Thread Issues
Thread is shredding, balling or breaking:
There are a number of causes for breaking thread. Start with Step 1 and stop as soon
as the problem is resolved.
1. Incorrectly Installed or Damaged Needle
Make sure your needle is installed correctly (p. 26,
41
,
42
&
43
). Carefully inspect the
needle for burrs, warping or damage to the point that may be causing needle deflection and
shredding the thread. Bent or damaged needles must be replaced.
2. Wrong Needle Type
Use of the wrong needle type can contribute to thread shredding issues. Always use a leather
“diamond point” needle when sewing leather or other non-woven materials (system numbers
135X16 or DPX16). Always use a diamond needle for two or more layers of hard leather for
better thread entry and material condition.
3. Incompatible Needle Size & Thread Weight
If the thread is too thick for the needle it will not pass through the needle eye and form a
loop and will instead ball at the needle. Check the compatibility of the needle size and thread
weight (p. 24).
4. Burred Gib Hook or Retaining Ring Cap Spring
A needle strike to the gib hook or the edge of the retaining ring cap spring’s “triangular”
opening may result in a burr which can cause the thread to snag as it pulls through (p. 50,
68
A
&
B
). Remove any burrs by polishing them with emery paper or a fine file. If badly
damaged, replace with a new retaining ring cap spring (#1603) and/or new gib hook (#9601).
5. Machine Has Gone Out of Timing
If the machine is out of timing it may cause the gib hook point to cut or shred the thread. To reset
the timing on your Stitch Master, follow the steps outlined on p. 58 “Stitch Master Timing”.
Stitch Master
®
Guidebook: Troubleshooting
52
51
