so, a new question -- thread breaking?? why??

[Betty J.]

I finally had someone here to help me sort all the bobbin tension issues (turns out, was a problem with too thick a thread in the bobbin) on my 1020 and today took it for a test-run, and was going beautifully for about half an hour. I got several test lines done as I practiced following my quarter-inch foot, and then did 10 seams, each 12" long. Beautiful, fine, no problem whatsoever.

On the 11th seam, the top thread breaks right at the needle. Same fabrics, same thread, haven't changed anything from the first ten. Haven't messed with tension, nothing.

I pull out the fabric (through the back, etc.) and look, and some top thread is caught wound around the bobbin case. So I take the case out (but not the bobbin from the case), remove that thread, pop that back in, good. Rethread the needle (I have even at this point cut the thread at the spool and rethreaded with fresh thread all the way from the beginning, not just from the break).

It's still breaking. The minute the needle hits the fabric, just about.

Ideas???

The only thing I know how to fix is tension, but tension was fine for the first half hour and all was going beautifully. Would it have changed???

What else could be wrong??? It is a brand new needle, this is the first sewing I've done with it. I really don't know what else to check. Help, please?

[Betty J.]

The first thing I think I would do is change the needle and see if you still have the problem. Sometimes, needles are bad right out of the case and you may just need to put another in the machine. The needle you have in there now may have a microscopic barb in the eye or may have bent - I think even the slightest bend could throw off tension, balance, etc. and that could be breaking your thread. If another of the same type/size of needle still doesn't work, go up to the next size and see if the bigger eye helps. If you're not already using a topstitch needle, try changing to one. Also, go to the Superior Threads website http://www.superiorthreads.com/media...ting_Guide.pdf and go through their trouble shooting diagram. Also, remove you bobbin and then put it back in, just in case it was sitting funny. If you're still having problems after all that, you may need to take it to a machine repair shop (or the store you bought it from). It may be something only they can fix (balance, etc).
Hope this helps. I had problems once with my thread breaking, too, so I know how frustrating it can be.
-Tina

[Betty J.]

Thank you!

The charts at Superior threads website are fantastic. Didn't solve my problem, but excellent charts just the same.

I think the problem must be with the machine; I can see way inside (behind the, I think it's called the uptake thing??) a piece of thread wrapped around something -- not thread I've been using, so something from some old project from before I got the machine. This tells me it needs a good cleaning.

I've adjusted top thread tension according to the superior chart for the thread I'm using (masterpiece) and done all the steps in their troubleshooting yet it still breaks. I changed the needle; still breaks. I might very well have bottom tension wrong because I really don't know what it's meant to be and I adjusted it myself when I changed the bobbin thread from King Tut (don't ask) to Masterpiece. So, maybe I have that off??? I know that was off before and a friend helped me get it right *for the King Tut thread* but then another friend said I shouldn't be using King Tut in the bobbin, so.....

Still not sure why, though, it sewed just beautifully for 30 mins. or so before thread break issues; if I was sewing with a wrong tension earlier, would that have pulled one in or out of where it needs to be???

I'm going to try and look at my stitches from earlier to see if my bobbin thread is up top, or my top thread below, so at least I know to tighten or loosen....if I can figure which is which, since I had the same thread in both.

Also ---- related, maybe??? ---- I noticed while I sewed that if I had Fabric X on top, it would pull to the right; if I placed Fabric X on the bottom, it would stay straight. (as in, feed straight). With Fabric X on top, though, it kept wanting to scoot that top fabric over to the right, even putting a pucker in at one point. Maybe this is another clue to what's going on??

I guess I just need to get to the sewing machine repair guy this weekend and hope he works on Berninas. -sigh-

[Lois B.]

Good luck. I admire your determination. If you decide that every obstacle is just a piece of a puzzle that you will solve the whole process becomes a challange. If it weren't a challenge it wouldn't be interesting. At least that is the way it is for me. Lois

[Rita C.]

Heather, Try your machine with a different thread and see if it works okay. If not, you could try cleaning out all the areas you can get to on your machine with a pipe-cleaner - including the take-up lever if you can get at it. Then I would try again reducing my tension further. If that doesn't work then try a different needle. I know that Superior have a recommended needle size for each of their threads but I found that my machine worked better on a different needle. If you have one try a 75/11. Good luck and I hope you get it sorted soon. It is so frustrating when this happens, I know.

[Rita C.]

Thanks, Rita. I've tried 2 different threads (I was first using a Star brand thread, not sure the exact one) and then switched to the Superior Masterpiece.

I will try a 75/11; I'm using right now an 80/12.

I have put the tension down to between 2 and 3 on top, still breaking, but I'll try going all the way to 0 and just see what happens.

I will see if I can find some pipe cleaners and clean all the bits I can reach. I saw on-line (on Threads Magazine website) that I can use good compressed air, like those cans for cleaning computer keyboards -- would the rest of you agree with that? I have some of that I can use.

Also --- how bad would it be to take it to a sewing machine repair/vendor place that is not authorized Bernina? He says he can work on them anyway; since this is an older machine bought in an auction there's no issue of warranty to void or anything. Would that be okay if I can't get this sorted, or is that a huge No-No for some reason other than voiding the warranty?

(and, by take-up lever....you mean the part that rises & lowers with the needle; not the needle itself or that assembly, but the part up top where I put the thread that also comes up & down with the needle? where the tension adjusts? Or is take-up lever something else??? See, I really am *that* clueless.....)

[Hannelore N.]

If you think you can trust that sewing machine technician, then let him have a go! For years I have taken my machines (a Singer, a Frister & Rossman, and a Husqvarna) to the local Husqvarna dealer, because the technician is brilliant, whatever make the machine. It's different with my new Bernina. It'll go to the Bernina dealer as long as it's under warrenty. After that I'll think about it carefully. It may end up with the 'Man from Husqvarna', depending on how how feel about the 'Bernina Bloke'.

Good luck! The problems with your machine may be something that any decent sewing machine technicean can sort out. My 'Man from Husqvarna' once told me that all sewing machines are similar, except when it comes to some of the high-end computerized machines where special diagnostic software is needed that only a dealer of the right make has got access to.

[Rita C.]

Heather, try the tension at 1 1/2 and see if that helps. Also, if your machine is mechanical rather than computerized then it should not be a problem to take it to a sewing machine engineer (or whatever they are called.) Yes, the take up lever is the part that goes up and down with the thread around it. Maybe in your manual it calls it something different? Don't use the compressed air can thingy. They will just blow lint and fluff into the machine. The pipe cleaner is the best. ( I buy the big coloured ones that they sell for kids to make shapes out of. If you don't have one then is there a little lint brush that came with the machine? If not a paint brush or a cotton bud will do.

[Rita C.]

Okay, my machine is one of the mechanical ones, not computerized, so I'll be fine taking it to this guy. I think it will be okay, and really, it can't get much worse! : )

I won't use the air, since you say no. I think I can get a pipe cleaner, but if not, a paint brush I know I have.

Thanks!

[Hannelore N.]

I wonder how this sewing machine guy would feel if he would know that there are thousands of quilters worldwide waiting for him to sort out your 'new' baby?!

[Rita C.]

I wonder how this sewing machine guy would feel if he would know that there are thousands of quilters worldwide waiting for him to sort out your 'new' baby?!

:lol: :lol:

[Rita C.]

I wonder how this sewing machine guy would feel if he would know that there are thousands of quilters worldwide waiting for him to sort out your 'new' baby?!

It might not be until Monday, but I'll keep you guys posted!

One thought someone in another forum had was that the bobbin might not have been wound tightly enough, so I'm going to work on that and we'll see what happens. It was sort of...smooshy...in places, for lack of a better word. Hopefully that gets it going for now, but I'll still schedule a tune-up!

[Lois B.]

Heather, These challenges I speak of don't come without frustration. Another idea is to look in the manuel for maintenance and cleaning. With older machines it was expected that the sewer would oil and clean the machine regularly. I remember back in 4-H learning to clean, oil and lubricate my machine after each project. I worked in a sewing factory one summer in college and we did the same at the end of each day. I would imagine you could find a complete manual online if you don't already have one for your machine. Go through the complete cleaning and maintenance process they suggest. I used the same wonderful machine from the early 1960's to the early 90's. Now that machine is at my daughter's and I use it to sew for her and her home everytime I visit. The newer machines I purchased since the early 90's only expected me to remove the dust and lint. (However, my new Janome dealer told me that her technican told her to give the little felt wick under the bobbin case a tiny drop of oil after each cleaning.) If you have an older machine and it is not cleaned, oiled and lubricated properly, that in itself, can throw the timing off. Even if you get this machine operating if it hasn't had professioasl maintenance and cleaning for a while it should have it. You'll notice a difference in operation and it will protect your investment. I agree about the canned air spray! Don't use it. Lois

[Lois B.]

Heather, These challenges I speak of don't come without frustration. Another idea is to look in the manuel for maintenance and cleaning. With older machines it was expected that the sewer would oil and clean the machine regularly. I remember back in 4-H learning to clean, oil and lubricate my machine after each project. I worked in a sewing factory one summer in college and we did the same at the end of each day. I would imagine you could find a complete manual online if you don't already have one for your machine. Go through the complete cleaning and maintenance process they suggest. I used the same wonderful machine from the early 1960's to the early 90's. Now that machine is at my daughter's and I use it to sew for her and her home everytime I visit. The newer machines I purchased since the early 90's only expected me to remove the dust and lint. (However, my new Janome dealer told me that her technican told her to give the little felt wick under the bobbin case a tiny drop of oil after each cleaning.) If you have an older machine and it is not cleaned, oiled and lubricated properly, that in itself, can throw the timing off. Even if you get this machine operating if it hasn't had professioasl maintenance and cleaning for a while it should have it. You'll notice a difference in operation and it will protect your investment. I agree about the canned air spray! Don't use it. Lois

thanks very much Lois! I definitely feel that by figuring all of these things out I am sure to understand my machine so much better in the long run.

I'll be taking it in for a thorough cleaning, etc. and buy the oil and all then. I'm sure it is in desperate need of this TLC and I do plan to take good care of it; I know just enough to know that this machine will last my lifetime if I care for it properly.

Thanks for the encouragement; I so appreciate it.

[Lois B.]

Some machines don't need to be oiled by us--only the guy cleaning and doing maintenance. My machine doesn't need to be oiled. My friend's does. Check with the man who does the work. He should know. Definitely, do not use the compressed air. The bobbin not having even tension from winding could be a problem. I would ask about that also.