1. Select the Correct Thread
The most popular cause why threads break is with the use of the wrong thread. Not all threads are created equal. Polyester threads are great and robust for high-speed embroidery, but rayon threads provide a tender texture but will tend to break. If you’re utilizing the incorrect thread for your fabric or pattern, it will keep snapping. It is also a great idea to employ quality threads rather than low-quality ones that will quickly break. Keep your spools under a well-ventilated environment where they are not exposed to sunlight to maintain their health. Proper thread will not only prevent fracture, but it will also make your embroidery silky and professional in appearance.
2. Monitor Your Needles
Needles contribute a humongous part in machine embroidery. A blunt or broken needle will cut through the thread rather than pushing through. That’s when you hear repeated snapping. One thing to get into a habit of is to inspect your needle before starting a project. If it appears worn smooth, replace it immediately. As a general rule, the needle needs to be replaced every few hours of stitchery. Just as vital is how big the needle is. Thinner materials require smaller needles, and thicker ones require larger sizes. Working with the correct needle ensures the thread glides smoothly and prevents those awful breaks.
3. Get Thread Tension Right
Thread tension is all about equilibrium. Too tight, the thread tugs and snaps. Too loose, your pattern gets sloppy. To make it ideal, always test on a scrap fabric first. Check the stitches—if the thread is breaking, slack it off a little. If the back is loose, tighten up a little. Small changes make a giant difference. When you hit that sweet spot, your stitches will be like silk. Knowledge of tension control saves time and you on lost thread for large embroidery projects.
4. Clean and Oil Your Machine Regularly
A dry or dusty embroidery machine can lead to perpetual issues. Lint, dust, and tiny pieces of fabric have a way of getting themselves stuck in the machine and slowing down the free flow of thread. The thread breaks more often because of it. The remedy is easy—clean your machine between each project. Note the bobbin space and thread path where lint tends to build up. A small amount of oil where necessary also causes the parts to move more smoothly. A well-lubricated, clean machine not only prevents thread breaks—it makes embroidery faster and more enjoyable as well.
5. Employ the Right Stabilizer
If your fabric floats when stitching, the thread will tend to break. That’s why stabilizers are essential. A stabilizer holds your fabric in place and gives it extra support when embroidering. Light fabric requires a tear-away stabilizer. Stretchy fabric requires a cut-away stabilizer. Water-soluble stabilizers are best for fussy fabric. Having the correct stabilizer is one less thing, but it saves so much aggravation. It keeps your fabric stable, your stitches neaten, and protects your thread from breaking over and over.
6. Slow Down on Complex Designs
Thread snapping is often a source of frustration resulting from over-speeding the embroidery machine. Running the machine at high speed snaps the thread. This happens more with designs that have many tiny stitches or heavy stitching areas. When the machine runs too fast, there is not enough time for the thread to pass smoothly and it snaps. Easy solution: reduce speed. Reducing the speed a little can be wonderful. It will be a bit longer, yes, but it avoids you having to rethread over broken threads again and again. Good embroidery is not a race, keep in mind, but neat and clean work. Take it slow on the tricky designs and you’ll end up with prettier stitchery and less hassle.
Conclusion
Thread breakage is frustrating, but it shouldn’t stop you in your tracks. With a little thread choice sensitivity, fresh needles, tensioning, machine cleaning, stabilizers, and easier handling of fine work, you can prevent most of these problems before they become problems. The easiest solution to avoiding most of these issues is to use correctly digitized files. BitsNPixs fits into this. Because we are the best embroidery digitizing firm, we ensure we provide top-notch embroidery digitizing files which guarantee your designs perform well in any machine, minimizing errors and avoiding unnecessary thread breaks. With BitsNPixs, you are able to enjoy well-stitched embroidery while we do the technical job for you.