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thread shredding
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: Oct. 24, 2008, 9:30 PM
Please help! I am at my wits' end with thread shredding. Sometimes I can sew several quilts with no problem, and then it starts again. I could just cry! Today I could sew for thirty seconds or so before I could start to see the thread becoming slightly transparent (because it was getting thin) and then the whole thing pops and shreds into a glob that looks like teased hair.

I've just now read about this "flossing," which I've never done. Does that mean hold the thread on both sides (after I put it through the tensions disks), pull it up tight and shift it back and forth like I'm flossing teeth?

I change the needle, I change thread, I re-thread, I mess with the tension, I pray to the HQ god...I don't know what to try next.

The first time I had this problem, it was suggested that I change to an 18 needle, even though I'm using regular So-Fine/Superior thread. Amazingly,that fixed the problem for several quilts, though I was bummed that I would forever have to use the size 18 needles. Now neither needle keeps the shredding from happening.

I would value any suggestions about how to fix this problem. I've just started working at a quilt shop running the HQ machine they bought used. Thankfully the quilt I'm ruining with this shred problem isn't a customer quilt, but belongs to a nice woman who works in the shop. I'm afraid to go back on Monday to try to finish it. (It's a king-size, of course.)

Also, the machine switches from regulated to manual mode from time to time for no reason that I can figure. I have to keep changing my speed to remind it to change with me. If I get into a groove and keep a steady speed, it changes over to manual. Is this normal?

Thanks so much, in advance, for any tips! I will take my list to the shop with me on Monday.
thread shredding
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: Oct. 26, 2008, 7:58 AM
Call the Service desk. It might be switching because of an internal problem. So-Fine shouldn't need a size 18 needle. Maybe it's a batch of bad needles. Try one from a totally new pack.
thread shredding
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: Oct. 26, 2008, 2:40 PM
Thanks for the tips! I'll see if they have another pack of needles. Also, should I floss the tension disks and blow into them a lot? I always worry that blowing on things will put moisture in the wrong places.
thread shredding
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: Oct. 27, 2008, 3:38 PM
Make sure your connections are tight (connected). This is the ribbon cable that comes from the back of the machine and runs underneath. This ribbon cable attaches from the POD and has two connectors on it. Each one must be connected to the proper place.

There is one on the front bottom of the machine and one on the side (where the silver wheel with black grommet on it. You should get stitch regulated stitches front to back, side to side and any combination there of.

Hope this helps. I've been there...
thread shredding
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: Nov. 15, 2008, 9:09 AM
Call tech support at Handiquilter - my machine had a regulator type problem and they fixed it for free. I also had a similar thread problem with what turned out to be a bad spool of thread. I called superior threads and they were also very helpful. they may ask you to mail them the spool so they can document the problem, they may also mail you a replacement spool for free!