Machine Quilting 101-Troubleshooting Broken Threads

March 19, 2018
Owl, Aurifil, Wool, Machine Quilting

Owl, machine quilting

Good Morning, Quilters!

Here is a sneak peek of a project I am working on.  This small quilt was inspired by an owl that hoots outside my window every night, but I rarely see.

I have been playing with a gorgeous thread and fabric combination:  wool thread on linen fabric.  I’m using a piece of medium weight linen and Aurifil Lana 12/2.

Reading Thread Labels

Whenever you see a number-slash-number on a thread label, the first number is the thread weight  and the second number is the ply.

For example,  on this spool the 12 is the weight of the thread- and 2 is the ply.  In other words 2 strands of fiber are twisted together to create this heavy weight thread.   The label says “Lana”. By checking the manufacturer’s website, this thread is 50% Acrylic and 50% Wool.

The Aurifil website recommends using 50wt thread in the bobbin (I almost always use 50 wt cotton Aurifil) and using a Topstitch 90 needle.

I started stitching with a Topstitch 90 needle but the thread broke a few times.

Broken and frayed threads are usually a result of:

  • Damaged or old needle
  • Wrong size needle
  • Improperly threaded machine
  • Too tight tension
  • Burr along the thread bath including the throat plate and hook

My process for broken threads

The first thing I always do when a thread breaks is to re-thread both the top and bobbin threads and check that there aren’t any loose threads caught in the bobbin.  If the problem persists, I change the needle and re-thread again.  If I continue to have broken threads, then I change the needle size.  Finally, I evaluate tension and inspect the thread path to look for anything else that could be causing the problem.

  1. Re-thread top and bobbin.
  2. Insert a new needle and re-thread top and bobbin-check for broken threads in bobbin case.
  3. Change needle size and re-thread top and bobbin.
  4. Evaluate tension.
  5. Inspect the thread path looking for burrs or other interruptions.

Most of the time, simply re-threading solves the problem.  Every time a thread breaks I work my way through the list.

Also, stitching slowly helps reduce thread breakage with “cranky” threads.

Aurifil Lana Wool 12/2 Thread

I found that I needed to use a size 100 Topstitch needle and stitch more slowly than normal to prevent this beautiful thread from breaking.  I love the results and am willing to slow down on this project to create texture on this quilt.

What about YOU?

Do YOU have any thread/needle tips?

Do YOU know how to read a thread label?

Do YOU have a favorite fabric/thread combination?

Do YOU have an owl outside YOUR window?

We’d LOVE to hear!

May all of YOUR stitching be trouble-free

(and your blogging trouble-free as well…LOL!)

HOOT, hoot!

Lori

PRE-ORDERS OF MY SECOND BOOK!

MORE Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 is available for pre-order!

In addition to more than 60 motifs, you will find Troubleshooting Tips and Tips for Quilting “The Big Quilt”.

Signed copies will be shipped the week of April 2–just days away!!!

 

 

PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

More Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3

 

 

 

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