HELP - Thread breaking
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Livonia, MI near Detroit
Posts: 627
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I am so frustrated! I have a Janome Memory Craft 4000 that I have been using for a long time. I have not done much FMQ but am getting lots of practice on the little kitty quilts for the shelter. I found some machine quilting thread while cleaning out sewing room, new within the last year, and thought I would use it on these little quilts. It's awful! It keeps breaking, shredding and skipping. I did not have the problem with the Gutterman but this was a little less expensive so I figured I would use it up. Maybe I'm getting what I paid for. It is Coats & Clark 100% Mercerized Cotton Size #50. Other than the brand, it is the same as the Gutterman. I've changed the needle, cleaned the bobbin chamber, threaded, rethreaded and basically covered all the bases. I have read that others have had problems with certain threads on certain machines so I have come to you first. I do have thread from Connecting Threads I could use. I'm just spending way too much time on this batch of kitty quilts because of this stupid problem. Can anyone spare some advice? I'd really appeciate it. Thanks in advance.
Wendy B
Wendy B
#3
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Pacific NW USA
Posts: 883
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Take the needle out of the machine. Run the thread through the needle and see if when you hold one end of the thread in each hand, if the needle will slide back and forth on the thread. If not, the needle is too small for the thread.
#5
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Livonia, MI near Detroit
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Thanks. I am using a 14 which should be OK but just in case used both an 11 and 16. Still had a problem. I know others have had problems with Coats & Clark and maybe they would be fine for piecing or general sewing, just not with the speed of FMQ. I grew up sewing with their thread but I know nothing, for the most part, is as good as it was in the past. I think I'm just going to go back to the Gutterman which I have done all the other ones with or try the Connecting Threads. Most people have had great luck with them. I appreciate your reply.
Wendy B
Wendy B
#7
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Could the thread be old? Even if the thread is a new purchase it could be old thread. Wrap it around you finger and pull, if it breaks easy you will know it's old.
Another thing, sometimes storing it in the freezer helps put moisture in the thread. OR try needle lube, run a line down the spool of thread several times around.
Another thing, sometimes storing it in the freezer helps put moisture in the thread. OR try needle lube, run a line down the spool of thread several times around.
#10
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Could it possibly be just this one spool of thread? I had a new spool recently and it gave me fits. Went & picked up another spool & had no issues at all. Coats & Clark was the brand and I have a Bernina. I have used this brand for years with no trouble. I do prefer Essential from Connecting Threads though.
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