Why Does My Sewing Machine Keep Cutting The Thread?
It can be incredibly frustrating when you are happily sewing along and suddenly your thread starts breaking repeatedly. Dealing with a sewing machine that keeps cutting the thread can quickly take the joy out of your sewing projects.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the common reasons for thread breaks and how to troubleshoot and fix the issue so you can get back to sewing.
Common Causes of Thread Breaking
There are several potential culprits when it comes to a sewing machine that keeps cutting the thread. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Improper Threading
One of the first things to check is whether your machine is threaded correctly. Even experienced sewers can miss threading a guide or two, which can lead to thread snags and breaks.
Solution: Consult your machine’s manual and double check that the thread is following the proper path from spool to needle. Rethreading from scratch is recommended.
2. Incorrect Thread Tension
If the tension on your thread is too tight, it can cause repeated thread breaks. The tension may need to be adjusted based on fabric thickness and thread type.
Solution: Try loosening the top thread tension slightly and testing on scrap fabric. Tension should be between 3-5 for most threads.
3. Damaged, Bent or Wrong Size Needle
A damaged needle that is dull, bent, or the wrong size can lead to thread shredding or frequent breaks.
Solution: Examine needle closely and replace if bent, blunt or if you notice any flaws. Use the appropriate size and type of needle for your fabric.
4. Lint Buildup
Lint and tiny bits of thread can accumulate under the throat plate and interfere with the hook’s ability to form stitches properly.
Solution: Clean out any lint in the bobbin area and under the throat plate regularly.
5. Poor Quality Thread
Cheap or damaged thread that is past its prime can be prone to breaking, especially under strain.
Solution: Invest in high-quality thread from a reputable brand. Store thread properly to prevent damage from heat/sunlight.
6. Fabric Not Hooped/Secured
If fabric is not adequately secured in the hoop or by pins, the tension required for stitching can lead to thread breaks.
Solution: Make sure fabric is smoothly but securely hooped or pinned prior to sewing.
How to Diagnose the Type of Thread Break
In order to troubleshoot what’s causing the repeated thread breaks, it helps to diagnose what type of breaking is occurring:
- Shredding – Thread appears shredded/frayed near the eye of the needle
- Clean breaks – Thread simply snaps, leaving clean cut ends
- Pop outs – Thread pops out of the needle eye
- False breaks – Thread remains attached to fabric but has popped out of needle
Examining the thread ends can provide clues to what is causing the issue. Fraying may indicate a burr or flaw on the needle eye, while clean breaks likely point to tension problems.
Step-By-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps to methodically troubleshoot and fix thread cutting issues:
- Diagnose the type of thread break (shredding, clean break etc.) for clues.
- Check for proper threading path from spool to needle. Rethread completely.
- Examine thread quality and switch to a high-quality thread suited for your fabric.
- Adjust top thread tension slightly lower and test on fabric scrap.
- Change the needle to one better suited for your fabric type and weight.
- Check for needle, throat plate or hook burrs and gently smooth any rough spots.
- Clean under the throat plate and bobbin area to remove lint buildup.
- Make sure fabric is smoothly secured in the hoop or with pins.
- Slow your sewing speed down if working with thick fabrics.
- Have a technician adjust bobbin tension or timing issues, if needed.
Following these steps methodically should help identify and resolve the cause of persistent thread breaks. Paying attention to the details of thread type, needle condition, and machine maintenance can make all the difference.
Preventing Future Thread Breaks
Once you’ve solved the current thread cutting issue, here are some tips to help avoid future problems:
- Use quality thread and replace old/damaged thread
- Change needles frequently – at least every 1-2 projects
- Choose the right needle for your fabric type
- Check tension every time you change fabric or thread type
- Clean lint out regularly
- Gently polish any hook or needle plate burrs
- Ensure fabric is taut in hoop or with pins
- Adjust speed when sewing through heavy fabrics
- Refer to your manual for proper maintenance
FAQs: Thread Cutting Issues
Why does my thread keep breaking at the same spot?
If your thread keeps breaking exactly at the same spot, there is likely a burr or damage at that point on the needle, throat plate, or thread guide. Carefully examine and smooth down any flaws.
Why does my thread break when reverse sewing?
The change in stitch direction when reverse sewing can cause extra tension on the thread. Make sure your tensions are properly set. Consider tying off threads instead of relying on reverse stitching.
Why does my bobbin thread keep breaking?
Check for proper bobbin tension and to make sure the bobbin case is free of lint and debris. The bobbin should also be the correct type for your machine and properly wound.
How can I tell if my tension is off?
Uneven top and bobbin stitches on a test sample indicate tension problems. Puckering, loose stitches, or frequent breaks also typically point to improperly set tension.
Why does my thread shred or fray?
Shredding or fraying near the needle is usually caused by a small burr or flaw on the needle eye or throat plate hole. Replace the damaged part.
Why does it break with thick fabric?
With thicker fabrics, use the appropriate needle size for the weight and switch to a stronger thread. Also, reduce tension, sew slower, and support heavy fabric as it is fed through the machine.
The Takeaway
While dealing with a sewing machine that keeps cutting the thread can be maddening, there are thankfully a number of ways to identify and resolve the issue once and for all. Pay attention to the details, follow a logical troubleshooting sequence, and you should be able to get your machine stitching smoothly once again.