Needle breaking when free motion quilting

[Norma H.]

I can be free motion quilting and all of a sudden the darn needle breaks, scares me half to death! Is this common? I raised the pressure foot up a notch but does anyone have any ideas? thanks

[Nancy R.]

You might also try slowing down a bit. If you are moving the fabric too much as the needle is entering it, you can bend the needle so that it hits the needle plate and breaks. I would also check my top tension to make sure it isn't overly tight. Overly tight tension on the top thread could cause the needle to bend in the same way. Good luck!

Nancy

[Margo C.]

Good answer Nancy!

[Susan B.]

Watch videos by David Taylor (TQS show) and Cindy Needham (TQS and on Youtube for Superior Threads). They show how slow many quilters, me included, choose to go when FMQ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqu0c6DDsuo

[wendy w.]

Thanks for link i quilt at 100miles an hour, I'm like Disneygranny and have broken one many a time. Messes up the throat plate as well :roll:

[Betty J.]

I listen to music when I quilt...sometimes I get excited by the music and quilt too fast. That's when I break needles. :lol: :lol:

[Betty J.]

Thanks for all the advice, will look at these videos.

[Betty J.]

Thank you all so much for the advice , I lowered the tension and it is working just great!!!!!! Now I feel like I can start learning more about free motion quilting.