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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 4, 2007, 8:02 PM
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| Not a happy camper here. My thread keeps fraying above the needle and then breaks. Am using Superior So Fine, and sometimes (rarely) have no problem, but often just breaks every few minutes. So frustrating. Have oiled bobbin case after every quilt, have changed bobbin, rethreaded, rechecked threading, adjusted tension, changed needle, made sure needle was in "square", .... just can't think of anything else to try. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 10, 2007, 9:07 PM
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| Wow that would sure be troublesome. I have had that happen before and found out that my tension was too tight. I don't use So Fine so can't address that. I use King Tut. Sounds like you tried about everything. Would sure be interested in knowing what it was/is. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 12, 2007, 7:03 AM
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| Corrinev - Help - I am having the same problem with the fraying. I am using the same thread also and have done everything I can think of. I have just recently moved from the State where I purchased the machine and don't know where to turn to get answers. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 12, 2007, 8:13 AM
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Have you tried different kinds of thread such as Coats and Clark? A friend warned me not to use Superior so I haven't. I did use King Tut and hated it. I'm not having a problem but did experience breakage with a beautiful polyester that kept shredding. I went to a larger needle (18/100) and it worked great. Did your machine come with two sizes of needles? Patty, I suggest calling HandiQuilter direct because they can be very helpful. Good luck to all. Donna |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 13, 2007, 8:51 AM
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It seems, like any sewing machine, each one reacts slightly different to different threads, tensions, etc. I find that when I use the So Fine I have the same problem of thread breaking. Signature thread seems to work great on my machine and needs less fussing with the tension. I just finished a quilt with So Fine in the bobbin, and King Tut in the top, simply because I didn't have the correct color, and I felt like Ralph Cramden screaming at my machine, "One in the Kisser!" I will stick to Signature in the future for both the top and bobbin threads. Linda in Wyoming |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 14, 2007, 1:27 PM
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Message from a newbie. My HQ16 arrived in 2/07. I had the same problem...very frustrating. TRIED everything- called HQ-followed all the steps (over and over). Well, I solved it for me -- I adjusted the speed on her. (My speed and regulator). In my case, I lowered the speed. IT WORKED. Haven't had a problem since. I, also, use So Fine. Now that I am more acquainted with Betsy (HQ16) the speed has been increased, still without a problem, and it also depends on the quilt design I'm working on which judges the increase or decrease of machine speed. Cathie - Florida |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 16, 2007, 9:30 AM
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I am also a new HQ Sixteen user and I was having a problem with my top thread breaking and fraying also. I worked with the top tension and it is working fine. However, there is another problem that has developed. Now I am having "nesting" problems with the back of the quilt. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am so happy that I found this site since I felt like I was out there drowning on my own. Carole-New Hampshire |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 17, 2007, 7:43 AM
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Carole, You might be slowing down too much which will make the thread nest. Try keeping a smooth motion. Also try adjusting your speed - maybe you are going too slowly in the first place and when you change direction, it is much too slow for the machine. Donna Donna |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 17, 2007, 4:37 PM
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Carole Donna had good tips on why your thread might be nesting. I would also ask if you are bringing your bobbin thread to the top of the quilt before you start, if not, that can cause nesting too. ChaZ Alaska |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 17, 2007, 7:08 PM
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Carole, Also, check your bobbin tension. When nesting happen on me, my bobbin tension needed a little adjustment. If nesting is happening when you start to quilt, then it could be that the beginning stitches didn't knot (lock) in. Where in NH are you? I recently moved to FL from NH. I wish I knew about this forum while I was still up there. Cathie |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 19, 2007, 8:15 AM
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I had that same problem with the top thread fraying and breaking. I was warned by the shop I bought the machine from (Sandi's Sewing Connection in Burlington, Iowa) that I should not use the thread that comes with the machine. She suggested Isocord thread and she was right. Now I use the original thread, Sofine, in the bobbin and the Isocord on the top. It works great. I have to adjust the tension each time I rethread the machine, but you should do that anyway. I use the regulator at 10 stitches per inch and I have no more problems. Joy in Iowa |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 19, 2007, 6:13 PM
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Thanks everyone so much for your suggestions. I still am working on it. I am pulling my bobbin thread through and I have cleaned out the bobbin case several times. I called my distributer and she suggested to change the angle of my needle so I tried that. I just tightened my bobbin tension a little. I am also trying to keep a smooth motion. Thank God, there is a group that meets this week so I am going to bring my messy sample to show them and maybe they'll have some more ideas. Don't laugh but I think I am spending more time under my machine than over it. Cathie I live in Derry, New Hampshire - did you live anywhere near there or do you know where it is? Sure wish you were still in NH. Thanks you so much again. I'm going back to it to keep trying. You'll all be the first ones to know when and if this works right. Carole |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 19, 2007, 6:46 PM
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To Carole, Are you also adjusting your top tension. Depending on how much the bobbin is adjusted the top may still need a little tweak. I hear you about being under the table more than the top but the dogs though it was playtime. Definitely a stress reliever that 1st week owning Betsy (HQ16). Check your needle or replace it - might have a burr. Again make sure thread is in disc tightly, and in the needle shaft hole. If your tension is balanced then play with your speed - you could be going to fast (Thread breakage) - or not fast enough (nesting). These were my problem solvers and haven't had one since. My Betsy speed and my speed are in zinc, now. That was the biggest trick. Now I can + and - speed according to the design. I know where Derry is - I lived in Nashua for 25 yrs., then Sunapee 7 yrs, now FL 8 mos. Funny how all this works. Wanted to get involved in quilting then but raising a family and working then -it was difficult. Told DH if we go to FL this is what I want (Betsy, HQ16). Hooray. There is another member in NH - name is ColleenL - she, too, is having same issue. Check in section "General Discussion". As the poster of the kitten hanging from the tree limb - "Hang In There." The fun is coming. Cathie |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 20, 2007, 5:26 PM
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Thanks Cathie. I called my distributor and she suggested to get a piece of embroidery floss, make some knots and slide it through my top tension disc to see if anything was stuck in there. I did that and then I tried changing my thread because a lot of people said not to use the thread that came with the machine. Then I played with my top tension a little more AND I think I am finally having some success. I don't see the "eyelashes". I'm going to do more and see if it lasts. Hope so! I'll look up Colleen in general discussion. Thanks so much for your input, it is greatly appreciated and enjoy your life in Florida. I'll be going down this coming winter. Carole |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 21, 2007, 10:24 AM
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| Hi, I too have had problems with thread breaking and have found that sometimes you just get a "bad" spool of thread. If a thread continues to break after trying all of the "fixes", I just throw it away. I think that sometimes the color of the thread can be an issue depending on how the dyes are added. It is the same with needles, even if you start with a new needle, the needle can still sometimes still be the problem. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 21, 2007, 3:02 PM
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| I've been reading all the frustrations about thread fraying. I just returned from the U of HQ retreat and learned (among many other things) that you should always run your machine from left to right, the way you read, whenever possible. The thread is being fed from the bobbin differently when you quilt from right to left causing the fraying. Until now, I've been going back and forth and did have some fraying. Since I now work left to right, stop, then work left to right again...no problems. I hope this helps. You should be able to use any thread your heart desires. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 26, 2007, 6:28 AM
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Hi Carole & All, Well I finally feel some small sucess with my Machine . But not before I changed & cleaned the bobbin area . Not to mention a different thread on top as well as adjusting top tension . I also read from one of the ladies ... about going from left to right ... in you're stitching . I can see that ,that would make a difference . As I said I think I have all the bugs out .... no more thread nests under my fabric . I've been practicing with it .... I do think having it in manual mode and adjusting the speed to about half way works pretty well. You're able to have some control at least . Oh , I have the HQ16 DVD's by Suzanne Hyland's .... on backgrounds ,Borders, Blockand Motifs . They are very good for idea's not to mention as a learning instrument . I might even be able to give her a name soon .... the one I had earlier on wasn't very nice ... when she was acting up ! ha ha ! Have lots of fun ! ColleenL. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 26, 2007, 7:18 AM
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Colleen, I am going to some workshops in Sturbridge for the HQ16. Let me know if you're interested in the future and we could go together. I need all the help I can get. Carole |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 26, 2007, 10:03 PM
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Hi again Carole , Is the classes you're interested at the Charlton Sewing Center ? Do you know where Sturbridge is ... as I said I'm new to this area . I also need all kinds of help , it would be great to take a class and really learn how to best use my HQ16 . What other classes are you interested in ? Have you already signed up for the classes / I went into the web site ... I see it's in Oct. that would be good . Did you tell me you were a Member of the Hanna Dustin Guild ? Thanks Colleen L. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: June 29, 2007, 7:24 PM
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Colleen, Why don't you give me a call and we can talk about taking more classes in Sturbridge and talk about the guild. My number is (603)432-7265. Hope to talk to you soon. Carole |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: July 2, 2007, 7:47 AM
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I'm looking forward to owning a machine soon. Since I'm just starting out, I'm thinking of the Simply Sixteen as opposed to the HQ16 just because of the price difference. Any thoughts? I've only signed on as a member today and feel like I've had a real eye-opening experience already. It's great knowing some of the pitfalls that may occur to a new owner. Any thoughts on pros and cons of the stitch regulator? I've been told most quilters choose to turn them off and perfect thier own stitch regulation. Thanks for your input. Lois |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: July 2, 2007, 8:58 AM
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Hi Lois, I'm a HQ16 owner and prefer not to use my stitch regulator. I never felt that it worked properly and that I had better stitches when I didn't use it. The instructions tell you to keep your speed steady while using the regulator so why bother using it. I wish I hadn't spent the money on it. My machine is in the shop right now and am told that they would adjust my regulator so that I would like it. I will keep you informed. I'm so lonely without my machine, I can't stand it. It's like not seeing a friend for 2 months. Donna |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: July 3, 2007, 8:23 AM
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| Hi Carole, Sorry I haven't gotten back with you . I will call and we can chat . Some days my life isn't my own .... will explain later . Talk to you soon .Colleen |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: Sept. 19, 2007, 1:45 AM
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Hi Lois I am a HQ 16 owner I never knew my machine had a stitch regulator until about 3 months after having the machine. I don't use it much. But its a good option.Good when using panto grams and laser designs. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: Sept. 19, 2007, 8:38 PM
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| i am a new owner also... sew far sew good as far as my stitch regulator. Thanks for all the tips... I will let you know if my threads start breaking. daisy lady |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: Nov. 22, 2007, 10:02 AM
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| I am so grateful to all of you who have had problems and wrote in about them. I have been at my wits end with this machine since buying it about 4 years ago. Tension issues, thread breaking, thread fraying, etc, etc, etc. The comments have been extremely useful and I have gotten pretty good about adjusting the tension every time I change the bobbin. Today I am having issues with thread breakage. I thought it was the brand of thread but after reading some more, I guess it's the tension. The stitches look fine top and bottom, I cleaned, oiled and changed the needle, but it's still breaking. I will tweak the tension some more tomorrow and see what happens. It's time to walk away for awhile. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: Nov. 23, 2007, 7:43 AM
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| You might try turning the needle JUST A HAIR to your right. I got this tip from other long arm pros and this is what they do when they are using a "fragile" thread. I've tried this myself and it seems to work. But turn it JUST A HAIR TO YOUR RIGHT. |
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Help, my thread keeps fraying and breaking
Posted: Nov. 23, 2007, 8:38 AM
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| ok - I tried that, it still broke, I changed thread. What does it mean when the bobbin thread pokes up thru the top stitching? |
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