A question for the experts.I recently finished a test design of about 25,000 stitches.It was on a very light weight denim.It was indicated that I should use 2 layers of tear away for cotton so that was what I used.The design turned out quite well but had a few puckers.Now I used an 80/12 needle because of the density of the design but during the process I broke 2 needles and the needle kept making this popping sound whenever it hit a heavy filled spot.Should I have used a 75/11 needle because of the lighter weight of the fabric? Would a mesh type of cutaway be better than 2 layers of tearaway? Advice would be much appreciated as I want to put this on a light weight jacket (the same light weight cotton denim).Thanks!

I have a program called Designer's Gallery that has a Density Works tool. This helps to reduce density in those parts of a design that cause the machine needle to break or make the popping sounds. I use it quite often with success. I have a Babylock and it does not like dense designs.

1 comment

by chenille 07 May 2012

Interesting...what price range would that be in?

Good question indeed! I have that problem often. I'm interested in learning here too!!

ttt

Hi Chenille, I recently went to a lighter weight thread, so if you are not using a 40 wt.(usual name) then you have an answer. A cutaway instead of a tear away is also a good idea. I use 2 layers of my light wt cotton and one layer of stabilizer sometimes. I also fuse one of the layers of stabilizer to my fabric. LLDS!

1 comment

by chenille 06 May 2012

Thanks.I am using 40 wt poly thread.Both layers of stabilizer I used were fusible,so I fused both in different directions.Where do you get the cotton stabilizer? Could I just use cotton sheeting?
Hugs, Nadyne

I would have used the 2 layers of which ever stablizer. The smaller needle might have helps some.

1 comment

by chenille 06 May 2012

Thanks! I keep thinking that a smaller needle will break more easily,perhaps it is the other way around though!!
Hugs, Nadyne