The Upholstery Forum

Hi. Im not sure what I'm doing wrong. My thread has been fraying and breaking near the needle in my Consew 206RB-1. I first noticed this problem when using off-brand threads. I never had a problem with Coats Ultra Dee. Lately I'm even having a problem with that.
I'm using #92 bonded polyester. I checked the thread tension, but it seems correct using the method of comparing the top and bottom stitch. They appear even. Any suggestions? I sewed a 10' piece of piping, and my thread broke eight times during the run. This is getting frustrating.

Needle too small for the thread?

Start with the easy stuff:
Try increasing foot pressure
confirming correct thread path and tension
Confirm needle Is correct with proper orientation
clean and oil the hook assembly
clean and oil the bobbin assemble
if that doesn’t do it I would suspect the timing is out or the hook and needle spacing is off

1+ @Revv Up . I'd bet it's the hook tip hitting thread. Check hook/needle clearance, check timing, saftey clutch if equipped. But first start with the easy stuff like he said...oil, new correct needle and if it isn't oriented just right can cause this issue, check for knicks/burrs in the thread path with a q-tip. Lastly needle deflection, perhaps if your welt foot was a size too small for your cord it could deflect the needle towards the hook but if the shredding happens with straight stitching and no welt then you've already ruled that out.

@Adam12 , are you guiding the thread through the needle when threading?

Sorry, @BigRig , not sure what you mean

First try changing your needle.
This is usually caused by either the timing being off or a sharp edge or burr in the path of the thread.
Check the hook and foot for burs or sharp edges. Smooth them out using emery cloth.