Why does your needle keep breaking when you free motion quilt on your Designer SE?

Answer 1

The most common cause of needle breaks while free-motion quilting is moving the fabric while the needle is still in the fabric. This is a very fine line, and only improves with practice. Usually directions will tell you to stitch at a very fast speed. However, I find that fast stitching doesn't give the machine time to make a good stitch. It might look good on the right side, but look at the underneath side and you'll usually see that the bobbin thread is laying on the fabric and is just looped around the top thread. If that's what you're seeing you can bet that the stitching will not be there very long.

My method of choice is to set the machine for free-motion stitching by only lowering the feed-teeth. I use the little metal foot that looks like a horseshoe, it requires removing the ankle and attaches with the screw. As you stitch, it should move up and down with the needle. When the needle goes down, the foot goes down to hold the fabric for the stitch to form. Generally, I'll use a titanium needle because they stay sharper longer. I also set the speed to the slowest or one click up. Keep your foot on the foot control, but you're not going to use it to stitch. When you're ready to begin stitching, touch the "start" button and let the machine go at it's own pace. It will start slow, but picks up speed after just a few stitches. When you want to stop, just tap the foot control and it will stop stitching. Be sure your needle is set to stop in the down position.

I have used this method for years -- I love whoever put the automatic stitching and speed controls on the Vikings! I've also taught many classes and the ladies were successful with the free-motion.

Practice, practice, practice!!