shooting at machine trouble – part 1: top thread breaking

there’s not much that gets me howling, but when it comes to sewing/embroidery machine problems…watch out.   why not save yourself some frustration by checking out these troubleshooting tips?  your machine will love you for it!

when machine embroidering, there are two general rules in case of any problem:

1. make sure that your machine’s embroidery arm can move to all directions, and nothing is disturbing it; and 2. try re-thread both top & bobbin thread if you’re having trouble.

when the top thread is breaking:

try to re-thread your machine. while re-threading, make sure you hold the thread very tight and it doesn’t have the slightest chance to loop anywhere. then, before you start stitching:

make sure that your thread cone doesn’t slide off the spool pin if the holder is horizontal. in case it has tendency to slide off, secure it using spool holders (little plastic caps) that come with your machine.

make sure that the thread absolutely can’t wrap or catch around thread holder. if your thread will wrap around it at some point, it will definitely break.

be sure your needle is appropriate for machine embroidery. for regular 40wt rayon and poly thread,  80/12 needles usually work great. but if you’re using metallic or thick cotton, try using metallic needles. they have larger eyes, often coated with teflon, to help thick thread move more smoothly.

take thread end into your hands. unwind about six feet and feel the thread between your fingers. it should be smooth, even and without knots. if it’s not the case, try to unwind several more feet.  it may be damaged only in a certain place on spool. if it’s still inferior after you unwind several good feet, put that spool aside and use another one.  this baby should be relegated to your thread stash for hand-sewing.

make sure that the thread doesn’t catch on the spool edge. this problem always pops up when using small “mushroom” type thread spools (the 275-yard spools). what happens is that after unwinding normally for a little while, the “mushroom” edge starts preventing the thread from unwinding well any further and naturally, the thread breaks. that’s why so many embroiderers hate small spools…and for good reason!

there are two optional solutions to this problem:

1. avoid using small “mushroom” type spools. whenever you can, purchase the good size, economical 1100-yard cones. they never have those annoying “mushroom” edges.

2. if you already have some small spools and are determined to use them, try using a vertical spool pin and loosen top thread tension a little. you may also use a separate vertical thread stand, if you have one. it may help your thread to feed up well, and avoid its friction with the plastic spool edge. in case your machine doesn’t have a vertical spool pin and you don’t own thread stand either, consider getting a kit with normal thread cones.

if none of the above helps, and you’re sure that the thread isn’t catching anywhere – try to lower top thread tension. your machine’s manual will show you how.