Boo Hoo!! I have broken 4 needles this morning finally figured out it is the thread have thrown out now! Frustrating was hoping to get heaps done as I work only have the weekend...Oh Well!!!

I have by experience also learned that the sunlight(even if not direct)will affect your thread. Keeping it in the nice stands will hurt them. I keep mine in flat plastic containers(try to sort by color)

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by beatie58 04 Dec 2011

I do like you plastic drawers sorted by color.

Okay, reading the posts and notice that QA thread is mentioned a lot...so, what is QA thread? I know everyone but me knows what QA thread is...but??? Would love to know what not to buy...

Just reading the other posts, I noticed you were using the wrong size needle, I use a 90/14 only for towels and ALWAYS use Dry Cover Up on top.
Jerrilyn made a suggestion quite a while back, to spray the area with starch and iron the pile in one direction to flatten it. I found this extremely effective on very thick towels.
Hugs n love, Meganne

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by beatie58 04 Dec 2011

First needle broke when I was using fix stitch, must admit the design just fitted in my 150x240 hoop, I have a Designer one and when it was fixing going backward 1 needle broke I replaced that and immediately another broke. May need a service? started stitching ok then changed color to that QA thread, yet I had used QA in FSL with no prob...just very frustrating but will remember the needle size in future. what is dry cover up I was using solvy.
Thanks heaps Sally

by beatie58 04 Dec 2011

cut off It started stitching ok, then changed color to QA have used same reel of QA for FSL no probs. what is dry cover,
was using solvy.will remember needle size Hugs Sally

by beatie58 04 Dec 2011

Meganne, Thanks for your help!

OH NO! The dreaded Q&A!!!!
Funnily enough this disgusting thread was mentioned, (not by name of course, but the ladies had no problem yelling out the name) at the convention Chris and I just went to, as the one to avoid most.

You may as well throw all your Q&A out, unless you can use it to stuff pet pillows with.

Sorry Sally but it is not worth the hassle trying to use it, I know, I bought a 3 pack of black. AAAAAARGH!!!
Hugs and commiserations, Meg

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by danababes 04 Dec 2011

Yep, same here:expensive mistake. I bought a ton of it when I first got my machine. It shreds like crazy and made me want to throw my machine out the window. Brother dealer tested it too. Yup. Rubbish.

If you were sewing on a heavy towel, what size needle were you using...perhaps it was a combination of the thread and a needle that was too fine...just thinking...Usually when I'm sewing heavy towels or thick fleece I use a minimum 80/12...anyone else have input here?

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by beatie58 03 Dec 2011

Well could be as I was using 75/11... thanks for the tip

Is this a polyester thread and what types of thread benefit from the freezer? Cotton, Rayon poly, isocord?

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by beatie58 03 Dec 2011

It is a polyester, I had a lime green and I actually kept it in the fridge all the time and it sewed must better then.

Poor you is it working now????I hate when that happens hugs carolyn

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by beatie58 03 Dec 2011

Carolyn I have since stitched 26,000 stitch design perfectly..I was worried I perhaps needed a service as one after one the needles broke but seems ok now! going to try another one now. Hugs Sally

When I get threads that break like this I was told they are dry and old. I was told to put them in a zip lock bag and put them in the freezer for a couple of hours. Then take them out. Let them sit for 20 minutes. The moisture from the freezer helps the thread. And you are ready to go. This has saved be lots of time and money. I use to just throw them away. Not anymore. Good Luck.

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by beatie58 03 Dec 2011

thank you I had forgotten this trick!

by mommajo 03 Dec 2011

wow this is good to know I am going to have to try this. wonder if I have room for small freezer in my sewing room lol. my mom will think I have gone crazy keeping my thread in there, but they cost so much and the expense is bad too

Sally
I have found a couple of threads I have do a similar thing so have put them in my bobbin thread drawer. hugs Helen

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by beatie58 03 Dec 2011

Helen, good idea will get it out of the rubbish thanks sally

What exactly was the issue with the thread, Beatie? I wonder why it was breaking your needles? You have my sympathy.

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by beatie58 03 Dec 2011

The towel is really thick and I thought perhaps that but then I remembered last time I used that particular color I also broke a couple of needles. It is QA thread...

by mpo14011 03 Dec 2011

Don't use QA threads.They are not good.
Typical, cheap threads.
But don't throw them out. Use them in your bobbin when stitching FSL.
Trust me it works.
Been there, done that.

by beatie58 04 Dec 2011

Thanks I know now although have used it before without probs. fortunately only bought a couple or reels.