JanecShannon

I'm having this problem with a relatively new machine (about six months old). The issue is that when sewing I get these nasty little nests of thread bunched up on the bottom layer. This seems to mostly happen when quilting but it has also occurred when doing the regular piecing as well.

Based on what I've seen, it seems like one thread doesn't get pulled up all the way or catches somewhere and then all the following threads built up around it. I'm usually able to get it to release by giving it a tug but by then the damage is done and I have to cut the thread.

I've opened the bottom plate and used a mini-vacuum to get rid of any lint built up (there was a bit of lint but not enough I would have expected it to be an issue). I also made sure the black casing is sat correctly. I upped the tension a few notches and that seemed to help at first but then it started doing it again after quilting a couple of rows.

Does anyone have advice on how to fix/prevent this? Is it that I just need to keep upping the tension until it stops doing it or is this an issue that I should take into the shop?

Peckish

Problems on the bottom of your project are usually issues with your top thread. Check to make sure it is threaded correctly. Make sure nothing is getting in the way of the thread - when this happens to me, it's usually because the thread has caught on something and then suddenly sprang free. Check to make sure there are no bits of thread or lint stuck in the tension discs.

lynnie

this happens on the first 2-3 stitches on my machine.
So this means that the top thread is not catching properly?

sewwhat85

I would say it looks like the thread is jumping out of the top tension or jf you are free hand quilting try slowing down around the curves

QuiltnNan

sorry to hear of your frustrations. it might be that there is lint in the tensions disks... try flossing it with non waxed dental floss. it also might be that your spool of thread needs a thread net... you can get these free from your local florist... they throw them away when unpacking their flowers.

DresiArnaz

My Faux Sphinx was doing that and I took the bobbin case apart and put it back together and then it sewed okay.

Picked up the bobbin thread on the first go after I did that. Took at least three tries before which should have been a clue for me that something wasn't put together right

Tartan

My machine only does that at the beginning of quilting if I don't bring my bobbin thread to the top before starting.

Peckish

Lynnie, I think yours is a different issue from the OP's. Try holding both your thread tails in your left hand as you take the first 3 stitches.

PaperPrincess

My gut reaction is also that it's the top thread. To verify, put different colors in the top and bobbin. When this happens, don't move the fabric immediately. Stop sewing and verify that the top thread is still completely threaded correctly. Still in take up lever? still in the tension discs? Normally, you thread with the presser foot up so that there is no tension in the discs, then when you get to the needle, you put the presser foot down to seat the thread. It's always a good idea to get out your manual and make sure that you are threading correctly. When you start to sew, pull up your bobbin thread and hold both tails as you take your first stitches. Clean your machine & floss between the discs with a sturdy thread, and check that there's no lint in the tension spring in your bobbin case.

DresiArnaz

Oh forgot to mention I think my thread was coming out of the tensioner too and I had to route it differently. My thread setup is an upside down cone hanging from a chandalier so had to do something different when I switched machines today