leggz48

I just finished a free motion design using my HandiQuilter Avante. I am using a #18 needle and Superior King Tut thread. I always check the tension before I start and everything looked great. I worked from side to side on a first pass with no problems. About halfway through third pass, I had a thread break (upper) followed by another and another and another. I changed the bobbin, checked the tension again, and managed to get through the quilt with about 3 more thread breaks. When it was all done, I turned to the back and found several of these little "knots". They actually are the upper thread, twisted, and a skipped stich. I'm depending on you ladies to help me out here; WHY is this happening?

Also, I was using a #19 needle a few weeks ago, but my technician said to stick with #18. Doesn't it make sense to use a bigger needle if I'm using a thicker thread? I'm always learning new stuff and love it when you offer your expertise.

Thanks!

DOTTYMO

Oops looks like an extra loop. I have no idea why I would just sew it in but mine are just for fun. Recently I have had thread with knots in which kept breaking . I will keep watching to find the answer from the experts.

dms

could it be something in the way the thread feeds? Would a thread net help? Just a thought.

alleyoop1

When all else fails start over - change the needle, re-thread the machine, put in a new bobbin and make sure the machine is clean and oiled.

feline fanatic

A size 18 is the correct size needle to use with King Tut. Go here and download the "Longarm Machine Thread Reference Guide" http://www.superiorthreads.com/reference-guides/ Hang it up near your LA machine and use it. Remember it is the thread you use that dictates what needle size to use.

Have you tried changing the needle? Did you completely rethread the top? A top thread break can cause the thread path to jump out of whack, had that happen to me once, it double wrapped around the needle take up. Also you may wish to try slowing down. New LAQ who do a loopy design like you pictured tend to go way too fast and then slow down to complete the loop. These drastic changes in speed causes backlash to happen in the bobbin. The bobbin is spinning inside the bobbin case and it causes these loops/skipped stitches to happen. You can switch to magna glide bobbins which help backlash issuses. But, more importantly, you need to try to regulate your speed so you are going a more even speed without the drastic slowdowns and speed ups. Yes your stitch regulator is keeping up with you but the bobbin isn't. This isn't a race so try slowing down a bit.

crashnquilt

Is the needle in backwards? The long scarf comes to the front (opposite of the dsm) Is the bobbin in upside down? Bobbin should unwind clockwise. Are you is stitch regulator mode? You may be slowing down enough for the regulator to prepare for a stop, then when you speed up it is taking a stitch or two extra creating the knot.

Tartan

This may not be the same but varigated King Tut thread on my Bernina made a little thread knot right before the needle hole while quilting. Scared me when the thread and needle broke. I watched the needle until I finished the quilt and had to stop, cut the thread and re-thread twice more. The thread seemed very linty and that's what made the little ball before the needle. I tried several different needles as well and went with the needle where I could get the balanced stitch. I have not bought a spool of the varigated since.

DebraK

excellent advice about the speed change when doing a loopy design. I noticed that myself when I first started.

Bobbielinks

I usually get thread breakage if I try to run the machine too fast and the knots on the back when I need to tighten my top tension.

mighty

I use King tut with an 18 needle. If tension is correct, needle good, threaded correctly, bobbin area clean, I would watch my speed. I would also make sure the bobbin is not warped this can cause stitching to be bad.