Have you ever experienced where the thread keeps breaking while sewing clothes in a sewing machine? Breaking a thread in the sewing machine is frustrating, so let’s discuss what you can do to resolve the issue.
But first, why does thread keep breaking on the sewing machine? There can be several reasons behind the broken thread in a sewing machine including tension, threading issues, needle problems and thread quality.
To find the main solution and avoid thread continuing to break while sewing, here are ways to safely thread the sewing machine and understand why does the thread keep breaking while sewing.
Why is the bobbin thread breaking?
If a bobbin on the underside of your sewing machine is breaking thread, then it can be due to tangling of the thread inside it. Instead of panicking, you should try to fix it.
Many people think of calling a professional to repair the bobbin of their sewing machine. The problem is not on the bobbin of the sewing machine, it is whether or not the thread is wound on the bobbin evenly and smoothly.
The thread in the bobbin can create a loop due to the upper thread on the machine. This problem can be fixed by taking the following steps:
- Proper threading of the sewing machine
- Inspection of the bobbin thread
- Cleaning the machine
- Changing the machines needle
In order to avoid the bobbin thread breaking consistently, take precautions to thread a bobbin properly. This will reduce the problem of the bobbin thread breaking while working on your sewing project.
Lower and under thread breaks
The lower and under thread of your sewing machine can break easily if the tension of the thread is wrong or a problem with the bobbin working correctly. To fix it, you will have to check your machine as it can be due to either of the following two reasons:
The bobbin case is threaded wrongly. The case of your bobbin must be threaded properly. The thread on the bobbin should be slipped into the slot on the side of the bobbin case and brought up to the needle properly. The bobbin should also be inserted properly into its slot.
Too tight of tension on the lower thread. When the tension of the lower thread is too tight, even then the lower thread breaks like the upper thread. Improve the sewing consistency by reducing the tension of the lower thread.
Other causes of lower thread breaking may include:
- Uneven or excessive winding of the thread on the bobbin
- Worn out spring on bobbin case causing a sharp groove
- Metal burr on the underside of the throat plate
- Knot in the thread on the bobbin
- Accumulation of dirt, thread, or lint under the tension spring of the bobbin case
Reasons for thread breaking in the sewing machine
Whether you are using polyester or cotton blend spool of thread, you may experience thread break constantly in the sewing machine. If you are on a budget, wonder if you can use cone thread on the sewing machine and worried about thread breaking, you are not alone.
Make sure to secure the cone thread so it’s neither too tight nor too loose. This will create jamming on the sewing machine which always results in the thread breaking.
In order to avoid this issue, pay attention to the various reasons why thread breaking in a sewing machine. Here are reasons for you to question:
- Incorrect installation of the upper thread
- Tension in the upper thread is too tight
- Spool of thread is installed incorrectly by using spool cap of incorrect size
- Needle is not inserted correctly
- Needle is bent or damaged
- Tension of the lower thread is incorrect
- Thread is not wound correctly on the bobbin
- Density data of embroidery thread is too fine
- Embroidery data includes stitches with zero pitch
- Pitch of several stitches is extremely small as per embroidery data
- Fabric is not stretched tightly
- Thread is loose in the hook area or the hook is not rotating smoothly
- Quality of the thread is poor
Study your sewing machine and create a check list when thread continues to keep breaking on the sewing machine. Look through these common flaws in order to solve the issue in a timely manner.
What tension should my sewing machine be on?
The tension of the bobbin thread is set by its manufacturer so it should not be adjusted under normal conditions. So when it comes to adjusting the tension of thread in your sewing machine, then you should focus only on adjusting the tension of the upper thread.
The settings on the tension dial runs from 0 to 9. Normally 4.5 is considered an ideal tension setting for sewing straight stitches on most fabrics.
But for sewing different types of stitches, you may have to adjust the tension of the upper thread.
For instance, bobbin thread can be pulled to the top while sewing wider stitches or zig-zag stitches. In this condition, you will have to adjust the tension somewhere between 3 and 4.
When you are topstitching, it will slightly loosen the tension of the upper thread and flatten the fabric and the stitches will be more featured.
The tension of the upper thread can also depend upon the weight of the fabric and thickness of the thread.
Sewing Machine Tension Chart
The chart of sewing machine tension can help you in testing its tension otherwise it can be difficult for you to know the right tension of your machine. By using this chart you can easily recognize the problem of tension in your sewing machine.
- If the stitches are normal, then the tension of your machine can be balanced perfectly.
- But if the top thread is pulled to underneath, then either the tension of the upper thread can be very loose or the thread on the bobbin is wound too tight.
- If the thread is very loose, then it may not stitch correctly due to improper connection with the thread in the fabric. The thread in the bobbin will lie on the fabric or pull out the bottom thread instead of being pulled up into it.
By using a sewing machine tension chart, you can test the tension of the upper thread to sew stitches correctly. Depending on the fabrication and thread quality, it may require a different tension setting.
As a result, you should always test a few stitches on a scrap of fabric before working on the actual garment.
Thread Breaks Solutions
It can be intimidating when the thread breaks and you don’t know how to fix it. What to do so that you are able to continue working on the sewing project?
Great news is that there are easy solutions and tips for you to prevent the thread from breaking on you sewing machine instead of seeing professional help.
Here are quick tips to resolve the problem of broken thread on your sewing machine:
- Follow the instructions to reinstall the upper thread if it is installed incorrectly.
- Adjust the tension of the upper thread is too tight.
- Install spool of thread correctly by using spool cap of the correct size.
- Insert the needle correctly.
- Replace the needle if it is bent or damaged.
- Adjust the tension for the lower thread if it is incorrect.
- Rewind the bobbin thread if it is not wound evenly.
- Correct the density of thread by using data of design system if your machine is overlapping three or more stitches due to too fine density of the thread.
- Remove all the stitches with zero or very small pitch, according to the embroidery data.
- Set the fabric firmly if thread breaking is due to lack of its tightness.
- Remove the thread if it is loose in the hook area.
- Replace the thread if its quality is poor.
First and foremost, always check your needle’s condition. Due to sewing different material, you need to know when to change the needle on a sewing machine.
Not only will it prevent the thread from breaking, but also keeps your stitching nice crisp and straight. Additionally, using the right needle will prevent damage to your fabric.
Sewing Machine Thread Breaking: Final Thoughts
Constantly dealing with broken thread while sewing clothes is not pleasant to the experience. It stops the sewing momentum, and also wastes your time significantly.
The first places to check are the bobbin, needle and thread tension. The fabric and thread quality can also impact thread breakage.
There you have it, everything that you need to know about broken thread in your sewing machine. Avoid thread breaking incidents by following the tips and check list above so you can have a stress-free sewing machine experience.