Carol in WI

I wonder if anyone might have advice or suggestions regarding a problem that only seems to occur while trying to do FMQ. I'm taking an on-line class and notice that after sewing patterns for just a few minutes the thread starts to shred at the needle. I've made sure the thread is of good quality and changed my needle. It doesn't occur while piecing or in any other type of sewing. Can it be related to my speed or directional changes? This has been quite a learning curve for me and a frustrating one too. Thank you for any help ~

Patricia Drew

I had that problem when I started to FMQ. I loosened top tension a little bit and changed to a Topstitch 90/14 needle. After trying several different threads, I find that I'm using Glide 40 wt almost exclusively. Isacord works well too. I quilt on a Juki TL2010Q.

MarionsQuilts

You want a needle with a bigger hole - so yes, a topstitch is a great needle for that. Also, see if you can get a titanium needle - I seem to have better luck with those.

Another thing - I had this mostly with applique when I was doing FMQ - there is a liquid that you can squeeze a drop or two over the spool of thread, and it helps to keep it from shredding.

Good luck!

Stitchnripper

Another suggestion is to use a thread stand and move the thread further from the machine.

quiltedsunshine

Using polyester thread (instead of cotton) has made a big difference for me.

Jingle

I use a size 16 needle and make sure I am not pulling the quilt more than I should.

ThreadHead

Drop the feed dogs, loosen the tension to zero, loosen the pressure, use a needle with a large eye. Hope that works.

juliasb

This was one of the biggest changes I made and it helped more than other changes I made.

sewingpup

lots of good suggestions above....sometimes it is caused by the needle flexing as you move the fabric...so make sure you are going a consistance speed...actually as you learn and go faster...you may get less flexing as the needle stays in the fabric for a shorter period of time...using a faster machine speed may also help...(eg...keeping the stitch length shorter). And using poly thread with the right sized needle also helps....most thread manufacturers will have some sort of a chart on their websites for suggestions for needle size and thread size for quilting....

Karol

I have never heard of this? Can't wait to give it a try!