Sewing Machine Thread Keeps Breaking: Expectations vs. Reality – And How to Fix Them!
Don’t be alarmed if your sewing machine thread breaks. For many sewers, this is an issue. If your sewing machine thread continues breaking, that’s not normal.
The sewing machine thread might break if the tension is too tight or too loose on the sewing machine, which uses a lot of power.
Things may go wrong before, during, and after a sewing endeavor, so it’s important to be prepared.
This article will explain the root reasons of the issue and provide suggestions for how to resolve it.
Before getting into the specifics, let’s go over some basic information on sewing machine thread breakage.
Table of Contents
The thread may not have been correctly installed
Improper installation of the sewing machine thread greatly increases the risk of thread breakage.
Overhand knotting the thread tails before cutting off any surplus length is recommended.
As previously noted, the tension on your sewing machine may be a contributing factor in this issue.
Make sure your foot pedal is exerting adequate force (this will depend on what type of sewing style you use).
Your stitches will be more secure if you apply greater force to the needle. Getting better at this takes time and repetition. Stitching too firmly might damage threads if done wrong, so novices should begin with minimal pressure.
Knots or tangles in the thread
Thread tangles and knots are regular occurrences while sewing. Cut the knot before it becomes too tight or twisted in your machine to remedy this issue. It’s probable that another issue is at play if your thread breaks despite your best efforts to keep it untangled.
The Upper Thread Tension Could Be Too Tight
Re-thread your machine after lowering the tension to its lowest setting.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to test the lower tension thread on scrap cloth before stitching anything critical, since if you make a mistake, it might take some time to rectify.
You may correct this by decreasing the top thread tension slightly or by setting it one notch lower than what you used for your previous stitch.
You may raise the tensions by rotating the screw counter clockwise if there are ‘+’ indications next to them (left). Reduce them by turning the screw counterclockwise (right).
The tightness of your stitches will be affected whether you lower or raise these tensions. If you’re using a certain thread, it’s better to keep the tension set to the lowest level possible.
Incorrect lower thread tension
It’s time to check your bobbin case’s tension if your thread isn’t coming out of it smoothly.
Turn it clockwise (to the right) until you observe that it spins around the bobbin shuttle accurately and evenly. Keep an eye out for any issues with the sewing machine or thread movement while you stitch and go back a notch if necessary.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, go to the next step: Change the top thread tension by lowering or increasing it. Make sure you choose the correct settings for your sewing machine to get the best results!
Depending on what’s occurring with your sewing machine needle thread ratio and the sort of cloth you’re working with, you may need to alter the lower thread tension either up or down.
Needles for Sewing Machines
When it comes to sewing machine needles and why the thread keeps breaking, there are two things to keep an eye out for:
Double-check to be certain you’re using the proper needle size for your work Look for signs of damage to the needle itself.
Replacing the needle is a simple solution to this problem. Use the proper needle size for the cloth you’re working on if you’re working with the wrong one.
Check the Bobbin
When discussing the bobbin as a cause in why your sewing machine thread keeps breaking, there are two things you need to check:
Determine whether there is a problem with the kind of tension being used. Your stitches machine will fray and break if you have them set too high or too low.
There should be no lint on top or between the threads while you’re sewing.
Remove any lint from above or below where your cloth is sewed together in order to remedy this problem. Replace the bobbin if required and clean your sewing machine.
The Throat Plate should be checked
A properly positioned throat plate is critical. Sewing machine thread will fray and break at the edges of your cloth if this isn’t done correctly.
A simple adjustment to the throat plate may solve this issue.
If you’re sewing up close to a seam allowance or at the edge of a needle hole, check to see if there’s any lint blocking your progress (bottom).
To remove dust and lint from below metal components such as needles, bobbins, and feed dogs, blow compressed air into each slot.
Assembling Several Layers of Thick Fabric
Even though it’s going to be difficult, it’s doable. Your sewing machine thread will break if you don’t stitch slowly and carefully enough.
Using the wrong needle for heavy materials like denim or leather might result in this issue occurring (use a ballpoint needle).
Using a long straight stitch that doesn’t come too near to the edge of your cloth is recommended for thicker fabrics.
Be careful while stitching with thick threads, since this might lead your needles to burst through both layers of cloth at once!!!
If you’ve followed these procedures and still have issues with threads coming undone after hours of laborious effort on major items of clothing, you may want to try sewing a seam in the other way.
Stitching using this technique can help keep your threads neat and tidy, but matching up the seams for sewing later on may be a challenge.
Even if all else fails, use embroidery thread or machine embroidery thread intended for heavier fabrics like denim or leather since it is tougher than the regular threads found at most fabric shops.
Replace the Sewing Machine Needle Threader
Is your machine threaded correctly? However, if the thread is constantly breaking, it may be worthwhile to re-thread your computer even though the contents seem to be in good condition at first glance.
Re-threading the machine and correcting bobbin winding issues may be all that is needed in certain circumstances.
Make careful to re-thread the bobbin when you re-thread the top spool, for example. It may be possible to fix your thread-breaking issue totally by doing this.
The Spool Cap
Use the suitable spool cap, as well, to get the best results.
Use the correct spool cap for the kind of material or fabric and needle size that you are sewing with to avoid thread breakage.
The spool of thread should also be inserted appropriately to prevent any more issues.
So that it may freely spin, the spool must be mounted on the thread holder.
Your sewing machine may jam if the spool is too tightly coiled.
Be careful to remove all of the old thread and cotton from your machine’s inside before putting in the new one.
An old or damaged strand has left behind residue, which must be removed. As a result, there will be fewer breakdowns in the future.
When you sew, you put your needle through multiple layers of fabric, so if there’s still some thread around its shafts, it’s conceivable that the thread can catch on each other as it goes round and generate pulls, which might impact the performance of your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What does a broken thread indicate?
When you use the wrong needle, your thread will break far more often than it would otherwise. Before beginning to sew, check that the needle you want to use is appropriately sized for the thread that will be used in the project. In both American and European sizes, the lower the number given on the packaging corresponds to a smaller needle size. This holds true for both American and European sizes.
What might be causing the bottom thread to keep breaking?
When working with a variety of fabric and thread weights, it is necessary to alter the tension of your thread. Be sure that the thread you are using in the bobbin and the thread you are using for the top part of the project are both the same weight. If you don’t, the tension can be unequal, which might lead to the breakage of one of your threads.
What might be causing the thread to break so often on my Kenmore sewing machine?
If you don’t do it, the tension can be unequal, which might lead to the thread breaking. It is recommended by manufacturers of sewing machines that you do not make too many adjustments to the tension of your bobbin thread; nevertheless, if your upper thread continues breaking as you stitch, you should alter the tension of your upper thread.
Check and replace your sewing machine needle periodically. Sewing machine needles get dull with usage and will not readily pierce cloth. When it occurs, it tears the cloth. Keeping an eye on your needle’s sharpness and replacing it as needed may make a tremendous difference in your sewing experience and outcomes.
If your thread is fine, go on to the needle and inspect it. The needle, like the thread, breaks threads. Checking the sewing needle issues may help you identify the main cause of thread breakage when sewing.
Scan for nicks and dings on Is the hook point sharp and free of burs or nicks? If the needle strikes the hook, it may cause burs that snag and break the thread. On most machines with a rotating hook, you can observe the hook tip revolve (if the hook cover is removed). To check an oscillating hook, remove the shuttle-hook from the machine.
Please accept my gratitude for providing this important information. thanks!!!
Really great info. Thanks…