning guides and other mechanisms.
Make sure your bobbin is unwinding the correct rotation direction.
Try a commercial quality pattern. Some patterns will be too many layers or too dense and jam things up on you.
A material with a heavy weave in it will tighten up and give your machine a needle pulling problem.
Try a different needle manufacturer. We had a ton of problems with Janome needles recommended by our service centre/dealer. Take a needle by hand and push it through a tough material / embroidery spot. It should not be too hard to pull out by hand if the "hip" around the eye is not too bumpy. The Janome ones had to be pulled out with pliers. They had a huge measured difference there compared to better brands (BTW: manufactured by the same company - Organ)
Best of luck. It will work eventually once you learn the "Watch-outs". It takes a while despite the store clerks making it look easy.
it sound like you are doing every thing right by the manual but I have to agree with Gymmy Bob I would take it to the service centre it sound like the timing my be off. One other thing you may like to make sure that you are useing the needle that your machine works best with. I fine that my machines like only one brand of needle. Your service guy will be able to help you with this problem.
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.