Sewing Machine Thread Keeps Breaking – 18 Possible Reasons

Is your thread keep on breaking in the sewing machine? I know how frustrating it is.

Don’t worry! Here in this article, I will share with you some possible reasons why the thread keeps on breaking in the sewing machine.

Do you know uncut threads contribute more than 24% of all sewing defects? And broken threads are a prime cause of uncut stitches.  

Thread breaking is a common annoying issue that pops up frequently while sewing. Everyone who is into sewing would have experienced this issue at least once. If you are coming across recurrent thread breaks for the first time, don’t jump to a conclusion that something is wrong with your sewing machine. The thread will usually break when a newbie who lacks the knowledge of handling the sewing machine sews.

No matter whether you are a beginner or an expert, to avoid thread breaking issues, try to have a clear understanding of the sewing machine and its working process. Knowing the sewing machine tips and tricks will help you to break a lot of obstacles while sewing.

So, at first, diagnose the reason. If you are clear with the ultimate causes of unthreading, then you can easily sort the problem on your own and sew without any hurdles.

Listed below are the potential causes of thread breaking in the sewing machine and the key tips to fix them. You can check it one by one and spot the exact reason why the thread breaks in your machine.

Checklist

If you’re in hurry, here is a quick checklist for you. You can find problems with detailed descriptions in the later part.

Problems with the Thread

While sewing, whenever your thread keeps on breaking, immediately stop and see if there is any fault in your sewing thread. Because at several times, the thread itself plays a vital role in causing thread breaks. Do you know how? Here is the answer for you!

Improper Thread Installation

If you install the thread in the wrong path or use any spool cap of mismatching size, then what would happen? Obviously, the thread will tangle and end up breaking. Hence, whenever you encounter frequent thread breaks, initially keep an eye on thread installation in the sewing machine and confirm whether the thread is connected properly in the thread path. If not, remove the thread and rethread it correctly in the sewing machine.

Also, prefer to pick the correct size of the spool cap suitable to the thread spool you are using and install them in the right way to not get trapped into the thread breaking problems.

Erratic Thread Tension

Another potential cause of thread break in the sewing machine is thread tension. Generally, high thread tension will tighten and break the top thread. While low thread tension will loosen the thread and spoil the stitches. So, make sure to have an even upper thread tension while sewing. If you have an older machine, then you should also adjust the lower thread tension to have matching stitches.

Remember, whenever you sew, always focus on the thread tension by taking the thread type and fabric into account. You can easily escape from interrupted thread breaks if you maintain proper tension in both the upper and lower thread strands. Learn how to achieve thread tension in a sewing machine.

Poor Thread Quality

The quality of the thread matters the most. If you use any old or low-quality thread for sewing, then for sure your thread will keep on breaking. Also, the thread will break when you use a fine thread for a heavy fabric.

Out of different types of thread available in the market, always try to pick high-quality thread suitable to your fabric. Listed below are a few common types of natural and synthetic threads you can use for sewing.

Avoid using the same thread multiple times because when it gets dark it will easily tend to break. Likewise, a weak thread will also naturally break soon and therefore it is highly recommended to use a new thread in place of a damaged thread.

According to coats.com,

If Linen, Rayon Continuous Filament (CF) has resistance of 1, then:

• Cotton = 3
• Spun Silk = 4
• Spun Polyester = 12
• CF Polyester = 30
• Spun Nylon = 40
• CF Nylon = 150

Old Threads

Threads over the period loses the strength. Thread age is as must important as quality. Always take a piece of thread and check its strength by test breaking with your hands. Try to use fresh and new threads.

Troubles with the Needle

If you have no issues with your thread, then skip to the needle and check it. Similar to the thread, the needle also causes thread breaking problems. By checking the below-mentioned sewing needle troubles, you can understand the primary reason that triggers your thread to break while sewing.

Damaged Needle

If your thread keeps on breaking, then see to your needle and confirm whether it is in a good state. Using a bent or a damaged needle is one of the major reasons that lead to upper thread breaking or any other sewing issues. To stay away from thread breaking, try to use a new needle without any damages.

Never depend wholly on the needle that comes along with the sewing machine. Change the needle frequently to have a perfect stitching line. You can follow the step-by-step guide to change the needle in the sewing machine. For every sewing project, it is advisable to use a new needle suitable to the fabric and thread type.

Incorrect Needle Insertion

Like improper thread installation, the insertion of the needle in the wrong direction will also break the thread. At times, the incorrect needle insertion in the sewing machine will not only cut the thread but also will break the needle by hitting it on the needle plate or the bobbin case. So, to be free from thread breaks and other damages, make sure you have inserted the needle in the correct way.

Here is the front and back view of the sewing needle.

Image Source: coats.com

Always place the needle in the appropriate position and tighten the screw or else the needle will loosen up and fall out. Do not insert the needle in the backward direction. If you are not sure about the installation, check the manual and learn how to install the needle in your sewing machine.

Wrong Needle Choice

Needle plays an important role in sewing. Hence, to achieve a smooth sewing experience, make sure to use the correct needle. Say for example, if you use a wrong blunt needle in the place of a sharp needle, then what would happen? The blunt needle will not pierce easily through the fabric and it will break both the thread and the needle. Therefore, try to opt for a perfect needle and thread suitable to the fabric.

Also, choose the needle size depending upon the thread you are using because the thread will jump out easily if the eye of the needle is too large. Listed below are the different types of sewing machine needle you can choose as per your needs.

Image Source: pinterest.com

Bad Quality Needle

A bad quality needle can shred or break the threads. threadmagazine has written a beautiful piece of content for picking the right quality needle for sewing.

Issues with the Bobbin

If your thread and needle are perfect without any flaws, then take your time and check the bobbin in your sewing machine. You may also face thread breaks while sewing if you have any of the below-mentioned issues with your bobbin.

Uneven Bobbin Winding

The thread will often break in the sewing machine when the bobbin is wound incorrectly. So, when you suffer from thread breaks, have a look at your bobbin and make sure the thread is wound evenly without any knots. If the winding is uneven, then fix the issue by following the steps for winding a bobbin. When you are unable to fix the thread breaking issue, then you will have to replace the washer on your bobbin winder with the help of a repair technician.

Inappropriate Bobbin Placement

Similar to the needle and thread, the bobbin should also be inserted in the right position to get away from thread breaks. If you have inserted the bobbin in the wrong way, then after a few stitches the thread will jump out. Therefore, make sure to place the bobbin in the appropriate position. If you are unaware of how to insert the bobbin, read the user manual of your sewing machine and fix the bobbin properly as per your machine’s requirements.

Deformed Bobbin

If your thread still keeps on breaking, then check the bobbin and replace it, if damaged. Generally, the warped or broken bobbin will cause continuous thread breaks. So, to resolve the issue, wind a new bobbin. Plastic bobbins will be damaged easily. Hence, while sewing, prefer to use a bobbin made up of durable materials like metal or wood.

Incompatible Bobbin

Using a bobbin incompatible with the sewing machine will also break the thread. So, check whether your bobbin size is compatible with your sewing machine. If you use a small bobbin, then it will bounce around the bobbin case and break the thread. On the other hand, if you pick a large bobbin, then it will fit perfectly inside the bobbin case and tightens the spinning. Therefore, choose a bobbin suitable for your sewing machine to clear out the thread breaking problem.

Here is a list of some basic bobbin styles.

Lint or Debris in the Bobbin Case

The collection of dust, debris or lint in the bobbin case will damage the stitches and make the thread tangle or break. So, make sure whether your bobbin case is not dirty. To extend the life and capacity of your sewing machine, it is advisable to clean the entire sewing machine regularly. Follow the interesting guide on how to clean the sewing machine and keep your machine free from dirt.

Other Reasons for Thread Breaking

Is your thread breaking problem still persists? No worries! Check whether you are affected by any of the below-mentioned problems and rectify them if you suffer from any.

Broken Take-Up Lever Spring

If your thread breaks continuously, then look for the take-up lever in your sewing machine. A broken or damaged take-up lever will also cause the thread to break. To sew without any interruptions, the take-up lever in your sewing machine should move up and down. If there is any fault in the take-up lever spring, then replace it with the help of a sewing machine repair technician.

 

Imbalanced Sewing Speed

What would happen if you sew at a Jet speed? Certainly, your thread will break as a result of high tension. So, to flee from thread breaks, remember to maintain a balanced speed. Never sew too fast, try to sew at a normal speed considering your fabric and thread type.

Damaged Needle Plate

A broken needle plate commonly leads to a thread breaking issue. Hence, take a moment to check whether the need plate is in the proper place without any damages. To avoid landing on the thread break problems, make sure your needle is not touching the surface of the plate or else while sewing it will hit and break the needle plate.

Reverse Sewing

Another major reason for unthreading in a sewing machine is reverse sewing. If you sew in the reverse direction, then your machine will run out of sync and break the thread. Also, you will face an issue with hook timing and which in turn will result in the formation of looped stitches. So, in such a case, better get the help of a technician and fix the timing in your sewing machine.

Final Words

Determining the reason for unthreading is a tedious task. But once you identify the cause of thread breaking in your sewing machine, then you can easily fix the issue on your own.

Stay cool and try to diagnose and resolve the thread breaking problem with the help of my troubleshooting tips. If you still find it difficult to determine the issue by yourself, then you can call a repair technician for a service or take your sewing machine to a repair centre.

But remember, sometimes you need to pay out your valuable time and money for seeking assistance from a technician for your silly human errors. If you desire, you can learn how to service the sewing machine and resolve your issues on your own. Having in-depth knowledge about the working of a sewing machine is highly advantageous and it will help you to sew with glee.

Go ahead, understand the intricate details of sewing and sew smoothly without any obstacles.

Happy Sewing!