Riccar sewing machine keeps breaking thread makes about 4 stitches and then the thread breaks. GRRRRRRRRR.

Install a brand new needle (make sure it is compatible with the thread and fabric). Remove the top thread from the machine. ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning. Verify the thread path is correct. Set the top tension to the midway point and retest your machine. Tweak the top tension until the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

AVOID old or bargain bin thread.

http://www.servicethread.com/blog/stop-industrial-sewing-thread-breaks

Sewing Machine Thread Keeps Breaking

https://www.sewhere.com/why-is-my-thread-breaking-how-to-avoid-thread-breakage-at-your-sewing-machine

Why is my thread breaking

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Skipping stitches and thread breaks
Skipping stitches and thread breaks

Sewing Machine Thread Bunching Up? Here's Why!
Sewing Machine Thread Bunching Up Here Why

Make sure the thread coming off the spool is not wrapping around the spool spindle. Install a brand new needle. Remove ALL the thread from the machine. Clean bobbin area of any dust, lint, threads. Set upper tension to the midpoint. RAISE the presser foot and then totally re-thread the machine from beginning to end verifying the sequence is correct. Test.

Why Does My Sewing Machine Top Thread Keep Breaking Howcast

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1. Set up for regular sewing (not embroidery).
2. Adjust the tension of the bobbin and the top thread so that you have a nice straight stitch.
3. Check your thread quality. Is it fuzzy or have small trails sticking out. No Walmart thread allowed. Only top notch embroidery thread allowed.
4. When you've been successful with the thread and tension go ahead and set up for free arm.
5. Sew free arm but remember machine has to keep up with you. If you go too fast you will be pulling the thread and probably will break the thread.
6. Your erratic stitch is caused by the speed at which you are moving the hoop. Going fast; then slow is going to make a long stitch and then a short stitch, etc.

You do not say which machine you have. As for a straight stitch, make sure the needle is central and not in zig zag mode.
The thread can break for several reasons, such as. Incorrect tension.
:Wrong thread for the material.
: Thread in bobbin different from the top thread.
:Old thread.
: Not threaded correctly.
: Needle not inserted correctly, or incorrect needle.or the thread could be wound around the spool holder pin,
Try removing the spool and turn it around.
Hope this helps.

try changing the needle
check to make sure the top thread tension is not to tight
check to make sure the thread is not caught somewhere
change the thread
clean under the needle plate & in the bobbin area for loose threads or lint

Hello

Primary causes of upper thread breakage:


-- misthreading: pull all the thread off and thread again, using the manual, step by step. Read each step aloud before you do it. (sounds dumb, but helps.) (And make sure you thread the takeup lever!)

-- thread has wrapped itself around a thread guide or spool pin from one of the breaks. Take the spool off the machine before rethreading.

-- bad or damaged needle. Replace with the right size for the fabric, turned correctly (backwards needles skip stitches)

-- dirty machine, especially in the bobbin case area: review cleaning instructions and do it, using brush and vacuum only

-- bad/cheap thread: should not be slubby or break easy. Try another spool.

-- top thread tension too tight. 4 is normal for most fabrics, most stitches.

Tips;

1) do a light cleaning (brush and vacuum) every day you sit down to sew.

2) replace the needle if you hear it hit metal, if you've got a really bad thread jam, if you see it deflect as you sew (for instance, sewing over the side seam on jeans when hemming). Replace every 3-8 hours of actual stitching time anyhow.

3) buy good quality thread

4) when your machine isn't sewing right, stop; take all the thread off of/out of the machine (bobbin out of bobbin case, spool off spool pin) and give it a quick cleaning. Rethread from scratch, carefully. If that doesn't fix it, do it again, then replace needle and rethread one more time, manual in hand (yah, even if you've threaded it 8 million times before). #4 is curative about 98% of the time. The other 2% often requires professional attention.

Try looking for a manual for your machine here.
http://www.riccar.com/help/manuals/
If your model number isn't listed try looking for a similar model or the number nearest to your machine.
Usually, sewing machines of the same brand thread in the same way. Hope this helps!

Refer to the manual for threading and thread the machine with the presser foot up.

Make sure the bobbin is inserted so the bobbin thread is feeding in the correct direction from the bobbin spool and through the proper guides.

The lowerloop thread kept getting cut by the upperlooper.....I rethreaded the machine in order and then made sure that the lowerlooper thread was UNDER the part of the machine that makes the looks the loopings (silver part that comes to a point on the right side of the needles...sorry I don't know what to call it) and the upperloop was ON TOP of the same part.....it started working great. I actually have very nice tight stitches now.