Superior Threads

Troubleshooting Seminar | How To Correct Common Problems

Help! I'm having problems with breakage or puckering or looping or shredding. How do I troubleshoot the problem?
There are many players in the perfect stitch game. The machine, the thread, the needle, the tension settings, the batting or backing, the fabric, the thread path and thread guides, speed, use of lubricants or adhesives, thread delivery system, and perhaps even the weather. Here is an easy and practical guide to problem solving.

First, determine if the problem lies with the machine or with the thread. If you experience breakage or other problems with a particular spool of thread, put on another spool of the exact same type of thread (same brand, same type, and same thread weight) and test it, without changing any of the other variables or settings. It is OK to use a different color. If the second spool works perfectly fine, we might have an easy fix. Try the first spool again. If it works this time, it was probably a threading mistake and the problem is solved. If the original spool still does not work, we can conclude that it might be a bad spool and needs to be replaced. If the same problems occur with a second spool of identical thread, it?s time to look at other areas.

1. Thread quality and usage. Are you using a good quality thread? Are you using it in the intended manner? Inexpensive serger thread found in bargain bins at discount stores is not intended for machine quilting. Fine, lightweight piecing threads may not be suitable for high speed longarm quilting. Linty and inexpensive threads may not be suitable for your application. Decorative heavier threads may be intended for couching, serger, and bobbin work; not for the needle.

2. Needle. Shredding is often the result of thread passing through a needle that is too small. It?s like trying to lace up shoes with a shoelace that is too thick for the shoe eyelet. It will shred and eventually break. Some styles of needles have larger eyes than others. For home machines, the Topstitch and Metallic needles have the largest eyes and really do make a difference. Size 90/14 is recommended for medium to heavy threads and any sensitive thread. It seems that most stores sell metallic needles, but they are almost always size 80/12. That is too small for metallic threads. Change to a 90/14. It is estimated that up to 10% of new needles have some imperfections. Even if your needle is new, try another new one.

3. Tension settings. You have permission to change the tension settings. They are there for you. Most machines are factory preset to sew, using a fine (50 wt.) piecing or construction thread. Quilters and embroiderers often use medium wt. and heavier threads which require loosening the upper tension settings. Whether your machine has an automatic or manual tension system, learning to adjust the upper tension will prevent and resolve a lot of frustration. On a scale of one to ten, the upper tension setting on most machines is factory preset to five. Automatic tension systems may adjust the settings down to 3 or 3.5. That may not be enough. With metallic thread, we adjust the tension down to a one, regardless of machine brand. The most commonly used tension settings for other threads are between 2.0 and 3.5. Don?t rely on the factory preset tension.
Bobbin tension settings are usually more reliable, but it is still OK to make adjustments. Before doing so, make sure the bobbin case is clean and threaded properly. Use a permanent marker to mark the current setting so you know where you started.

4. Thread delivery. Sensitive threads, such as metallic threads, may need more care than others. Spools and cones are wound differently. Most spools are wound with a straight or parallel wind whereas cones are wound in a criss-cross pattern. On stationery tabletop machines, straight-wound spools often perform better with the spool positioned on the vertical pin spool holder so the thread unwinds straight from the side. If you position the spool in the usual manner on the horizontal pin, the thread unwinds over the end of the spool and puts a twist on the thread as it unwinds. This twisting action may cause problems with a sensitive thread. If your machine unwinds the thread over the end of the spool and not from the side, it is strongly recommended that you use only cones. Spools are not intended to unwind at high speed over the top or end of the spool.

5. Speed. Machines are getting faster and faster. Reducing the sewing speed often solves breakage problems.

6. Other factors. Some high sheen threads don?t do well with adhesive sprays. Some fabrics are more densely woven. Some fabrics have sparkling coatings. On longarm machines, the tautness of the fabric between rollers affects the results (relaxed is better).

All these variables contribute to the end result. Fortunately, we have control over most of them.