FMQ Thread Breaking - Troubleshooting help needed

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12-06-2011, 08:35 PM

#11

sewNso

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: S C michigan

Posts: 2,118

i have found, that i absolutely have to use good quality quilting thread. and i don't tell anyone, but sometimes i spray my spool of thread with spray silicone. shhhh, don't telll anyone.!!!!

12-06-2011, 09:36 PM

#12

Pinkiris

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2009

Location: NE Wisconsin

Posts: 1,351

You can try sanding down the nicks on the foot with either an emery board or a metal nail file. Just don't sand it over the opening of your machine! Good luck!

12-06-2011, 09:42 PM

#13

donnalynett

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Oregon

Posts: 1,326

Did you make sure a piece of thread or lint is not caught in the tension discs? If it is not a computerized machine use canned air and blow it in the tension discs. I also use "Sew Ease" on my thread if it is not regular quilting thread.

12-07-2011, 08:10 AM

#14

TerryQuilter

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Vista, CA

Posts: 1,515

I had this problem in the past and figured out that I was trying to go too fast with my FMQ. Once I slowed down and relaxed more I have not had the problem. Don't know if that's your problem but I hope this helps.

12-07-2011, 08:12 AM

#15

Geri B

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: Illinois

Posts: 9,018

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieR

Good idea - I checked and it's the slot. I removed it and took a look but it looks fine.

However, I checked the FMQ foot and there look to be tiny chips on it! It's one of the plastic kinds; anyone know how I can try to file that down?

I don't know if that's causing the issue but I'm willing to try.

for those chips that may be fraying the thread......go to local hardware store and ask for a sheet of crocus cloth-it is a sandpaper but more flexible.....you can tear or cut a skinny strip and rub that onto where the rough part is and see if that removes it. I know it works on metal, so probably will work on plastic.....I have a longarm and have used that on knicks or rough spots.........

12-07-2011, 05:09 PM

#16

Ninette

Member

Join Date: Nov 2011

Location: Pascagoula, MS

Posts: 12

Been there, done that....... I even tried crying and it did'nt help either..... Really.... try a larger needle #16.... it seemed to help for me.

12-07-2011, 08:07 PM

#17

MaggieBB

Junior Member

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: SanAntonio,TX

Posts: 238

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobo2000

We had that on our longarm this past weekend. We loosened the upper tension one notch at a time until we finally got it right. Took us quite awhile to do it. We now understand the "lefty loosey, righty tighty" routine. Why, all of a sudden it happens, is beyond me. It was working great for ever so long, then boom. Oh well, we're back in business again.

Check for a small peice of lint or dust, this can cause a break even if you can't see it

12-10-2011, 02:27 PM

#18

JulieR

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Thread Starter

Join Date: May 2010

Location: Emmitsburg, MD

Posts: 1,599

Thank you all for your suggestions. I've tried most of the ideas here and still no love, so I un-stitched what I did manage to do and am drawing a new plan, featuring lots of SID. Several of my gifting plans have now been scrapped and it looks like I'll be waving my credit card at the Christmas tree this year.

On the bright side, most of holiday season 2012 is already pieced and I have a whole year to figure out how to finish it.

Thanks again for all of your help.

12-10-2011, 02:41 PM

#19

barny

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2011

Location: dallas tx.

Posts: 5,172

Julie, the thread isn't catching in the spool edge,[little cut to hold thread when not in use] is it? Just a thought. I always turn that to the wheel side. Barny.

12-11-2011, 10:47 AM

#20

sewNso

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: S C michigan

Posts: 2,118

Quote:

Originally Posted by barny

Julie, the thread isn't catching in the spool edge,[little cut to hold thread when not in use] is it? Just a thought. I always turn that to the wheel side. Barny.

i noticed that for me also. my phaff grand quilter is like that. so moody, and tempermental. i find, that i don't use it at all. i would put my janome on the stand and used it. but was still limited by throat space. so i just roll, and free motion, or quilt by check anymore.