I need a diagram to be able to take to the location of the Pfaff Grand Quilter hobby 1200. Our upper thread keeps breaking all the time

The Hobby 1200 is a Pfaff sewing machine that they call the Grand Quilter. First raise the presser foot and make sure that the needle is at the highest position (press the needle up/down button twice with the machine on). Then turn off the machine and unplug it for the maximum safety. For the top thread, place a spool on the spool pin and guide the thread through one of the two thread guides on the thread guide bar. The thread starts from behind the guide. (The post holding the guide bar is next to the spool pin.) As with most sewing machines, you will work from right to left and lead the thread down then up before going down to the needle. Bring the thread to the next thread guide (in front of the bobbin winding pin) and pass it through one of the holes from the back. Wrap the thread to the back of the guide and then through another of the holes. If the thread tension is very loose, try going through all three holes. Bring the thread down between the pre-tension discs going counter-clockwise.

Hold the thread in both hands and guide it around down and around the tension dial from right to left. Bring the thread up to get it between the tension discs and behind the tail of the check spring. Bring the thread back down over the loop of the check spring then under the thread guide that looks like an upside down L with a curve in it. Bring the thread up and through the next thread guide. (This guide is horizontal and just above the previous guide and one side ends near the center of the tension dial.)

Bring the thread up and pass it through the eye in the thread take-up lever and then back down through the horizontal thread guide above. Slip the thread into the thread guide and then down to the needle bar thread guide. Thread the needle from front to back. The thread should be along the groove in the needle.

You can find the manual at Pfaff's Machine Update page: http://www.pfaff.com/en-US/Support-and-Updates/Support . Search for the model and then you'll get to the product page: http://www.pfaff.com/en-US/Support/3336 . The direct link to the manual is http://www.pfaff.com/SiteMedia/PFAFF/Products/Machines/Support-manuals/GrandQuilter-manual-EN.pdf . The threading section starts on page 21 (page 23 of the PDF). The manual has good pictures that are better than my attempts to describe the guides.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

I'd try switching the needle type & size and then a different brand of thread.

5 things you need to know about thread when free motion quilting

Machine Quilting Thread Shreds Then Breaks

Thread Top Thread Breaking Shredding while free motion quilting NEED HELP

Thread breaking or fraying when free motion stippling

Oh, yeh, one more thing I just thought of: Rethread the top thread and make sure the thread is not hanging up on the spool, spool pin, or wrapped around a thread guide. When my thread breaks after 3-4 inches, it's usually because something is stopping the top thread.

Refer to the owner's manual, pages 15 (pressure dial) and 25 (tension balance). It may also help to review page 21 (threading). ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the machine.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwjzhZ7CzbvWAhUL7YMKHQb3AK8QFggtMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfaff.com%2FSiteMedia%2FPFAFF%2FProducts%2FMachines%2FSupport-manuals%2FGrandQuilter-manual-EN.pdf&usg=AFQjCNF3VdWJqbYdgQxkaWD-UFkIZSYFnA

Remove the thread from the machine. (Always raise the presser foot and pull the thread up, NEVER down!).
Install a brand new needle.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading.
Rethread from the beginning and verify the thread pathway is correct.
Set the upper tension to midway between High & Low numbers--you may need to tweak this for your particular machine, but this is a standard starting point.
Confirm the bobbin is loaded and threaded correctly in the bobbin case.
Begin sewing slowly. It helps if you begin sewing with the needle in the uppermost position.
Test on medium weight woven cotton.

If it is still not picking up the bobbin thread, then it most likely is a timing problem. You can search the internet for web sites and videos regarding sewing machine timing or take it for service.

Sewing Machine Thread Bunching Up Here Why

Birds nest under the fabric big loops of thread top side looks good...

What causes Bird Nests Superior Threads

...

Usually, the standard tension for upper thread is midway between high & low numbers. However, every machine differs and may need to be tweaked. Unfortunately, finding the correct tension is generally a test and adjust method. Be sure you are using a brand new needle and good quality thread.

...

Pull through more thread--probably 6" would work. Also, try holding the thread tails lightly with your left hand while you take the first stitch.

Not picking up the bobbin thread? Try a brand new needle. If that doesn't work, then the machine probably has a timing issue. Search the internet for "sewing machine timing" OR take it for service.

...

According to the following web site, the feed dogs do not drop on this machine, Instead, there is a plate that covers the feed dogs:
Fluffy Sheep Quilting Do you have one of these Do you like it

Also thought this was interesting:
Oiling the PFAFF Grand Quilter 1200 Bernina Sewing Center Tampa

...

contact Pfaff website about a manual or try youtube for a video

Adjusted the dial to the right until the stitches we better.