I need some time.
It's not you, it's me...
Oh no wait. Free Motion Quilting, it IS YOU!
YOU are the problem!
Y'all, I am stumped.
I've changed my needle, I've cleaned my machine, I've adjusted the tension (I read the FMQ section of the manual to see what it recommended) I've rethreaded my machine, I've tried another spool of thread (same brand but another spool.)
So Why-Oh-Why does my bobbin thread keep breaking???
I have seriously spent hours trying- and getting frustrated, and taking a break, and trying again to no avail.
I have had more success with FMQ in the past- no idea why it is going so badly now.
I haven't even had a chance to care whether or not my loops are too sharp or my curves are too curvy because I can't sew more than 12 inches before my thread breaks AGAIN!
So, if you have any suggestions or advice, I would LOVE to hear it because I'm stumped and need some help!
Thanks friends. Now, off to watch the Happy Endings Halloween episode for some well-needed laughs!
And, because I can't post without a pic...
Little buddies having fun...
and being sweet. xoxo
51 comments:
Why don't you try FMQ on someone else's machine and compare them - that would tell you if it's you or your machine. You also might want to get your machine serviced and tell the technician that you are having problems doing FMQ. I was also having similar problems and found out that there was a small burr that was messing up the timing. Good luck - I know how frustrating it can be, but don't give up. You can do this!
Oh boo hoo! This may be totally irrelevant but I was having all sorts of troubles with an expensive spool of Aurifil thread continually breaking. I have a machine where the spool sits horizontally and read somewhere that it was important to have the thread coming over the top of the spool, not from the bottom part. Does this make sense? Could that help? Or maybe your machine needs a service? That could do the trick? Anyway I empathise with you! Good luck!
I was having problems with my machine too though with the tension, but only part of the seam. I finally sent it for service, after cursing at it under my breath for 2 weeks, and found that it needed a new bobbin case. Problem solved and I'm a much happier quilter now.
Once I tried a different size of needle, in fact it was also a microtex needle (I have no idea why that worked). Also totally different thread can help. Mostly however I find that I go too fast with my hands and too slow with the needle. As I coordinate the timing of my hands and needle the thread problems resolved. Oh, and I stopped dropping the feed dogs, just put the super slider on top and leave the tension and feed dogs as they are. Sometimes I remember to switch the stitch length to zero but it does not seem to matter. Don't know if that helps, don't give up.
I am completely in the same boat. I can do small pieces and scraps and then I get the quilt out and it is terrible!! the poor quilt just looks worse over time.
I need to take a class with my own machine!
In the past I have had very little luck with Sulky thread. For some reason it would continue to break. What type of thread are you using in your bobbin? Have you loosened the presser foot? Are you dropping the feed dogs {I know some people don't}? Have you tried just sewing in a straight line with your free-motion foot to see if it still breaks? Sorry Jennifer...it stinks when things don't work out the way the are supposed to :(
I have an Elna and I have to have the bobbin in the right way or the thread will break. My friend gave me an easy way to help me remember to put it in the right way. She told me that I need to think of it as a roll of toilet paper and have the paper (thread) come over the top instead of from under the roll when putting the bobbin in the bobbin case. It is crazy but it does work for my machine!
I had the same problem a while back. A brand new sewing machine, my practice went just fine, then when I tried a quilt my thread kept breaking. I tried everything, including changing the needle, and nothing worked. Out of desperation I tried changing the needle again, and it worked!! Not sure why... Now I start with a new needle every time I do FMQ, and haven't had any problems. Except when there's too much lint. ;)
Aw so sorry to hear that you and FMQ are having relationship problems. You've got some good advice here. And really, maybe it's something wrong with the machine?
I love Happy Endings too!!
I was having tension problems with my bobbin in straight stitching. My teacher told me to rewind the thread from the bobbin to another bobbin because sometimes the tension can be off. It worked for me - hope it works for your too!
Ack! So frustrating! Have you rewound your bobbin? That's helped me in the past.
Have you adjusted the tension IN the bobbin case with a screwdriver? What does your stitching look like before it breaks?
I don't have a lot of experience with FMQ myself, but every time I come across a problem I check this blog: http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/ She has a lot of knowledge, experience and suggestions.
you're going to drive yourself nuts!
1. walk away. give it a day or two and then go back; just like all those grammar errors you find after not looking at a paper for a few days, the problem becomes obvious.
2. Say the steps your making, out loud, as if you're teaching someone else. Something as simple as needing to thread the machine with the pressure foot UP makes a difference!
3. go to a professional.I have a machine that would continually make bird nests at the start of a line. I finally threw my hands up and brought it in for service. I don't know what he did but it's fine now. It's worth every penny for the aggravation!
4. Know that you've got a lot of great gals who are supporting you right now and we are all wishing you find a solution!
how incredibly frustrating! One of the tricks I read somewhere that has worked fabulously for me is to always make sure that the bobbin is loaded so that the thread comes off it in a counter clockwise direction. Once I started doing that (which by the way was opposite what my manual said for one machine) my problems virtually disappeared! The other thing I do regularly is pull my bobbin case out and clean under it. Having thread and lint build up under the bobbin case can cause thread breakage issues. Everyone is giving you good ideas - new needle (I almost always use a topstitch needle, re winding on to a new bobbin, trying a different bobbin thread. The other possibility is that you might have a burr or rough spot on your throat plate which is snagging your thread. If you have some emery cloth, try smoothing it off. Good luck - I do hope something works!
It would help to know what thread you are using and what needle. But thread can be wound on the spool differently, thus some like to be unthreaded (mounted on your sewing machine) differently. For example, on my Bernina I can mount my thread with spool standing straigh up, or horizontal. Some threads may work well one way, but not the other.
Some brands of threads honestly break more than others. Some machines just work better with certain brands.
I'm not an expert, but email me and I'll try to help trouble shoot.
I'll also be hosting a challenge next year where I'll have some FMQ experts helping with tutorials. Hope you'll join the fun when it starts Jan lst.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
I want to [ditto] CindyC's [7] thought about the bobbin. I had the same issue. One time apparently the bobbin didn't wind properly. I think the spool of thread I had used didn't have much thread left on it. Maybe that affected the bobbin tension. I wound another bobbin using a new spool of thread, placed it in the bobbin case as suggested by CindyC and the bobbin thread stopped breaking.
Sleeptimequilts [12] suggested using a screwdriver to adjust the bobbin. A teacher of mine suggested that we purchase another bobbin case for adjusting and keep that one only for FMQ.
Any chance you are using a new bobbin? I bought a pack of "universal" bobbins and found that my bobbin thread broke about every other minute like that. VERY frustrating. The second I went out and bought bobbins that were the same brand as my machine, presto chango! No more problems!
I am getting some ideas from here too! as you know I am new to FMQ too but here is what I do now. I always use Aurifil as other threads break in my machine, I don't drop my feed dogs as I seem to be able to control my quilt better and I put my stitch length to zero. I clean my machine before I start. If you have tried all the ideas it could be your machine. I was interested in the Universal bobbin causing problems....hadn't thought of that one.
I am sorry it doesn't work out this time. The only advise I have for you is to contact Leah Day. She has a lot of experience.
But then, all the tips you already got did the job already for you!
Good luck!
So sorry you are having such a problem with FMQ. I made my first table runner a year ago with FMQ, went through all this, finished the project, but haven't attempted it again because it was SO frustrating. I agree with everything everyone has suggested - using a freshly wound bobbin helped a ton. Also, the direction the thread came off the bobbin/spool. Weird. Good luck!
Oh too frustrating! Sorry I have no useful advice to add - all my FMQ problems are self-inflicted and I think you can safely blame the machinery! xxx
What machine do you use?
It might seem trivial, but have you checked if your needle is in correctly. I recently had the same problem with FMQ right after I put a new needle in especially for the task and it turned out that while I had inserted the needle correctly I had failed by the tiniest bit to insert it 100% into position. As soon as I got the needle shaft all the way in my problems disappeared.
I didn't read all those awesome comments - I'm sure I'm repeating someone.
It's possible that you have a small (even un-noticeable burr on the bobbin case. If you have a needle break or hit a pin sometime or another it's possible to happen and not even recall it. That can cause all sorts of problems with timing or thread issues etc. Run your fingertip across the metal parts of the bobbin case and see if you feel any nicks. My repair guy put a swipe of clear nailpolish on mine... but that ended up not being the problem for me (I'd wiggled a screw loose - no kidding).
If you don't find a nick in the casing I'd say start with a different kind of thread and wind a new bobbin, put in a new needle. If nothing else, walk away and drink some wine.
I hope you figure it out!! :)
I'm wondering if you use the same thread (same weight) on top as well as in the bobbin? I had problems too, but since I always used the same (I even use the same brand) the machine plays along much better. Good luck!
Check out this video. I may help.
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-fit-your-free-motion-foot.html
Right chick I'm jumping in here with everyone else, my experience and YMMV - "Universal bobbins" AREN'T universal! my machine hates them for FMQ but is fine when piecing.
How tight is your machine winding your bobbin thread? mine has it tight as a vice if I put my foot down to wind it - again more problems.
Sewing peddle to the metal if I really speed up the bobbin thread snaps.
Lastly have you twiddled the bobbin tension? I know most people howl about leaving it alone because it's a pain in the butt to fix if you break it but if you've got to the point of throwing your machine out the window its worth a try :)
Other than that get a large fluffy pillow apply over face and scream as loud as possible, not going help with FMQ but will lower stress levels :D
Echoing what others have said about the bobbin. I would wind a new bobbin and try that first (on a practice piece!). I am a fairly experienced FMQer and I had the same thing happen on two different quilts. I actually threw one across the room because I was so frustrated. I left it alone for about a week and then went through all the steps one more time...a new bobbin was the only change I made...and it worked. The other idea of taking the piece to another quilter and trying out their machine would be my next step. Hang in there - you can do it!!
Hmmm... I feel your pain. So annoying when something is broken and you have no idea how to fix it. My advice would be to completely unplug your machine and just leave it be for a day or so. She's obviously got her knickers in a twist about something, you never know... she might sort herself out. Failing that, take her for a service!
Have you tried different thread in your bobbin? Different brand? I also echo Cindy's comment about maybe the bobbin thread should be rewound. I hope you find the solution and can get fmq'ing soon! We'd all love to hear what works for you!
Definitely try a different thread, a different bobbin and take some deep breaths and relax.
I wish I were there physically to troubleshoot for you.
I always go here for thread/machine issues:
http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/troubleshooting/problems-part-2-troubleshooting-tips
Oh no! I'm sorry, but I can't help. I just have not had that problem yet...everything else, but not that. Have you thought about just emailing Leah Day of the FMQ project? She might have a super easy suggestion to get you back on track....
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/
Are you using the same thread in the bobbin and the top? I have more problems when I use different thread in the bobbin. Also, I just bought a product called Little Genie Magic Bobbin Washers. I haven't actually used them yet (just got them the other day) but they are supposed to help smooth things.
What great comments.
Have you only changed your needle once? I just learned that sometimes a new needle can still be defective, try changing it again.
Whichnthread is breaking? Is it the top or the bobbin thread?
What brand of thread are you using? The way the thread is wound on the spool decides which was to have your thread on your machine.
Are you using the same brand and weight thread on both?
If you ate doing all this I would suggest getting it serviced.
My first thought was the positioning of the needle so I agree with Susan, check it`s in correctly. We took my machine to the reapairers recently because the thread kept snapping every few inches and the tension was terrible and he said it was the needle. Good luck Jennifer and those two little cuties are adorable.
I found out the last time I took my machine in for FMQ problems that bobbins can get dented or nicked, and it can make a difference in how the machine works. So the first thing I would try (that you haven't already tried!) is to use a different bobbin and see if that helps. If that doesn't work, everyone else has covered all the other things I would suggest! Good luck!!
I havnt read the other comments so apologies if this has been suggested but have you tried the genie magic bobbin washers? I use them for FMQ they just makes sure the bobbin glides in the case, they might be worth a try if all else fails hth dx
there are many great suggestions here the only thing I would like to know is if during that twelve inches if you are going in a straight line or not. If it is a straight line then i would check the size of your needle, the way the bobbin is wound, and the kind of thread. all those make a huge difference. if you are quilting in a curve it is possible you are turning too fast and you need to slow down. the other suggestion i would make is to make one change at a time. that way you can pinpoint the problem. oh and i probably should tell you my machine is quite the sl*t. she likes cheap thread and cheap needles but some machines are snobs and like expensive stuff. can't wait to hear what you come up with.
I had the same problem with a machine that SHOULD have been able to FMQ. I tried everything and at times I could get it to work but mostly I had thread that broke. I fixed the problem when I bought a new machine...
Switch bobbins! It happened to me before, and the bobbin I put in was a little different than the ones that belonged to the machine. It took me two days to figure it out.
so, my suggestion. go to your local sewing machine repair guy and ask him for help. sometimes you really need someone who is an expert at sewing machines to tell you what the problem is. every time i have problems with my machine i take it to Larry, we are on a first name basis, and he tells me what i am doing or what my machine is doing wrong. oh, one more thing. have you made sure your machine is clean? clean out the lint and oil it up. might work.
Och, he only used you and abused you, you're better off without him... ;o) My new machine came with 3 hours of free lessons (which I haven't had chance to take yet), but I'm hoping they'll be able to help with the mystery of the perfect FMQ, or just FMQ at all! Maybe you ave a sewing machine shop locally that can show you the ideal way to use yours?
My go to FMQ guru is Leah Day. Have you heard of her? She is awesome and really really helpful. Try asking her!
http://daystyledesigns.com/contact.htm
I'm no FMQ expert... but I've had bobbin problems before from a variety of problems including:
Thread that is too fine. (and Sulky has never worked for me on any machine)
A needle that is just a hair too long... I know they say all needles are universal. I call BS. I had one machine that would only use a specific brand otherwise the needle would jam in the shuttle.
Good luck. It's so frustrating when your machine is fighting you. Believe me I know, and stepping back for a few days would help... until I tried to sew again. :)
So frustrating! My machine gives me fits if I don't keep the lint cleaned out of the bobin area. I usually clean it up every couple of weeks or so. Hope you find a solution soon!
Is your sewing machine on a frame? Make sure your machine is level -that worked for me.
did you check your machine for lint? sometimes it gets under the foot plate and back behind the bobbin case and causes this problem. you probably did but I missed it...
So many good suggestions! I don't want to repeat what everyone's said but I would change the bobbin and the bobbin thread. Have you got it fixed because I'd love to know what the problem was?!
I can't even read through all the suggestions I am sure you've already received a ton of good advice but this is what changed my FMQ are you ready?! A chair! That's how crazy I was, desperate to figure out what was wrong when I had been FMQ pretty well and then tension issue abound. My husband gave me an amazing chair for X-mas and suddenly no more problems. I didn't care that it didn't make sense my tension issues were gone!! This was back in 2009 when I was first blogging and only my friends were reading and I had no idea what I was doing. Two other things that could help titanium needle, I LOVE them!!,and move that quilt as fast as you can! Both of these tips are from Margaret who I had a lesson with and had been quilting "longer then you've been alive" I was 40 back then by the way. Sorry for the long comment but I hope it helps!
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