My machine has an uncanny knack for knowing the second I look away from it--then the thread breaks. I've been making some FSL with some white Sulky rayon thread, and I was just wondering if that was why it keeps breaking. I'm stitching with my Bernina 170 with the embroidery module.

Thanks to all for the answers. I don't think I have a way to slow the machine stitching speed on this machine, will double check the manual, but don't think it's available to me to do on this model. I've been changing the needle every 70,000 - 80,000 stitches (about 3 FSL designs.) My rayon is of uncertain age. I know some of it is old. But it's been kept in a plastic box, out of sunlight, not exposed to dust, inside the house, which is climate controlled (mostly air conditioned) here in Texas. I've been using Schmetz embroidery needles, size 11. The Bernina dealer told me that we should only use Schmetz or Bernina needles in our machines, as they are forged, not stamped out, so are stronger.

Good answers. I do like the large eye titianium needles and I do slow the machine down a notch.. I have a cone of rayon is is 10 years old and I baby it. I know it is past it's time and over and over again it makes it.

Poly is stronger than rayon, but some threads just seem to break more often that others. You might try changing your needle and slow down the speed on your machine if you have that option. Hope you find a solution that works for you. Hugs

1 comment

by katydid 13 Jan 2011

good advice, I agree!!

When I first started to use an embroidery machine, I was using thread that was old. I had breakage problems many times. Then I switched to new poly thread, and it's been a dream. I rarely have breakage. So I'd just make sure you have new thread (rayon or poly) and a new needle and your bobbin is placed properly, and that may solve most of your breakage problems. Good luck!

2 comments

by shuede 13 Jan 2011

Also, if you are in the market to try something new, BFC-Creations/BFC-Stash is having a fantastic sale on their thread. I don't think they have much rayon left, but I think you can still get great deals on their poly line. (I bought over 200 spools!) It's Admelody thread, and it's a first for me, but the BFC-Creations group really likes it, so I decided to try it out. It was a deal I just couldn't pass up!! Check it out: http://www.bfc-stash.com/

by joann13100 14 Jan 2011

Wow--what a blow out deal.

I use both and haven't noticed a difference but I always use the slow speed (oxy-moron?). It is the machines, since they are computerized they do know when we turn our backs or leave the room! They are watching, always watching.....now try sleeping tonight, lol!

1 comment

by joann13100 14 Jan 2011

HeHeHe....yes, my machine, she is watching me watching her.......like the Twilight Zone here.....

I would chk your needle. I use Sulky all the time with no real problems. Everyone gets a thread break now and then. However, I do not do alot of FSL so could it be the speed? Also, I'm not sure if rayon thread is the thread of choice for FSL. I'm sure there is a Cutie out there that will give you more information. Good luck!

2 comments

by joann13100 14 Jan 2011

I guess I was using rayon because it makes the FSL so pretty and shiny--I like that look.

by ramona 16 Jan 2011

I can imagine. I love the rayon look.