Thread Troubleshooting
Why does my thread keep breaking?
Incorrect tension, a damaged needle, or burrs cause breakage. Replace the needle, slow down, and check for rough spots; rethread and test if needed.
Breakage often comes from improper tension, a dull/bent needle, or rough spots on the plate or guides. Change the needle, reduce speed, and inspect the thread path. Rethread with the presser foot up and test with a high‑quality, low‑lint thread.
How do I stop thread from fraying?
Use the correct needle, reduce speed, and add a thread net or stand. Specialty threads prefer topstitch needles.
Fraying equals friction. Choose the right needle size/type (topstitch for specialty threads), slow your speed, and consider a thread net or stand for smoother feeding.
Why is my thread looping on the underside?
Loops underneath indicate loose top tension or incorrect threading. Rethread with presser foot up and tighten top tension gradually.
Underside looping nearly always means loose top tension or mis‑threading. Rethread completely (foot up), then increase top tension in small steps until stitches balance.
What’s causing skipped stitches?
A dull/wrong needle, stretchy fabric, or foot pressure issues cause skips. Replace the needle first.
Skipped stitches occur when the needle misses the bobbin thread. Replace dull or bent needles, choose the correct type for fabric, and adjust presser foot pressure if needed.
How can I reduce lint buildup?
Use low‑lint threads like WonderFil’s double‑gassed cottons and clean the bobbin area regularly.
Lint originates from natural fibers. WonderFil cottons are double‑gassed to remove up to 99% of lint. Clean the bobbin case and under the needle plate frequently for smooth performance.
Why is my metallic thread shredding?
Burrs, tight tension, or high speed cause shredding. Use a topstitch needle, slow down, loosen tension, and consider lubricant.
Metallics are delicate. Check the plate/guides for burrs, use a large‑eye topstitch needle, reduce speed, and loosen tension slightly. A small amount of lubricant helps the foil glide.
How do I fix uneven stitch tension?
Adjust tension in small increments and aim for the lock point in the fabric center. Fine bobbin threads like DecoBob™ help balance.
Uneven tension is an imbalance between top and bobbin. Make small adjustments and test on scraps until the interlock sits in the fabric center. A fine bobbin thread such as DecoBob™ improves balance.
Why is my thread slipping out of the needle?
It’s not seated in tension disks or the foot was up during threading. Rethread correctly and leave a longer tail.
If thread slips at startup, rethread with the presser foot up so it seats in the disks. Leave a longer tail behind the needle and hold threads for the first stitches.
What’s causing my thread to tangle?
Improper threading, uneven feed, or spool position. Use a vertical spool pin or thread stand to improve feeding.
Tangles usually mean poor threading or uncontrolled spool feed. Rethread carefully, switch to a vertical pin or a separate stand, and ensure guides are burr‑free.
How do I keep specialty threads running smoothly?
Use the right needle, slower speed, and slightly looser tension. Thread stands and nets improve feeding.
Metallics, heavy cottons, wool blends, and ultrafine threads benefit from a topstitch or size‑appropriate needle, moderate speed, and a touch less tension. Thread stands and nets reduce snags and twist.