Breaking Thread I am free hand quilting, the tension seems to be good and I have finished a third of my quilt. However suddenly the tension seems to tighten up and the top thread breaks. It will pull tighter and tighter until it breaks. I have changed the thread, put in a new needle, blown the machine out, I have been having trouble filling my bobbin for a while, the thread gets tight and stops the filling when the bobbin is about half full, I think the two must be related. I need to finish my quilt before Christmas.

Tension for stitching a quilt sandwich is tricky. It helps if you use the same color for top and bobbin thread,. If your quilting thread is not the same weight (either heavier or lighter) than thread used for regular sewing, then the bobbin tension may need to be adjusted. My quilting thread is lighter weight so I have a separate bobbin case whos tension has been adjusted specifically for quilting. The goal is have both threads meet in the middle of the sandwich. If the top thread is showing under the sandwich, you probably need to tighten the top tension so it will pull the bobbin thread up into the sandwich. Do the reverse if the bobbin thread shows on top.

It may also make a difference by changing the type and size needle. I tend to prefer a top-stitch needle. An embroidery or microtex may also work for you.

Machine Quilting Thread and Tension

Tension troubles on your quilting machine Try these tricks

5 Free Motion Quilting Problems and How to Fix Them

Free motion quilting is a finicky function, much more than most other sewing. Since you are getting loops on the back of the fabric, try increasing the upper thread tension. Tension causes the top and bobbin threads to pull against each other. If the pull is not equal, the threads will be pulled to one side or the other.

If you continue to experience looping under the fabric, it could be that the top thread is not fully seated in the tension disk. Try this:

Remove the top thread completely from the machine.
Be sure to install a brand new sharp needle.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning.
Retest your machine.

However, if you don't find a fix, $25 for the special bobbin holder is probably a reasonable cost if it takes care of the problem. The reviews seem to be good:

http://www.sewvacdirect.com/janome-bobbin-case-for-free-motion-quilting-fits-models-mc14000-mc6500p-mc6600p-mc11000-mc7700-mc12000-and-more/

https://thequiltshow.com/forum/domestic-sewing-machines/120-janome-mc6600p
"Yesterday I bought a new free motion quilting foot and a bobbinholder (for free motion) for my MC Janome 6600P. I have been quilting all day, and belive you me it is a greate investment!!! :lol: :lol: Its like sewing on butter :lol: :shock:

Free motion Quilting Foot: part no.: 200-442-004 (MC6600P and MC11000)

Bobbin Holder (for free quilting and hand-look quiltstitch): part no.: 200-445-007 (MC 6600P, MC11000 and MC6500)

Bet you would love to have those too if you are doing a lot of free motion! The quiltfoot you can adjust so it works perfectly on your quilt!
:lol: :D :wink: I am sooooo happy!!!!"


https://www.getasquiltingstudio.com/2012/01/free-motion-quilting-tips-ii.html

LOOPS Tension or Speed

Free Motion Quilting Tension Problems

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Not sure if you are piecing or trying to free motion quilt. If FMQ, try using an Embroidery needle (it has a groove in the shaft that helps protect the thread) or a Topstitch needle. Make sure the thread is not too thick for the needle's eye. Check to make sure the upper and lower tensions are not too tight. You might try changing brand/type of thread.

Here's a needle guide:
SCHMETZ Household Needle Chart

Or review suggestions for breaking thread here:
Why is my thread breaking

Hope this helps!

do you have this problem when doing regular sewing? if you do then the tension dial may be going bad & would have to be replaced

Tension on 9 is very hig, should be about 5

I am guessing here because I don't know what kind of thread you are using but, I am guessing that you have something in the upper tension discs causing the thread to not have tension, first I would recommend if you can see in to the disc put the foot in the up position and and blow out the disc. If this doesn't work take it to you local dealer and have the tensions adjusted, also look at the needle plate and see if there are marks in the hole, if there are it would be wise to either clean them out or get a new needle plate they will severely affect free motion

this is a known issue with the pfaff.....i have just bought the machine and it has thread uptake issues...thread tension issues and it comes unthreaded by itself often...leaving globs of thread on the bottom stuck in the feed dogs and under the throat plate.....then the stitches are not properly balanced because the tension gets too loose on the bobbin thread....very disappointed to find out it is a known issue with all the viking husqvarna made machines...which are pfaff, janome and viking.....sux.

Might be that you need to lower the tensions quite a bit, you'll have to juggle with top and bottom tensions though, and experiment for just this operation with the Sensormatic.

Usually dirt in the tension plates. Pull a short piece of heavy thread through them holding the thread tight between both hands, work it back and forth to clear out lint.

I gave up and I am taking it to the repair man.