Thread is so important because it holds fabric together and makes it look seamless when it’s sewn together. In other words, the thread is the foundation of the sewing process.
Threads breaking while using a sewing machine is a common phenomenon. But does thread breaking really spoils fabrics, and what causes it to break.
If you want to know more about why your sewing machine thread keeps breaking and possible solutions to it, read on to find out.
Sewing Machine Thread Breaks (Causes and Solution)
Thread breaking can be very frustrating and time-consuming. But there are certain factors that cause your thread to break.
A sewing machine thread break can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common causes are:
- Using dull or inappropriately sized needles;
- Threading improperly
- Using bad or old threads
- The upper tension is too tight
- The bobbin tension is too tight
i. Using Dull or Inappropriately Sized Needles
Every sewing machine has a specific needle size and type made for it. If you use the wrong needles or you use the type of needles that were not designed for the machine. The thread can keep on breaking.
ii. Threading Improperly
if the thread is not inserted into the needle or the machine properly, the thread will be in the wrong way thereby causing it to break.
iii. Using Bad or Old Threads
Just like needles, threads also have qualities and no one type of thread can be used on all sewing machines. And moreover, threads also lose their composition over time. If you use old threads on a sewing machine, there is a high possibility that they will break.
iv. The Upper Tension Is Too Tight
If your top thread is already under extreme strain as it travels through the tension assembly, it will break. Even if it results in your tension disks not touching one another, try greatly loosening the top tension knob.
To “start over” and rule out the tension as the issue, release all of the top thread pressure. When testing your stitches, start turning the tension knob clockwise if the machine doesn’t sew with any thread tension. Once the stitches start to look normal again, keep adjusting them.
NOTE: To prevent the bobbin thread from pulling the top thread to the back of the quilt, you might need to loosen the bobbin tension at the same time.
v. The Bobbin Tension Is Too Tight
It doesn’t make sense to assume that the bobbin tension could be the cause of a broken top thread. The top thread can break, nevertheless, depending on the bobbin thread composition and tension level. For instance, polyester thread is used to make the majority of pre-wound bobbins. The strength of the pre-wound bobbin could cause the cotton thread in the top to break if you try to use it with it.
If you experience discomfort, significantly loosen the bobbin tension and test your stitches until you achieve a balanced stitch with minimal thread breakage.
Thread breaks in a sewing machine can occur for a variety of reasons, but most commonly they are the result of fabric being caught between the spool and the bobbin. Your machine may also break thread if it becomes overloaded or if the wrong type of thread is used.
Keep your machine lightly loaded and use the correct types of thread for the fabric you are sewing. If your machine is working properly, occasional thread breakages will not detract from the overall sewing performance.
What To Do When Thread Keeps Breaking?
Threading is a very important skill in everyday life, specifically when it comes to sewing. It’s important to have a good thread so that the fabric can be pulled tight and the seams can stay together.
Unfortunately, a thread can break for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it can be due to weak fabric, improper handling, or even a faulty machine. When this happens, it can result in a bad seam, a ripped piece of fabric, and even a ruined garment.
Thread breakage can be a frustrating problem, but there are a few things that you can do to prevent it from happening. Be aware of the common causes of thread breakage and take steps to avoid them. And if the thread does break, try to salvage as much of the fabric as possible and replace the broken thread with a thread spooler.
When a thread breaks, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First and foremost, try to salvage as much of the fabric as possible. This means trying to stretch the ripped fabric as much as possible and then using a seam ripper or serger to remove the damaged fabric.
If the thread is too damaged to be salvaged, you can try using a thread spooler to replace the broken thread. And finally, if all else fails, you can try sewing a new seam.
However, it’s important to remember that thread breakage can be a frustrating and often preventable problem, so be sure to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place.
How Do I Choose The Right Thread?
Choosing the right thread is one of the most important decisions you will make while sewing. Choosing the right thread can speed up your sewing process and if chosen right will not break while sewing.
Everyone always needs a certain degree of organizational skills. Thread choice is no exception. As a matter of fact, choosing the right thread for a project can be quite daunting if you don’t have a guide. Below are a few tips that can help you select the right thread for your project.
To start off with, it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of threads. There are Cotton, Polyester, and a Blended Thread made of both Polyester and Cotton. Each of these types has its own unique properties that can affect the outcome of your project.
For example, a Polyester thread is much stronger than a Cotton one, so it is a better choice for those who are looking for a durable project. Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a thread is the thickness. Thicker threads will create a thicker fabric, while thinner threads will create a paper-thin fabric.
Every fabric has a different weight and texture, so it’s important to choose a lightweight thread that can handle a specific type of fabric without stretching or puckering.
There are also special types of threads for certain fabrics, like polyester threads for lycra (a synthetic fibre). When choosing your thread, be sure to read the specific garmentmaker’s instructions.
Some factors that should influence your decision about which thread to use are the project’s purpose, the user’s skill level, and the environment.
For example, a project that will be used outdoors might be better suited with a Polyester thread, since it is water-resistant.
On the other hand, a project that will be used indoors might be better suited with Cotton thread because it is more absorbent.
Choosing the right thread for your project can be tricky, but with a little bit of prep work, you should be able to get the job done without any trouble.
By familiarizing yourself with the different types of threads and taking into consideration the project’s purpose, user’s skill level, and the environment, you should be able to select the right thread for your needs.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you should be able to know why your thread keeps breaking off and the possible solutions.
Also, you should be able to know how to choose the right thread for your fabrics.