donna sco Posted March 24, 2013 Report Share Posted March 24, 2013 My Milli only likes Glide thread but I have a small wallhanging to quilt and the customer included Aurifil thread so I decided as it was a small project I would attempt a different type of thread. My sample quilting patch on the edge looked ok so I started. I am doing McTavishing and the top thread breaks about every 6". I thought I remembered reading somewhere if you have trouble with the top thread that means something is wrong with the bobbin?? I have checked the bobbin a couple of times and tried to tweak it but the top thread keeps on breaking. My stitches look fairly good but the breaking thread is a pain. Hope someone is quilting today who knows about using Aurifil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meg Posted March 24, 2013 Report Share Posted March 24, 2013 Did u try loosening the quilt sandwich? Retreading the top? Blowing out the bobbin? Change cone of thread? I'm having similar problems, after an experiment with some finicky thread. It's so frustrating! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted March 24, 2013 Report Share Posted March 24, 2013 Where is the thread breaking? I would loosen the upper tension just a bit and see if that helps. You can also try sewers aid or mineral oil on the thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted March 24, 2013 Report Share Posted March 24, 2013 You are half-correct with the top/bottom adage. If there is tension trouble or loops you look to the bobbin if it happens on top and vice versa. Breaking thread is different. Sew until the thread breaks and then stop. Raise the take-up lever and carefully bring the thread back the thread path towards the needle. If the thread is breaking above the needle your problem is up top. If it's breaking below the needle, look underneath for the problem. It could be as simple as unbalanced tension. You can tweak the top tension as well as the bobbin ( your post said you tried to adjust the bobbin case). Top thread too tight/bobbin too loose--both can be adjusted. Or it could be that the top thread is too loose, flailing around and catching on something causing it to snap. Pull on the top thread as it exits the needle. You should have a smooth pull and the U-shaped tension spring should deflect down from a front-on position of pointing at 10 o'clock to 8 o'clock. Adjust the top tension until you get that result. Pull up the bobbin thread and pull on it. You should feel like both threads take about the same amount of pull or force to move them smoothly. I hope you find an easy fix and are quilting happily soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewingpup Posted March 24, 2013 Report Share Posted March 24, 2013 Hi, As I just got my Lucey and 4 cones of Aurifil came with it, I was interested in the comments....I have just tried the 40 weight one and did not have a problem with thread breaking...I think I had bottom line in the bobbin and a 4.0 needle....I did a bit of online research and all the hints I could find on the 40 weight was to use a 3.5 or 4.0 needle and on the 50 weight to use similiar thread in the bobbin...so from that all I can think of to suggest is to see what weight of aurifil she gave you and if it is the 50...maybe try a 3.5 needle? and the same thread in the bobbin? Also found Aurifil comes in 50, 40, 28, and 12 weights....and I also got a 40 weight sample of poly aurifil which I think is newer...(I like the color..it is varigated and sort of a bronzy grey..weird...I think I will have to make a quilt top to go with it..LOL)..Lin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gypsyquilter Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 i'd also check the needle size, it is the right size for that type of thread? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donna sco Posted March 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 Thanks for mentioning Sewers Aid. I had forgotten about that. Only a couple of thread breaks after putting it on. I think I had tried everything that was mentioned except for the sewers aid. Have about 5 minutes to finish but am tired so don't want to press my luck. Again the forum is a lifesaver. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludlow Quilt and Sew Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 I'm fascinated by all the ideas given. Once I had sorted out the tension if I had a problem, my only other idea has been to change the needle but now I can see that there are many other things for me to try! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cblevins Posted April 5, 2013 Report Share Posted April 5, 2013 Rose, the forum is a treasure chest full of great ideas and helpful quilters! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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