Part 3 Thread Breaks
Tracking Down the Problem Part 3 Thread Breaks, Fraying or Scuffing
How to identify types of thread breaks:
| Common Causes | Appearance | Remedies |
| Too much tension or poor quality thread. | A small tuft of fiber on the end of the broken thread. | Loosen tension or change brand of thread. Try a different cone of thread. |
| Improper placement of stitch relative to previous stitch. Stitch penetrates and splits previous thread. | Broken end will have a bend in the thread and a tuft on the end. | Edit stitch placement or repunch the design. |
| Thread is cut by sharp place on the hook. | Thread will have a clean cut appearance. | Replace or polish hook. |
| Hook point catches only a portion of the thread. | Thread will fray and break. | Adjust hook timing, use correct needle size. Try a slightly larger needle. |
Quick Checks:
| Common Causes | Quick Check |
| Tension too tight. | Loosen tension. |
| Obstruction in thread path. | Make certain thread pulls smoothly. |
| Needle damage or improper needle insertion. | Replace needle or insert needle so scarf (or back) of needle faces the hook point. |
| Fraying due to tight densities. | Reduce stitch density or make more than one pass using multiple layers of sewing with lighter density per layer to achieve desired coverage. |
| Descending needle point penetrating or catching hanging thread. | Adjust take up spring so it is working until the eye of the needle penetrates the fabric OR adjust the tension. |
Note: Always keep in mind the size of your needle. A size 75/11 needle is .75mm wide. Anytime the stitch length is equal to or less than .75mm you are sewing on top of the previous stitch! This can result in all kinds of havoc for your machine! (Not to mention putting holes in your goods!)