Mrs V

I bought a DAQ machine at a yard sale where a lady had used it for her business and passed away and Hubby was selling all her quilting stuff. I have it running BUT my thread keeps breaking. I have tried the tension on top and bobbin, slowed the speed and am trying to go slow when I use it. ANY HELP to figure out this problem would make my day better. I quilt for charity and need to get this running. Thanks for any response.

Gay

Try a new needle (it may need to be turned to 5.35), spray the thread well with silicone, or there may be a burr on the needle plate. Check how easily the thread pulls through with the foot up, if it's difficult the top thread tension need loosening. Hope I've helped.

thimblebug6000

Haven’t heard of that machine, but have you tried different brands and weights of thread, making sure to use a compatible needle?

on searching, there is a very old thread on this forum, not sure if it is something you want to read or not.
Design-A-Quilt Free-Hander Quilting Machine

osewme

Post #6 on this said there might be a burr in the needle plate. Try running some sand paper in the needle plate hole. Hope this helps.

Design-a-Quilt quilting machine

Mrs V

Don't know what you mean by "it may need to be turned to 5.35". I have changed the needle several times from size 16 to 18 and back again. Both top and bottom thread pulls easily.
What type of silicone do I spray the thread with. I have never heard of spraying thread with anything - other than making sure it is good.
Thanks for your reply.

Gay

When you look at a clock face, your needle eye faces to the front at 6 o'clock, so before tightening the screw you place another needle or pin in the eye and turn it a tad to the right - or 5.35, and tighten the screw. I have to do this with my quilting machine.

The Silicone spray I get from our hardware stores, and find it takes the dryness off the thread and feeds easier. It doesn't do the fabric or thread any harm, and you won't notice any difference.

Peckish

What size thread are you using, and is it compatible with the needle? If the eye of the needle is too small, it could be causing friction on the thread and making it break.

How old and what kind is the thread? You can also dip the cone or spool in clear mineral oil, set it on a paper towel to soak in and drain, then try again.

Interesting. I did a search and found this old thread, referencing the machine. Not good news, I'm afraid. I had forgotten all about that!
Design-a-Quilt quilting machine

Peckish

Another thread with info about that machine.
Design-A-Quilt Free-Hander Quilting Machine

Mrs V

I will try turning the needle to "5.35" and spraying the thread with Silicone.
I have tried Tex 27 and Tex 40 thread in different brands I have here and it still breaks. I have used size 16 & 18 needles too.

When I bought the machine they gave me Tex 40 thread and size 16, 18 and a few 14 needles. The 14 needles seem like they would be for T-shirt quilts as they are for knits. All the bobbins were pre wound in basic colors.
Thanks for the reply.

quiltedsunshine

When you've tried everything else, it could be the timing. If you can turn the handwheel to see if the needle is deflecting off the hook, that will cause the thread to break. Or if there's a burr on the hook.