Thread breaks during FMQ on DSM. Tension seems fine.

Den 09-12-2012 18:44, Honeylin skrev:

What are the kind of patterns that do and do not work for you?

Maybe on some you are tugging on the quilt more?

Hanne in DK

If your tension is okay (are you sure it's okay? LOL), then it could be t he needle type or size, the thread type or size, a loose bit of thread or l int clogging things somewhere, the type of fabric (some white-on-white fabr ics have a rubber-y finish and other fabric issues are possible) or batting thickness or type, your speed ratio- hands to needle speed.... or a few ot her possibilities. I'd suggest starting with cleaning your sm, changing t he needle to a nice, new topstitch needle, re-threading top and bobbin, and moving your quilt sandwich and/or sm speed slower or faster.

It's always advisable to make a trial/practice sandwich with exactly the sa me fabrics and batting and test out everything before you start on the actu al quilt. Good luck- hope one of us can find a suggestion that helps!

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

It sounds to me as if the problem could lie with the needle - the eye being a little too small for the thread you are using? There are numerous different types of needle. We had a short discussion on here just a little while ago about needles and thread breaking. I think the conclusion that was reached in our discussion was that metallica needles are good for all thread, not just metallic. Could you have a look back to see if you can find it. I am useless at being able to direct people to the correct thread - but someone will help I'm sure. You say the tension is fine, but have you reduced it from about 4 to 1 or 2? Always the first thing to do when free motion quilting. Have you put the feed dogs down, or reduced the stitch length to zero? Is the thread a good quality cotton, or something else which might need a special needle. What 'weight' is the thread? All this kind of thing is relevant to breaking. . In message , Honeylin writes

I had similar issues recently and the solution was a new bobbin case (as there was apparently a rough spot on it).

Here's h>FMQ on DSM for first time. On some patterns I have issues with the thread

-- Have quilted 2/3 of large throw before shredding/breaking of thread began. Have changed thread, needle, adjusted thread tension, bobbin tension, re-threaded machine, cleaned machine and have oiled it regularly. Was cleaned and adjusted by professional technician before I began project. Needle size is 14. like I said before, everything was going great until a couple of hours ago. Bummer, need to finish quilt before Thursday.

A variety of patterns, ie. Meandering, stars, circles etc. Quilt has many blocks and I have done a different pattern in each, along with stitch in ditch.

Golly. After all that sleuthing? Grr. Just for the heck of it, change to another spool of thread - different brand and see if you've run into a crummy flawed run of thread. It happens. Polly

"Honeylin" --

Which way did you put the bobbin in the holder? Does the thread come off the top (more drag this way) and go thru the slots or is it coming from bottom up and out? Mine is quite fussy as to how it flows from teh bobbin.

Butterfly