Only to use it and see it break and catch in the machine? Is it the thread or my machine? This is so disappointing!

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will try both suggestions of a stand alone threader and putting it in the refridgerator. Hopefully this will help. Once the thread started to break, I've been a little scared to use it. How do you store your thread, so it doesn't get dry or in the light once it's removed from the protective packaging? Sorry but I'm kinda new to this and want to do things right.

1 comment

by anangel 10 Apr 2011

Punky,
I keep the variety of colors I use most on
a thread rack at the end of my sewing table, and I cover these completely with a thick cloth when I am not embroidering. I close the blinds to my sewing room to keep out extra light when I am not using my machine. The extra spools I leave the plastic wrap on until ready to use, storing them in a cabinet or drawers organized according to colors and/or brand. I prefer storage that does not allow any light to hit the threads. I have sealed extra threads tightly in cardboard boxes and taped the invoice list of colors and brand to the box for future reference. I never remove the protective plastic from around spools, until I am ready to add it to my handy threadrack near my machine.
Angel

Punky,
All thread is not created equal. Some vendors sell thread that has been on their shelves for a long time and deteriorated from light. Thread that is just dry can be rejuvenated with moisture by placing it in the refrigerator for a few days. It is best not to leave your extra threads exposed to light and air, as it dries too much, making it break more easily when stitching.
I have blamed thread breakage on poor quality thread, when I found it stitched perfectly after I rethreaded being sure to hold the presser foot at the highest level while threading. This insured the thread got positioned properly through the gears. The needle could have a burr in the eye, so try changing the needle, if the thread is breaking at the needle and pulling back into the machine. Thread nests on the bottom of fabric can indicate that the thread in the bobbin is not going in the direct direction to the threadguide from the bobbin. Turn the bobbin over and be sure the thread is going straight to the guide plate. Tension too tight or too dense a design on incorrect stablilizer can cause continuous thread breakage. These are a few things you can check, before deciding it is poor quality thread. Glue buildup on a needle from sticky stablilizer can keep the thread breaking. I keep a bottle of rubbing alcohol and cotton ball handy to keep my needle, when I use sticky.
The single thread holder for $10 from Hancock Fabrics was one of my best buys! It alleviates the thread from being twisted or pulled while enroute to and through the machine thread path. I sit it a few inches behind my machine with the thread coming straight in line to where you start threading the machine. The holder helps a lot against thread breakage.
I didn't intend for this to be so lengthy! But, I do hope your stitching becomes less frustrating and the thread breakage problem is solved. Good luck!
Angel

put ur threads in the fridge for 24hrs and then use them.

If you think it's the compatibility between your machine and the new thread, maybe you could put the question out there of what thread do Cuties use with your type of machine. I do hope you can get it to work for you.

Do you have a stand alone threader?

A central pin with weighted base for holding large cones of thread. Place it behind your sewing machine, run the cone's thread through the tall guide bar, ... I purchased a large 100+ from ABC-Machine and Embroidery Designs Thread Package.
I use this stand for all my brands, Floriani, Metro, Coates, Isacord & ABC. I believe I paid $10.00+tax

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1 comment

by tilde01 09 Apr 2011

JoAnn's has this stand for about $5.00

This is exactly why I would never buy bulk threads, unless I had tried them first. Hope you come right with this problem.

some threads are better than others for your sewing machine. My sister has the same problem, my machine "likes" any thread.

The first thread I purchased was a 100 pkg deal from ebay and I've had no problem with it. So I guess from comments I've seen previously from other cuties, there are a few reasons why and I'm sure someone will be able to give you suggestions for what to try.

I wish I could tell the answer. I decided several months ago that if the thread brand I have been using works well, I am not changing it. I cringe thinking about buying thread that the machine does not like. I am sorry you are going through this. Hopefully it is not all of the thread that you have purchased.I agree that you should try several different colors of thread and see what happens.

I'd sure try another couple of designs with this thread. If it does it on all of them, I'd say it's the machine. Once when mine came back from the hospital it was doing that. Never had before. I took the side plate off, as to change the light bulb, and saw a piece of metal that I didn't remember seeing before. I put some electrical tape over it and my problem went away. Same thread didn't fray or break.

I bought a package on line once. Can't say that it wasn't a good buy. But the cones are so big. I found that I really like the smaller ones. So I just wait until JoAnn's has them half price to buy thread. Well, I did find a place in a flea market that had the Coates and Clark cones for $3. I would get a few a week of the ones that I really like. So now I have a super stash.

2 comments

by mariahail 08 Apr 2011

why don't you try Metro Threads? they are good quality and lower price.

by thocha 08 Apr 2011

Are they also good for the brother machine?

Sorry I can not tell you how to find good quality. Just had a problem with my thread. It is the usual brand but this time it splitt a lot and I had to rerun often. Will test it out on another design, cuz this one was difficult. All the other color worked fine so far.

How about you? Did you stitch out a few colors? do they all break. How about the density of the design or the fabric you work on. Please give more information someone sure can help.
regards Sue

1 comment

by muflotex 08 Apr 2011

Just thought of something else, I have one thread that is terrible to stitch as upper thread, but is works as bobbin thread - is is red and I labeled it BOBBIN tread only.