Last night I started quilting on the Purple Stars quilt - I expect I'll get it finished tonight if Bernie cooperates.The strangest thing has been happening - and I'm interested to know if anyone else has ever had a similar experience ... Every time I quilt on the navy and white print, I'm holding my breath, because often when I get to a seam in that fabric, the top thread breaks. The needle makes a banging sound, and then - snap the thread is gone. I thought maybe I'd blunted the needle, so swapped a couple of times - but it didn't seem to make a difference. I've made the problem a little less severe by changing to a Janome blue-tip needle. I don't know what is different with the blue-tips and the regular Schmetz needles I use, but for now, I'm still getting a little of the sound, but so far *touch wood* no thread breakage.
This quilt needs to be finished in it's entirety by Monday next week, with directions and 'in progress' pieces etc. It's destined for Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine - I can't remember the issue number, but I'll definitely fill you in. Back to quilting for me - I'll check back soon :-)
Is the sound more like a pop, pop? Then the problem is the fabric, maybe a tighter weave then the others in the quilt. If the noise is a clank it means the needle is getting "deflected" and is rubbing against the needle plate and this would cause thread breakage. Deflection is the bend that a needle has while in the machine, some needles are stronger and have less deflection, Schmetz deflects alot so changing from those needles is a good thing. Good luck...
ReplyDeleteHmmm, 2 thoughts...are you using a single hole throat plate, and what size needle are you using with what size thread? I'd try rethreading the whole machine - top and bottom, using a single hole throat plate & perhaps switching to a 70/10 needle. Best of luck! The quilt is gorgeous! ; 0 Piecefully, Pam
ReplyDeleteI was going to say timing, but she's just got back from the health spa so it can't be that. I reckon Kelly Ann is right.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you quilting again.
xxx
I have had that problem too. I agree that it may be needle deflection or a tighter weave fabric. A long time ago I had a beautiful piece of batik that had sand in it! This had to have been when batiks first came out. Of course I did not know until trying to sew on it. A major pain.
ReplyDeleteI use a size 14 or 16 titanium coated needle to quilt with. They are coated and very strong. And they cost a bit more. But they last through a couple quilts.
Subee XOXXOOXXO
Sounds like Kelly Ann is giving good advice. I machine quilt with a heavier needle. The Schmetz Quilters multi-pack contains 11/75(for piecing) and 14/90(for quilting) and that is what I usually use in my Husky. I recently got a Bernina for my birthday and find it is pickier about thread and needle combos. It does sound that the fabric is part of the situation too.
ReplyDeleteI was not going to post, but the word verification was bless, so i thought i should,lol.
blessings,
debbie
No solution here for your problem, but THAT QUILT! is another winner! Very nice job. 8-)))
ReplyDeleteWhen I see a particularly nice quilt, open up on the screen, I just go ... gasp! with pleasure. Love this one.
Hi, I also do long arm quilting and have found the same problem when I quilt on very finely woven fabric, some people put very fine linnen on the back of their quilts. I get needles from Kings Men Quitling supplies (Groz-Beckert). Also see Superior Threads website - there are lots of info on needles and what needles to use with which thread. Good luck, I hope you manage to get the quilt finished without grinding your teeth away. Marina, South Africa
ReplyDeleteSorry, I don't have a clue as what the problem could be, but you quilt is BEAUTIFUL! I love it!
ReplyDeleteKristie
Oh look, one of my favorites!!!
ReplyDeleteYou do all this quilting on your home machine not a longarm?
ReplyDeleteWow I am impressed......what lovely work you do!
This quilt is to die for!
Happy Sewing,
Kim
Is the white print on the navy fabric 'painted' on? I've experienced the same issue with that type fabric.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Patb, if its got the painted white, it can make thread break. Also some fabrics have so much dye in them, such as dark blues. It sure is a pain to have thread breakage.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt looks wonderful - love the backing fabric!
ReplyDelete