Do you ever face the problem of your thread breaking while sewing on a machine? It can be irritating as well as time consuming to re-strand your sewing machine’s needle. If this is a recurring problem, it could be due to the thread itself, incorrect threading or tension problems. Fortunately, good cleaning habits combined with the proper threading of your machine can help prevent thread breakage.
One of the primary causes for thread breaking on a sewing machine is incorrect threading. Therefore, it is essential that you follow the machine’s instructions for threading. Unless the manufacturer states to do otherwise, many experts suggest that you use the so-called ‘overhand loop’ when threading. This means passing the thread from the sewing machine needle at the left and over the loop on the looper.
Another cause of thread breaking on a machine is poor thread quality. Damaged or old thread can cause it to be weak which is why it’s best to restring the needle regularly. High end sewing machines usually have special settings that allow you to adjust the tension settings so you can make sure the thread is feeding properly. If you are using a cheap machine, chances are that it won’t have these settings.
You should also be aware that a buildup of lint on the machine’s tension discs can cause thread breaking. You should regularly lubricate, clean and inspect your machine for any signs of wear and tear. Regular oiling, dusting, and upkeep can all help to prevent thread breaking.
In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, it’s important to always use properly wound bobbins. Bobbins that are not wound properly won’t be able to feed through the machine correctly and can cause the thread to break. Bobbins that are wound too tightly can also be a problem – so always make sure the bobbin is wound correctly and in accordance with the machine’s specifications.
Finally, when it comes to thread breaking, it’s always a good idea to ensure that you have the right type of needle in your machine. The correct needle size and type can help to ensure that the needle continues to pass and feed the thread correctly, reducing the chances of thread breaking.
Generating the Right Tension
One of the key factors in preventing thread breaking is to make sure your machine is generating the correct tension. In order to do this, it’s important to know the types of thread and fabric you are using. Different threads require different tension settings – for example, heavier weight thread generally needs a higher tension setting, while a lighter weight thread may need a lower tension setting. Also, some fabric weights may require a higher tension setting than other fabric weights.
If you’re not sure what tension setting to use for a particular thread or fabric, it’s worth doing a simple ‘tension test’. To do this, thread the machine with a piece of scrap fabric, increase the tension just slightly, and start stitching. If you find that the stitches are looping on the underside of the fabric, the tension is too high and you should reduce the tension. Conversely, if the stitches don’t seem to be forming properly, the tension may be too low and you may need to increase the tension.
Once you’ve adjusted the tension settings, it’s a good idea to practice a few stitches on a scrap of fabric to check for any problems. If you find that the thread is still breaking, you may need to double-check your tension settings and the threading of the machine.
Taking Care of the Needle
In order to prevent thread breakage, you should make sure that your sewing machine’s needle is in good condition. If the needle is bent, blunt or otherwise damaged, it won’t be able to feed the thread through the material correctly, which can cause thread breakage. It’s also important to change the needle regularly – most sewing machine needles can last up to 8 hours of stitching time, but if you’re doing a large amount of stitching, it’s best to replace the needle after 4 hours.
It’s also important to use the correct type and size of needle for the fabric and thread you’re using. Generally, heavier weight fabrics require a larger needle size, while lighter weight fabrics require a smaller needle. If you’re not sure what size needle to use, it’s a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s guide for your machine.
If you’re using a thicker thread, it’s important to use a needle with a widened eye which will be able to fit the thicker thread. Some machines come with a special widened eye needle which is particularly suited for heavy threads, however, if your machine doesn’t have this, it’s worth investing in a special thick thread needle.
Choosing the Right Thread
The type of thread you use can also affect the likelihood of thread breakage. Poor quality thread can be weak and prone to breaking, so it’s best to use good quality thread, such as nylon or polyester. It’s also important to make sure that the thread is the right weight – too light or too heavy a thread can cause problems.
Using the right thread for the type of fabric you’re sewing is also important. If you’re sewing delicate fabric, it’s best to use a lightweight thread so as not to strain the fabric. For heavier fabrics, it’s better to use a thicker thread, such as cotton or polyester, which is strong enough to cope with the strain of the material.
Finally, it’s important to make sure that the thread is wound correctly. If the thread is wound too tightly, it can cause it to be pulled a little as it passes through the eye of the needle – this can cause the thread to break. If the thread is wound too loosely, it can also lead to thread breakage.
Using the Right Presser Foot
Another factor to consider when trying to prevent thread breakage is the type of presser foot you are using. The presser foot applies pressure to the fabric while you are sewing and helps to guide it along the feed throat plate. If the presser foot is not properly adjusted, it can cause the thread to break.
The type of presser foot you need to use also depends on the type of fabric you’re sewing. For example, for heavier fabrics such as denim, you will need to use a roller foot, whereas for lightweight fabrics, you may need to use a conventional presser foot. It’s a good idea to consult the user manual for your sewing machine for more information.
It’s also important to make sure that the presser foot is lowered to the correct height. If the presser foot is too low, it can cause the thread to break. Conversely, if the presser foot is too high, the stitches may become too tight and cause the thread to break.
Keeping an Eye on Tension
In order to prevent thread breaking, it’s important to keep an eye on the tension as you stitch. You should also be aware of any signs of the thread or fabric bunches or pulling in one direction as this could indicate that the tension is too tight. If you find that the tension is too tight, you should loosen the tension wheel on the machine.
It’s also a good idea to use a thread guide or take up lever when sewing. This helps to keep the tension even as the thread passes through the fabric and can help to reduce the chances of thread breakage.
Finally, it’s important to check the tension every now and then, as it can change over time. This is particularly important if you’ve been stitching for a long period of time or if you’ve been stitching a large number of items. Checking the tension regularly will help to keep the thread from breaking.
