Sewing Machine Woes: Conquering the Constant Thread Breakage

Checking and adjusting the thread tension, using high-quality thread, and ensuring proper threading are crucial to prevent thread breakage. Additionally, maintaining a clean machine, checking for thread snags, and properly threading the bobbin can further help reduce the occurrence of breakage. Moreover, being aware of issues like burrs on feed dogs can contribute to solving the problem.

So, if you want to know more about sewing machine woes issues and their solution go through the whole article. We will help you to explore the secrets of thread breaking and provide you with the knowledge to resolve issues.

Why My Sewing Machine Thread Keeps Breaking

There are several reasons why your sewing machine thread keeps breaking. The most common reason is that the tension on your machine is too tight. A thread tension gauge, which costs around $10 USD and is readily available at any sewing supply store, is the finest tool for measuring this.

If you decide not to buy one, use the following strategy: You should connect a piece of thread to either side of your needle. The threads should feel snug against one another after a light tug.

Verify that the threads are not twisted around one another; if they are, loosen them slightly till they are, and then check to see that there is equal tension on both sides of the needle (this will also help prevent skipped stitches).

Another reason why your sewing machine thread keeps breaking could be due to improperly threaded bobbins and spools or incorrect needle size for the fabric being used (a smaller needle will pierce through thicker fabrics more easily than a larger one).

So, let’s have a detailed description of the reasons of sewing machine keep breaking issue. The reasons and their solutions are mentioned for you accordingly. 

The Thread Tension is Too Tight:

If your thread keeps breaking, it’s likely that the tension is too tight.

The problem here is that tightening the tension pulls the thread too tight and causes it to break. You can check the tension on your machine by turning this screw (usually located on top of the machine) until there’s no slacker in between layers of fabric. If you see any slack at all, loosen up a bit!

If you don’t feel comfortable adjusting this setting yourself or if your sewing machine doesn’t have a dial for adjusting its tension settings, take it to an experienced technician who knows how to fix these machines well enough so that they can get back on track and sew like new again!

Thread Bunching Up: 

Thread bunching up is a common sewing problem that occurs when the thread forms large tangles and clumps. This issue can also cause the sewing machine thread to break frequently.

The reasons for thread bunching up include using low-quality thread, which tends to have looser fibers and is more prone to breaking and creating tangles. The thread bunching up can cause increased tension and friction, leading to thread breakage.

 To prevent this problem, it’s essential to use a high-quality thread and ensure proper tension settings to maintain smooth and uninterrupted sewing.

The Thread isn’t Threaded Properly:

It’s likely that you’re not threading your sewing machine properly if you’re experiencing problems. To get started, consider this advice:

• Use the needle threader. You can also use this tool as a guide when learning how to thread the machine manually, but once you’ve mastered the technique, consider letting go of its aid and doing it by hand. This will help strengthen your fingers and improve dexterity.
• To avoid worrying about doing things perfectly, try not to focus too intently on what you’re doing. It’s best not to think about whether or not there are any knots in the thread or if all of them are evenly spaced apart just let go and enjoy yourself!

Fabric Not Feeding: 

If the fabric is not feeding properly in a sewing machine, it can indeed cause the thread to break. Some possible reasons for improper fabric feeding include the presser foot not being lowered properly, and malfunctioning feed dogs. Also using a short stitch length, using too thick or thin fabric, and using the incorrect needle size can cause the issue. 

To prevent this issue, ensure proper presser foot placement, and check and maintain the feed dogs’ functionality. Try to use the appropriate stitch length and needle size for the fabric.  And make any necessary adjustments to facilitate smooth fabric feeding and minimize thread breakage.

The needle Comes Unthreaded Before Sewing: 

When the needle comes unthreaded before sewing, it can lead to the sewing machine thread breaking. This issue can be caused by incorrect thread tension, where overly tight tension can cause the thread to snap. 

Additionally, a damaged needle, whether bent, dull or with burrs, can create resistance and cause the thread to break while passing through the fabric.

To prevent this problem, ensure proper thread tension adjustment according to the fabric and thread, and regularly inspect and replace needles to maintain a smooth and uninterrupted sewing process.

Change the Needle: 

Changing the needle in a sewing machine can potentially cause the thread to break. This can happen due to several reasons:

• Incorrect Needle Size:

Using the wrong needle size for the fabric can lead to excessive friction and resistance, resulting in thread breakage.

• Dull or Damaged Needle:

A dull or damaged needle may not smoothly penetrate the fabric, causing the thread to fray or break.

To prevent thread breakage when changing the needle, it’s crucial to choose the correct needle size and type for the fabric.

The Needle Is Bent Or Dull:

One of the most crucial components of a sewing machine is the needle, thus it’s crucial that you maintain yours in excellent condition. The needle is what makes the thread go through the fabric and into your seam.

When you try to sew with fabric that lacks a sharp tip, you can discover that the cloth tears or breaks. If a bent or dull needle is left unchecked, it can result in fraying in your stitches and major harm to the fabric and machine.

Be sure not to use worn sewing needles! If you notice any cracks or chips on them then it’s time for new ones!

The Needle Is Incorrectly Inserted:

When operating a machine with a top-loading bobbin, the needle must go into the needle clamp. The needle’s tip should face the arrow pointing in the direction of where it should be inserted. The needle should also be fully placed into the needle clamp’s bottom hole.

In order for your thread to pass through your hook easily while using a machine with a front-loading bobbin and hook assembly, you must make sure that your hook is properly positioned.

Improper Needle Size for The Fabric Being Used:

You must identify the root of the issue before you can fix your sewing machine’s thread-breaking issue. 

It won’t work properly if the cloth is too thick for the needle size and sewing machine model you’re using. The same holds true for the machine type and the thread type that is being used.

Burrs on Feed Dogs:

You know how bothersome and aggravating it can be if you’ve ever had a burr on the feed dogs. 

When you sew, a burr is a tiny metal fragment that has detached from the feed dog and become adhered to the cloth. Your thread will break as a result, which might result in a less-than-perfect product.

Simply grab a pair of tweezers and delicately pick a burr out of your feed dogs. To prevent it from moving about excessively or becoming tangled up with anything else, you might need to apply some force. Throw away any remaining bits after removal to prevent another one from developing!

Preventing burrs requires watching out for them when doing maintenance on your sewing machine and knowing what they look like when they appear (they’re small!).

If there are any burrs in sight after using the tweezers trick above, then take them off manually by hand as well before continuing with normal sewing activities!

Clean The Machine: 

A dirty machine can cause various issues while sewing. To prevent constant thread breaking in your sewing machine, maintaining a clean machine is crucial. Follow these steps to clean your machine and reduce thread breakage:

• Remove Lint and Debris: 

Regularly clean out the accumulated lint and debris in your sewing machine. Lint build-up can disrupt the smooth operation and contribute to thread breakage. Use a small brush or lint roller to clean the bobbin area.

• Check for Thread Snags: 

Inspect for any thread snags or tangles around the spool or bobbin case. These snags can cause the thread to break as it gets caught and pulled during sewing. Carefully remove any snags or tangles to ensure seamless thread flow.

Check The Top Threading:

To prevent constant thread breaking in your sewing machine, checking the top threading is essential. Follow these steps to check the top threading and reduce thread breakage:

• Rethread the Machine 

Improper threading can lead to snags, resulting in thread breaks. Start by troubleshooting the issue by rethreading your top thread.

• Check the Thread Quality 

Poor-quality thread can cause the thread to break while sewing. Ensure that you use high-quality thread suitable for the fabric being used.

• Slow Down

Sewing too fast or irregularly can create uneven tension and cause the thread to break. Slow down, especially when sewing through thick fabric or multiple layers. Taking your time can help maintain a more consistent stitch and reduce the risk of thread breakage.

Check The Bobbin: 

To prevent constant thread breaking in your sewing machine, checking the bobbin is essential. Follow these steps to check the bobbin and reduce thread breakage:

• Check the Bobbin Tension

Improper bobbin tension can cause the thread to break. If it’s too tight or too loose, it can lead to issues. Consult your sewing machine manual for instructions on how to adjust the bobbin tension properly.

• Check the Bobbin Thread Quality

Poor-quality bobbin thread can contribute to thread breakage while sewing. Ensure that you use high-quality thread suitable for the fabric being used.

• Check the Bobbin Placement 

Ensure that the bobbin is correctly inserted and that the thread is properly wound around it. An incorrectly placed bobbin can cause the thread to break.

Bobbin Thread is Too Loose:

Let’s discuss bobbin thread before we begin so that you will understand what it is and how it might damage your sewing machine. The bobbin is the spindle that holds the waste yarn or thread as it passes through the machine.

When you’re ready to start sewing, you wind a bobbin with your top thread and then feed it into the bottom of your sewing machine.

Then, as you begin sewing along, this waste yarn catches on whatever fabric you’re using and since there are two threads crossing each other, they’ll have some tension placed on them by gravity alone.

If either one breaks at any point during this process (and oftentimes both will), then things get messy fast!

Threads Are Improperly Crossed Over Each Other:

If your needle thread is on top of your bobbin thread and if it’s properly threaded in the upper tension, that means that you’ve got a problem with your upper tension. Also if your upper thread gets caught on the shuttle hook it can cause issues.

If this is the case, you’ll want to take a look at this video on adjusting my sewing machine’s bobbin winding tension.

There Are A Lot of Causes for Thread Breaking Beyond User Error

The thread should be checked to make sure it is not broken in the first place. Your sewing machine will not be able to draw your thread through correctly if it has a break in it.

You can easily test this by pulling out some of the loose threads from your spool or skein of thread and see if they’re intact. If they are, then you know that it’s most likely not a user error and that there’s something else wrong with your machine (or just with your threads).

If everything looks okay with the thread itself but you’re still having problems with breaking, then there may be other causes for this problem beyond just user error:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why Is My Sewing Machine Not Moving Smoothly?

If your fabric is not moving smoothly while you sewing, then your machine could not be threaded correctly. If it is threaded correctly and the presser foot is down on top of the feed dogs, then there is something else.  The issue might be that your machine is set to the “free-motion” or “darning” mode.

Why Does My Sewing Machine’s Bottom Thread Keep Jamming?

Tangled thread, uneven fabric feeding, or accumulation of lint inside the machine can all contribute to the issue of bottom thread jamming. These factors can disrupt the smooth flow of the bottom thread, causing it to get stuck and resulting in sewing machine jams. 

Why Does My Sewing Machine Keep Clumping Thread?

The sewing machine may keep clumping thread if the bobbin is inserted backward or becomes dislodged while sewing. In such cases, the bobbin thread won’t feed through the machine correctly, causing it to bunch up and tangle during the sewing process.

Why Does My Sewing Machine Needle Keep Getting Stuck?

The sewing machine needle may get stuck due to bent or misshapen needles. Another reason could be an uneven distribution of thread tension, where the thread is being pulled on one side of the needle.

Conclusion

Now you know what to do if your sewing machine woes.

These are very basic problems that can be fixed quickly. However, if you have tried all of these steps and your sewing machine continues to break the thread, consider taking it to a professional. You may need a small part replaced or could benefit from an overall tune-up. Sewing professionally is a great skill and one that will last you a lifetime.