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Terri Posted on Mar 22, 2016
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I have a Elna excellence 7600. Why does thread keep breaking while chain stitching fabric?

My thread is cotton. It only breaks when I start the next piece of fabric in my chain. I'm chain stitching to make it faster while I'm piecing my quilt.

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  • Sewing Machines Master 1,860 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 22, 2016
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Thread breaks
first check to see if there is an actual thread break, then check the threading-both needle and thread
Sometimes the machine will signal a thread break when there really isn't one, at least not technically. For example, a mis-threading can cause the thread break sensor to think there is a problem because it is not sensing the proper thread tension. This can also happen if a loop of thread forms suddenly resulting in slack in the thread.
a thread break signal are really a "thread out" indication most often triggered by an empty or low bobbin or the needle becoming unthreaded.
rethread the machine and correct any low thread conditions.
Actual Thread Breaks
Examine the thread break. Is it a clean snap or is it shredded?
Next, examine the thread path. Did the thread get caught on something
A common problem with embroidery thread is that due to its slippery nature, it can slide down the spool and get hung up underneath causing a sudden jerk on the thread. Rayons will probably just snap at this point but some poly threads may be strong enough to resist breaking and instead flex the needle resulting in a broken needle.
Metallic threads often cause more breaks and shredding because they tend to form loops and kinks as they come off the spool. This is exacerbated by small spools with narrow diameters and short thread paths from the spool to the first thread guide. A simple solution for this is to extend the thread path.
Thread Factors
Lets look a little closer at thread. Embroidery threads are more fragile than those used for garment construction or quilting. Start with quality thread and know how to care for it.
Embroidery threads can dry out when exposed to light, heat, drafts, and air conditioning. They can become "bruised" if dropped or handled roughly. As they age, they become more fragile. Due to dying and other processes, certain colors break more easily than others. Check this for yourself. Try breaking a white thread and then a black. Also notice that the black is slightly thicker than the white.
Rayon tends to break easier than poly. Metallics are more temperamental and finicky
Needle-Related Possibilities
On a single needle machine, if you are getting continuous thread breaks with multiple colors and you are sure you can eliminate the thread, then look at the needle.
Is it the right size? For 40 wt rayon or polyester thread, a 70/10 or 75/11 works well on most fabrics.
Embroidery needles have a slightly larger eye to reduce friction on the thread. High quality needles have a well-polished eye that won't snag, abrade, or shred the thread. The thread can pass through the eye of the needle 50 to 60 times before it is laid down on the fabric. Any rough spot on the needle or thread path can literally saw the thread in half
The broken needle is the least of your problem! If your machine doesn't stop the instant the needle breaks, it may severely damage your fabric. Needle breaks can cause scratches and rough spots on the throat plate and in the hook area that can shred thread. Until these problems are smoothed out, thread breaks will be your reality.
It is possible for the fabric and/or stabilizer to the source of thread problems. For example, heavy, stiff fabrics can easily strip some metallic threads
If the lower thread keeps breaking, open out the bobbin hatch and check that there is no lint buildup that is hindering the smooth flow of the thread. If there is any lint, remove the bobbin and clean the area thoroughly with a brush. Also check that the bobbin is wound correctly and that the tension of bobbin thread is even. Poor maintenance and incorrectly wound bobbins are the culprit more often..

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1helpful
1answer

Thread breaking on elna lotus tsp

When it stitches, does appear the top thread is tighter and pulling the bobbin thread up? Pay attention to what is happening before the thread breaks. Sew slowly and manually turn the handwheel. Where does it break? What are the symptoms before it breaks? Does it fray/shred at the needle eye? (The thread is not advancing through the needle eye properly and is actually being shredded, could be the needle has a sharp spot or the needle eye is too small for the thread. Coarse fabric will also shred thread.) Do you notice the top thread getting tighter and tighter and then finally popping? (The thread is being held back somewhere in the thread path {misthreading'--happens to me when it gets wrapped around the spool pin or a thread guide.)

Suggest removing the top thread completely from the machine. Install a brand new needle that is the appropriate size and type for the thread and fabric. Remember to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning. Verify the thread path is correct. Adjust the top tension until the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

Why is my thread breaking

https://www.howcast.com/videos/512591-why-does-my-top-thread-keep-breaking-sewing-machine

http://www.servicethread.com/blog/stop-industrial-sewing-thread-breaks
0helpful
1answer

I use a speed controller, medium speed. Top thread keeps fraying and breaking. Have tried changing needles, used 100/16 hlx5, 90/14, janome numbers 16, 14, 12.

When the thread is fraying at the needle eye, it sometimes means the thread is being held back somewhere in the thread path. Remove the top thread. ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread. Verify the thread path is correct. Check the tension. If it is too tight, the tensioner is not allowing the thread to advance. (When you raise the presser foot, are you able to pull the top thread?) Try changing thread brands. Some threads and machines just do not get along. AVOID old or bargain bin threads. If you are stitching coarse, abrasive fabric, it can cause thread to fray and break.
0helpful
1answer

What are the correct settings for basteing on an elna excellence 730

Here's a manual for your machine:

ELNA eXcellence 730 Instruction Manual

If your machine does not have a "basting" stitch selection, you make your own basting stitch by:

* Setting the stitch length to the maximum
* Loosen the upper tension so the bobbin thread lies flat under the fabric

Then to gather or remove the basting stitch, it is easy to pull on the bobbin thread.
0helpful
1answer

How can I stitch Stretchable cloth with this machine..

Be sure you are using the correct needle for stretch fabric.

All About Needles

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0ahUKEwjmkeKwzpbOAhVPVWMKHVBjAAQQFgg3MAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schmetzneedles.com%2Flearning%2Fpdf%2Fschmetz-needle-chart.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHTR52AmqwzvyCjbXmD5Ch52Va5_Q&cad=rja

Set your machine for a zig-zag (or stretch stitch if you have it) to accommodate the fabric stretch.

Use a good quality thread. Avoid old or bargain bin threads. Cotton thread will break easier than polyester.

You may need to adjust the tension for the fabric.

How to Sew Knits and Stretch Fabrics with Sewing Machine

3 Things To Know Before Sewing With Lycra SewsNBows

Sewing Spandex Tips

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1helpful
1answer

Elna 2005 I don't have the manual. Which setting is for the stretch stitch?

A special stretch stitch is not required to sew stretchy fabric. All one needs is a zig-zag that is wide enough and close together enough to allow the fabric to stretch without breaking the stitching thread. (Test it on a piece of scrap fabric you are using, give it a good tug and see if the thread breaks.)

NOTE: be sure to use a ball-point needle. A sharp needle will tend to cut the fabric threads and your stretch fabric will eventually develop holes and runs commonly found in knits.

There doesn't appear to be a manual for your machine, however, you can usually find a manual close to your machine model and the instructions will be similar enough to suffice. Perhaps you will find one with instructions for sewing stretch fabric:

ELNA Other manuals

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0helpful
2answers

How do i stop the cotton breaking ?

could be the cotton is too old ( cotton has an additive in it to stop it unraveling and this additive deteriorates with age and weakens the cotton--makes it rough and so it will not slide easily through the eye )
go up an needle eye size
check that the thread is not jamming rather than between he tension plates
check that you have the needle in correctly ( groove in the needle facing the thread )
0helpful
1answer

Sews fine on cotton, but skips on synthetic stretch cloth. Manual doesn't really offer a suggestion.

Needs to be a ball point needle for stretch fabric, sounds like you are using universal sharp needle. Stretch fabrics require ball point to push between the fibres, also, a slight zig zag stitch is more durable as when you stretch the garment during wear a straight stitch will often break, need some elasticity in the seams. Some machines have a stretch stitch too.
1helpful
1answer

Working wth cotton t-shirt maerial, but my thread keeps breaking and my stitches are skipping what should I do.

You need to use the correct type of needle for that fabric. The needle has to have a rounded end not a sharp. Also use a slight zigzag not a straight stitch. The thread needs some give or the fabric will keep popping.
0helpful
1answer

Thread in needle or bobbin keeps on breaking

The tread only breaks in the needle. what can i do . i don't get to sew anything . I tread the needle and get everything ready and start the machine and as quickly as that the tread is broken and the machine has not sewn at all.
0helpful
1answer

No zig and cotton keeps breaking

Make sure you have a new sharp needle installed for both problems and sometimes you need a particular kind of needle for the fabric. Also some machines don't deal well with 100% cotton thread. For some reason it gets caught up in the machine somewhere and breaks. Gutterman and Metrosene make excellent although slightly more expensive threads. Coats and Clark thread is good too. They make an all cotton thread but it doesn't come in as many colors. If you have the old spools of cotton thread from Walmart, just use them for topstitching if you need the color. Other wise, use them for hand stitching or throw them away. One more thing that I can think of off hand, one of my machines does not like lining fabric. For some reason the thread breaks if I stitch really fast. If you have to use that thread, you may try sewing slowly. One more thing, when was the last time your machine was serviced? This can make a huge difference if it's been awhile and you use the machine a lot. Good luck. Hope any of this helps.
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