Why is thread breaking when i sew

A broken thread can break the flow of your seam and can look messy. In addition to looking messy and being irritating, a fractured thread can also mean that you have an issue with your machine that you need to take care of. Fixing a thread that keeps breaking can be very simple as soon as you diagnose the problem. The first step in finding out what your issue is is to determine which of your threads is breaking.

If it is your top thread that is breaking, you could have any of the following potential issues:. One of the most fundamental mistakes to make that can affect your top thread is incorrectly threading it. Most sewing machines have a similar way to thread the top thread, but they can all differ slightly. If you are not familiar with your machine or you simply miss a step, you could cause your thread to break. If you rethread your machine and it does not fix your issue, then you could have other problems affecting your machine.

Tension issues are very common when you are using a sewing machine. Most people are nervous when it comes to changing the tension on their sewing machine because they are afraid to set it incorrectly. You do not have to be afraid when working on the tension of your machine.

Different thread types will require different tension settings, so you should have to adjust the tension in your sewing machine at times. Changing your tension usually is as easy as changing the dials on the machine. The higher the number, the more tension on your thread. Another potential issue is that you have an improper setup. Make sure you are using the correct spool and spool cap. Make sure that your spool is placed correctly, and your thread is unraveling in the proper direction. You also want to make sure that you are using the right needle for your thread and fabric.

Make sure your needle has no damage and is not bent. If you do not commonly check your needle for dents, chips, breaks, or bending, you could experience constant thread breaking. Make sure you are using the correct bobbin. If you are not using the bobbin that is made for your machine, your thread could break while moving through the machine. If your needle is touching your needle plate, you have a problem. If your needle touches the needle plate, your needle will go through a jarring motion.

This will not only break your thread, but it can also break your needle. It can also cause damage to your machine or the other internal parts. Bad thread Even if you have completed quilts or more with this thread, you can have a bad spot in the cone of thread! Old Thread Yes, thread can have a shelf life especially natural fiber thread. Upper tension is too tight If your top thread is already at its peak stress level as it passes through the tension assembly, it is bound to break.

Burrs on the hook assembly Burrs on the hook assembly are caused by needle strikes. Incorrect thread path for thread type or twist Most longarm quilters use thread that comes in cones. APQS Team. This post was written by members of the APQS marketing team. While we prefer polyester thread at the factory for its strength, durability, and relatively lint-free properties, we know that quilters often have other ideas!

The good news is that APQS machines are carefully set at the factory by skilled technicians; and because of the synchronous belt drive, the timing rarely needs adjustment.

The usual culprit is lint! Be sure to blow out the thread cutter blades the section where the puller arm draws the thread to cut every day. If you do not, the lint will build up between the wave washers you can't even see it! Threading your APQS longarm quilting machine is easy! This video takes you through the process step by step. The easy thread path on APQS longarm machines means better stitch quality and the freedom to use virtually any thread. For details, refer to " Upper threading ".

For details, refer to " Place a spool of thread on a spool pin ". Not your product? Contact Us Product Registration. Why does the upper thread keep breaking? There could be several reasons why the upper thread keeps breaking. The upper thread could be installed incorrectly. Rethread the machine according to the instructions. The upper thread tension could be set too tight.

Set the tension to the best thread tension setting or less. Make sure the spool of thread is installed correctly using the correct size spool cap for the size of spool. Make sure the needle is correctly inserted with the flat side facing the back and pushed up into the machine as far as possible. The needle could have been damaged or bent.

Sewing machine tension. Some front-loading bobbins have a tension screw to adjust on the bobbin case. The upper and lower stitches on your test piece of fabric should be even and neat. Check that you remembered to put the spool cap on. This is a plastic disk that normally goes on top of the top spool to stop it flying off when you start sewing.

That should sort out the irritating " my sewing machine thread keeps breaking " question and frustration! Hi Hanifa, if it only happens when you have thick fabric try a thicker needle. And make sure the thread is of good quality. No reversing shouldn't make it break. Might need a service. Also check the throat plate and make sure there are no nicks that could cause the thread to catch.

Does reverse change the thread tension? I appreciate that this post pointed out that a tangled thread is a sign that the needle is inserted improperly.

My wife mentioned that her thread has been tangled up lately. I will ask her to have it repaired. If I'd read another blog etc. BUT a little bit of very fine sandpaper and I am back in action! Perhaps there is a problem with the machine tension in reverse.