Sewing machine - thread keeps snapping

Thriftylady

I'm trying to sew some curtains and the thread keeps snapping. At first I thought it was the spool - the plastic spool had a rough spot on the edge where the thread kept catching. I have used sandpaper to smooth down the rough edge, but its still happening. The thread from the bobbin doesn't break, only the one from the top of the machine. Would this be put under more pressure than the thread from the bobbin, could this be whats causing it to snap? I've never had this problem before, but when I look through my sewing stuff I see that all my other thread is polyester, but this one is cotton.....is it maybe just not strong enough?

The machine is definitely threaded correctly.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Penelope_Penguin

Hi, Thriftylady, looks like tension to me. Have you tried loosening the upper tension slightly?

Penny. x

Mariel

I have had that problem when using cheap thread sometimes. Or maybe the top tension is a bit too tight? It might be if you are using thickish fabric. Sorry I can't be any more help. Have you got any polyester the right colour?

Chubacheroo

Definately sounds like the tension to me, I used to have that happen.

Thriftylady

thanks everyone !

I'm not sure that I know how to adjust the tension......and theres probably no point in asking you all, since you don't know my machine. But its a Singer, and its only a couple of years old.......just in the unlikely event that one of you has a similar machine !!

or on second thoughts, maybe I should dig out the instruction book....

sandieb

Does the machine need oiling? Mine went much more smoothly when all its important parts were lubricated (check out the instruction booklet). But don't sew your curtain material until you have tested it out on some scrap material....oil marks not good.

Also, do you have a metal bobbin? I find these better than plastic.

Also are the threads top and bottom both cotton?

wendym

Sorry if this is asking the bl**din obvious - are you using the same thread top and bottom?

If you've tried everything else eg tension, are you using a heavy/sharp enough needle? That can throw out the timing of the stitch, which makes the thread snap.

Penny_Watcher

Thriftylady wrote:

thanks everyone !

I'm not sure that I know how to adjust the tension......and theres probably no point in asking you all, since you don't know my machine. But its a Singer, and its only a couple of years old.......just in the unlikely event that one of you has a similar machine !!

or on second thoughts, maybe I should dig out the instruction book....

You know when you thread the machine do you wind it through anything that looks like a k n o b ('scuse the spacing - I want to get that word through the swear filter :cool: ) with some numbers on it? If you do then this should be the tension adjuster. You can turn said k n o b to adjust the tension thingy. Behind it should be two plates - the tighter you turn the tension knob the tighter the tension, vice versa for slackness.

Good Luck :j

hardpressed

If it's not the tension, has it happened since you put a new needle in? If the needle is in the wrong way round it will make the cotton snap. On most machines the needle has a long groove going down to the eye this is the right side, the wrong side only has a short groove. You need the long groove on the side you thread the needle from. That sounds as clear as mud!

culpepper

It might be a rough edge on the needle plate.
You can feel it with your fingers if there is a snag. You should be able to sand it smooth if there is.
or
If the thread is tight in the needle it will fray as it feeds through and would need a bigger needle.
or
if the thread hasn't been threaded through the spring wire whatsit just above the needle , the thread will be too stretched and snap.

jamanda

I think you need to change the needle. It should be OK then if you have threaded it up properly. I usually keep my tension on No. 5 if that helps.