Hockeyrabbit Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 Hi- I do not have an APQS machine, but I am still going to ask my question anyways. When using my machine, I rarely make it through a twin sized quilt without at least ONE thread break on the top..is that normal?? I ask because I am wondering if my top tension is too tight?? What should it feel like when pulling on the top thread?? Ironically, even with the random breaks, the tension is BEAUTIFUL on top and bottom..nice, even stitches with knot in the middle..no pokies on curves etc. Curious..if anyone has any videos..shoot me in that direction!! JC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pumpkinpatchquilter Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 You know what, I'm actually really interested in the answer to this too. I do have an APQS, an older one, but I'm pretty new to it. I've been tightening my bobbin up just like I would in my sewing machine. The more I watch and read the more I realize that long arms seem to do better with a looser bobbin...and looser top in turn. Looking forward to what you learn! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busy Quilting Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 Pull the bobbin thread to the top and pull on it. thread the top thread as usual and under the hooping foot ready to sew, and pull on it too. There should be a similar amount of resistance in the pull of both threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shirleyl Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 I get breakage if I change directions too fast or occassionally on thick seams. I find if I get going too fast is when I have breaks. I run as loose as you can and still get good stitches. I used to run it too tight of tension top and bottom. Shirley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 Sometimes it may be that your thread is older and is more brittle, or just that the air is dry since it is winter...try spritzing the air around your spool of thread and using some (I'm sorry I am braindead after a very busy day) thread lube, is it called sewer's aid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zora Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 If you only get one thread break per quilt, I'd say you are doing very well. You can't control all factors on a quilt..thick seams...a thin place in the thread...whatever. If you have good tension otherwise, I'd say its just the nature of longarm quilting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibbyG Posted March 12, 2013 Report Share Posted March 12, 2013 I'd say your thread shouldn't be breaking. Mine only broke when I was new and not really sure what to do. I rarely have any thread breaks now. When I do, it's because the needle needs changed etc. When doing a pantograph I need to go slow in SR mode. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSewSimple Posted March 12, 2013 Report Share Posted March 12, 2013 My thread was breaking all the time when I first got my machine. I bought a new upper tension dial and just replaced the outside parts and have never had another break. Before it seemed as if nothing I tweaked mattered. I could go on for hours and still have the same issue. Now, my machine functions like a brand new one! I never, never have a thread break. It just makes me smile. So, I am hoping you find that perfect answer to your puzzle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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