What to do if sewing machine thread breaks frequently 

Recently, I had this issue with my beloved sewing machine – every time I tried to sew, the thread would slip out of the needle. It was incredibly frustrating to rethread the needle every few minutes, even with a threader. After a week of struggling with my sewing machine, the idea finally hit me to contact the sewing machine seller for advice. His quick tip provided a simple yet effective solution that immediately resolved the issue

He told me that the thread was not slipping out; it was breaking, and the problem was with the way I had inserted the needle. It was just a matter of inserting the needle the right way. All my frustration was solved in a matter of minutes. I should have consulted him or my sewing machine manual earlier instead of countless machine re-threading, taking out and reinserting the bobbin hundreds of times, and adjusting the tension and thread length every 5 minutes. To be fair, I had even changed the needle, but put it in the wrong way.

Some thread-breaking problems may not be as easy to solve, but some, very easy – Here are some solutions from my experience.

Typically, when you notice problems with the thread beneath the fabric, it’s an issue with the upper thread (the one that goes through the needle) and threading of the machine. Conversely, if the problem appears on the top of the fabric, the lower thread (the one that comes from the bobbin) is likely the culprit.

The top thread breaking frequently?

Is it a Needle issue?

As I already said, If you have recently changed a needle, check whether you have put it in the correct way. Make sure the needle is properly inserted.

Try to re-thread the machine.

Did you thread the machine with the presser foot raised? Make sure the thread is properly positioned between the tension discs.

For best results, rethread your machine with the presser foot raised.

Is there a snag in the machine

Examine the snapped thread. A frayed snap rather than a straight cut is usually because of a rough spot around the bobbin case, race, hook, or needle plate area. Run your finger around the shuttle area and feel for anything sharp. If you find something, however small, polish it away with fine emery paper.  

Check the Quality of thread

Sometimes, it may be due to a knot in the thread or because of old thread or low-quality thread. Always run your machine with a good-quality thread.

Make sure the thread and needle are compatible. A thread too thick for the needle and a needle too fine for the thread can also cause problems.

Incorrect needle

It may be due to incorrect needle size/type for the project – use a bigger needle size. This can also happen if you have a blunt or bend or even a too-sharp needle – the top thread can break. You can try changing the needle – go up one needle size or try a Top Stitch needle.

Adjust tension.

If the thread tension is too tight, the thread may break. Don’t turn the tension knob all the way in any direction – just for fun or when you have some time or you are angry with someone. Your machine will repay for this mischief in double.

Make sure your tension dial is tight enough. It should usually be around the middle of the dial.

Start with setting it to number 3. This setting works well for most machines. It is always better not to fiddle with the tension of a sewing machine at all – take this from someone who has done it and regretted it.

If the thread is caught on the spool pin, the thread may break.

Starting to stitch very fast also can cause the upper thread to break. Make sure that all the procedures are followed when threading the machine.

The bobbin thread breaking while sewing?

If the bobbin thread frequently breaks, ensure that the bobbin is inserted properly or does not have more than the appropriate amount of thread.    

Sometimes the issue might stem from the bobbin thread not being properly seated in the tension spring. Whether you’re working with a top-loading or front-loading bobbin system, it’s important that the thread correctly engages with the tension spring – this is easy to test with a metal bobbin.

Hold the end of the bobbin thread and let the bobbin itself hang in the air. If everything is set up correctly, the bobbin would remain suspended without falling. But if you pull slightly the thread would come down a bit. This means the bobbin thread has correct tension. If it drops too easily, the tension might be too loose. If it doesn’t unspool at all, the tension might be too tight.

But with a top loading bobbin system (which is in most modern machines) this is difficult to check.The advice is always ‘not’ to tinker with the tension at all.

Filling the bobbin properly is important. One way to ensure a nice, even bobbin when winding is to rest your finger gently on the reel of thread while winding the Bobbin. Never wind bobbins by hand.

An overfilled bobbin can also cause thread breakage. An overfilled bobbin will jam in the bobbin case and cause snapping, remove some of the thread before putting the Bobbin into the machine. A bobbin should never be more than 90% full.

A damaged bobbin case is a common problem. Place your Bobbin into the case and make sure it turns freely and smoothly as you pull the thread out.

Check whether you have the correct Bobbin for your machine.

The lint in the bobbin case will jam the Bobbin and cause the lower thread to snap. Clean out the case and place a single drop of oil on the shaft.

Check if the thread is winding itself on the shuttle.

Ensure you have drawn the upper and lower thread to the back under the presser foot. This is usually the number one reason the thread winds and bunches on the shuttle, and the needle refuses to move because of the thread jam resulting in thread breaking off, subsequently.  And, always raise the presser foot when threading the machine.

Thread jams and its tangled mess can stop the movement of the needle. This can result in the thread breaking, as the tension caused by the jam pulls at the thread until it snaps.

If nothing is working, it may be the job of a professional sewing repair service.

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