If your sewing machine thread keeps breaking, it’s a common frustration, but the good news is that it usually has a simple fix. Thread breaks happen for many reasons, like problems with the needle, thread, tension, or even dirt inside the machine. This guide will help you find out why your thread is breaking and show you how to fix it fast so you can get back to sewing.
Finding Out Why Your Thread Breaks
When thread breaks, it’s your machine telling you something is wrong. It could be a small thing or a bigger issue. Pinpointing the problem makes fixing it much easier. Is the upper thread keeps breaking sewing machine? Or is it the lower thread keeps breaking sewing machine? Where does it break? Does it break fast or slowly? These clues help.
Let’s look at the most common reasons. We will start with the easiest things to check and fix.
Check Your Needle First
One of the most common reasons for sewing machine needle breaking thread is a problem with the needle itself. Needles are small but very important parts. A bad needle can cause a lot of trouble.
Is Your Needle Old or Bent?
Needles get dull or bent over time. This happens even if you can’t see it.
A dull needle pushes against the fabric instead of going through it cleanly. This makes the thread rub and weaken.
A bent needle can hit parts of the machine as it moves up and down. This can snag or cut the thread.
Always start by putting in a new needle. Use the right type for your fabric. This simple step fixes many thread breaking problems.
Using the Wrong Needle
There are many kinds of needles. Using the wrong type or size for your fabric is a big reason for wrong needle size sewing thread break.
Thick fabrics need strong, large needles. Thin fabrics need smaller, sharper needles.
If the needle is too small for thick fabric, it might bend or break the thread as it struggles.
If the needle is too big for thin fabric, it can make big holes and weaken the thread as it stitches.
Look at your fabric type. Choose a needle that matches it. Needle packets usually tell you what fabric they work best on.
Here is a simple guide for choosing needles:
| Fabric Type | Recommended Needle Type | Needle Size Range (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Light Cotton, Rayon | Universal, Microtex | 60/8, 70/10 |
| Medium Cotton, Linen | Universal | 80/12, 90/14 |
| Denim, Canvas | Denim/Jeans | 90/14, 100/16, 110/18 |
| Knits, Jersey | Ballpoint, Stretch | 75/11, 80/12, 90/14 |
| Silk, Chiffon, Organza | Microtex, Sharps | 60/8, 70/10, 75/11 |
| Leather, Vinyl | Leather | 80/12, 90/14, 100/16 |
| Quilting, Multiple Layers | Quilting, Topstitch | 90/14, 100/16 |
Putting the Needle In Wrong
Sewing machine needles have a flat side on the top. This flat side must face the back of the machine on most home sewing machines.
If the needle is not in all the way or not facing the right way, it cannot pick up the bobbin thread correctly. It might hit the bobbin case or other parts. This causes the thread to snag and break.
Take the old needle out. Look at the new needle. Push it up into the needle clamp as far as it will go. Make sure the flat side is facing the back. Tighten the screw that holds the needle.
Checking the Needle for Burrs
Sometimes a needle hits a pin or a thick part of the fabric. This can cause a small rough spot, called a burr, on the needle.
Even a tiny burr can act like a tiny saw blade. It rubs against the thread every time the needle goes through the fabric. This wears down the thread and makes it break.
Run your fingertip carefully down the needle point and shaft. Feel for any rough spots. If you feel any, change the needle right away.
Is Your Thread the Issue?
Bad thread is a very common reason for bad quality thread breaking. Not all thread is made the same.
Using Old or Cheap Thread
Thread can get old and weak. If thread has been sitting around for a long time, especially in sunlight, it can lose its strength.
Cheap thread might have uneven spots, knots, or be made of weak fibers. These weak points break easily under the tension and movement of sewing.
Always use good quality thread from a known brand. It costs a little more, but it saves you a lot of problems. If you are not sure how old your thread is, or if it looks fuzzy or weak, throw it away and use new thread.
Thread Type and Size
Just like needles, thread comes in different types and sizes.
Using thread that is too thick for the needle or the fabric can cause problems. The thread might not fit through the needle eye easily. This makes it drag and break.
Using thread that is too thin for the fabric might make it break under the stress of the stitch, especially on seams that get pulled a lot.
Match your thread type and size to your needle and fabric. For most sewing, a standard polyester or cotton thread in a medium weight (like 40 or 50 weight) works well.
Winding the Bobbin Wrong
If the thread is wound onto the bobbin unevenly or too tightly, it can cause problems.
An uneven bobbin makes the thread pull with different amounts of force as it unwinds. This changes the tension.
A bobbin wound too tightly can stretch the thread, making it weaker.
Wind your bobbin on the machine’s bobbin winder. Make sure the thread goes through the small guide first (check your manual). Do not help it or guide it with your hand unless your machine manual says to. Let the machine wind it evenly. The bobbin should look smooth when it’s full.
Adjusting Thread Tension
Thread tension problems sewing machine are a very frequent cause of breaking thread. Tension is the tightness of the thread as it flows through the machine. Both the upper thread and the lower (bobbin) thread have tension. If either is wrong, the stitch will not look right, and the thread can break.
Upper Thread Tension
Your machine has tension discs for the upper thread. The thread passes between these discs. You control how tight they grip the thread with a dial or buttons.
If the upper tension is too tight, it puts too much pull on the thread. The thread cannot move freely and snaps, especially when the needle goes down into the fabric or pulls the bobbin thread up. This is a common reason when the upper thread keeps breaking sewing machine.
Try lowering the upper tension setting. Sew a test piece on two layers of your fabric. The stitches should look the same on the top and the bottom. If the upper thread is too tight, you will see loops on the bottom of your fabric.
Lower Thread Tension (Bobbin Tension)
The bobbin thread tension is controlled by a small screw on the bobbin case (for drop-in bobbins, the tension is built into the machine’s bobbin area).
Bobbin tension is usually set at the factory and doesn’t need changing often. But if the lower thread keeps breaking sewing machine, the bobbin tension might be too tight, or there’s a problem in the bobbin area.
If the lower tension is too tight, the upper thread has to pull very hard to get the bobbin thread up. This can snap the upper thread. It can also snap the bobbin thread itself.
If you have a removable bobbin case, check the tension by holding the thread coming out of the case. The case should hang and slowly drop a few inches if you jiggle it slightly. Adjust the tiny screw a tiny amount at a time (like a quarter turn). Remember which way you turned it! “Righty tighty, lefty loosey” applies here. Turning it left (counter-clockwise) makes it looser.
For drop-in bobbins, check for lint or damage in the bobbin area.
Imbalanced Tension
Sometimes neither the upper nor the lower tension is necessarily “wrong” on its own, but they don’t work together. The goal is balanced tension.
Balanced tension means the threads meet exactly in the middle of the fabric layers. You see smooth stitches on both sides.
If your tension is off, try adjusting the upper tension first, as it’s easier. If you still have problems, then look at the bobbin tension.
Test on scrap fabric. Sew a few lines. Look at the stitches. Adjust the upper tension dial. Sew again. Repeat until the stitches look good.
Threading Your Machine Again
It might sound too simple, but not threading your machine correctly is a huge cause of thread breaking. The thread needs to follow a very specific path. If it skips a guide or doesn’t sit right in the tension discs, it won’t work.
The Upper Thread Path
Your machine manual shows the exact path the upper thread must take. It goes through guides, slots, around the take-up lever, and through the needle.
If the thread is not through the take-up lever, it will have no control over the thread as you sew. It will snag and break.
If the thread is not properly seated in the tension discs, the tension won’t work. The thread might be too loose or get caught.
To re-thread sewing machine correctly, lift the presser foot before you start. Lifting the foot opens the tension discs. If the foot is down, the discs are closed and you cannot seat the thread correctly.
Follow your manual step-by-step. Go slowly. Make sure the thread clicks into all the guides. Pull the thread gently to check it moves freely through the path.
The Bobbin Thread Path
The bobbin thread also needs to be put in correctly. For removable bobbin cases, the thread must go under the tension spring on the case.
For drop-in bobbins, the thread must follow the path marked on the machine or needle plate cover. It usually goes into a slot and under a small metal guide.
If the bobbin thread is not under its tension spring or guide, it will be too loose and cause loops, or it might get caught and break.
Make sure the bobbin is spinning the right way according to your manual. If it spins the wrong way, the thread won’t pull correctly from the bobbin case or area.
Put the bobbin in, follow the thread path, and pull the thread gently to feel a slight resistance.
Dealing with Bobbin Area Issues
Problems below the needle plate can also cause sewing machine bobbin issues, leading to thread breaks.
Bobbin Case Problems
If you have a removable bobbin case, check it closely. Is it damaged? Are there nicks or rough spots on the edges or where the thread runs? These can snag the thread.
Is the small tension spring on the case clean? Lint can build up under this spring and make the tension too tight. Use a small brush to clean it.
Is the bobbin case put into the machine correctly? It needs to sit flat and lock into place. If it’s tilted, the needle might hit it.
Drop-in Bobbin Area
For drop-in bobbins, check the plastic or metal area where the bobbin sits. Look for scratches or damage.
Make sure the thread path around the bobbin area is clean and clear.
The metal part that spins around the bobbin (the rotary hook) should be clean and smooth.
Sometimes, the thread gets tangled underneath the bobbin case or in the rotary hook area. This jams everything up and breaks the thread. Open the bobbin area, remove the bobbin and bobbin case (if applicable), and clear out any tangled thread pieces.
Winding Bobbins Full
Don’t overfill your bobbins. If a bobbin is too full, it can rub against the bobbin case or the inside of the bobbin area. This friction can cause the lower thread keeps breaking sewing machine problems or mess up the upper thread. Wind bobbins until they are full but not bulging.
Cleaning Your Machine
Lint and old bits of thread build up inside your sewing machine over time. This lint buildup sewing machine thread breaking is a very common, but often overlooked, problem.
Lint in the Thread Path
Lint can gather in the thread guides and tension discs.
When lint is in the tension discs, it stops them from gripping the thread evenly. This messes up the tension and can cause breaks.
Lint in the thread guides adds drag on the thread, making it harder for the thread to move freely.
Use a small brush (most machines come with one) to clean out the tension discs and all the thread guides. You can also use compressed air, but blow it away from the machine’s insides, not into them, to avoid pushing lint deeper.
Lint in the Bobbin Area and Feed Dogs
Lint loves to gather in the bobbin case area or the rotary hook area. It also builds up under the needle plate, around the feed dogs (the little teeth that move the fabric).
This lint can get packed in tight. It makes parts rub or prevents the bobbin from spinning smoothly. This extra friction and catching can break the thread.
Unscrew the needle plate. Use your brush to clean out all the lint from the bobbin area, around the feed dogs, and under the plate. Check your manual for how to remove the needle plate. Remember to unplug the machine first!
Oil Your Machine
Some sewing machines need oiling. Check your manual. Moving parts that don’t get oil can create friction. This extra rubbing can heat up or stress the thread and make it break. Use only proper sewing machine oil.
Checking Your Stitch Settings
Sometimes the stitch setting itself can cause thread to break.
Stitch Length
If your stitch length is set to zero or almost zero, the needle goes up and down in the same spot many times. This creates a knot and can break the thread because the fabric is not moving. Make sure your stitch length is set correctly for your project (usually 2.0 to 2.5 for basic sewing).
Stitch Width
If you are doing a zig-zag or decorative stitch, make sure the needle hole in the needle plate is wide enough for the stitch width. If the needle hits the metal edge of the needle plate as it swings, it will break the needle, which in turn, breaks the thread. Make sure the needle plate opening matches the stitch width you select.
Presser Foot Pressure
The presser foot holds the fabric down as you sew. Some machines let you adjust the pressure.
If the pressure is too high on delicate fabric, it can squeeze the fabric too much, making it hard for the needle and thread to pass through. This can strain and break the thread.
If the pressure is too low on thick fabric, the fabric might not feed smoothly. The needle might pull or push the fabric, also causing thread stress.
Try adjusting the presser foot pressure if your machine allows it. Check your manual for guidance.
Taking Your Time
Sewing too fast, especially through thick seams or tricky spots, can put a lot of stress on the thread and needle.
Slow down when you sew through bulky areas. Help the fabric feed smoothly. Don’t pull or push the fabric hard, let the machine’s feed dogs do the work. Pushing or pulling can bend the needle and break the thread.
Troubleshooting Steps
Here is a step-by-step process to follow when your thread breaks. This is a good way for how to fix thread breaking on sewing machine problems.
- Stop and Clear: Stop sewing right away. Pull out the fabric gently. Cut the tangled threads. Remove the bobbin and upper thread.
- Change the Needle: This is the fastest fix. Put in a brand new needle. Make sure it’s the right type and size for your fabric. Make sure it’s in correctly (flat side to the back on most machines) and pushed all the way up.
- Change the Thread: Take out the thread spool you were using. Put in a new spool of good quality thread.
- Clean Thoroughly: Unplug your machine. Remove the needle plate and the bobbin case/bobbin. Use a brush to clean out all the lint and old thread bits from the bobbin area, under the needle plate, around the feed dogs, and the thread path above the needle.
- Re-thread Everything: Close up the machine parts. Lift the presser foot. Re-thread the upper thread completely from the spool pin to the needle. Make sure it goes through all guides and the take-up lever. Put the bobbin back in correctly, making sure the thread is in its tension spring/guide.
- Test the Tension: Use two layers of your fabric. Sew a few lines of straight stitches. Look at the stitches on the top and bottom. They should look balanced. If not, adjust the upper tension dial a little bit and test again. Only adjust bobbin tension as a last resort or if you know it’s wrong.
- Check Settings: Double-check your stitch length, stitch width, and needle plate opening match.
- Sew Slowly: Start sewing your project again, going slowly at first, especially through thicker spots.
Following these steps covers most reasons why your thread might be breaking.
When the Problem is Stubborn
If you’ve done all the steps above and your thread still breaks, there might be a deeper issue.
Damaged Machine Parts
Sometimes, a metal part in the thread path, bobbin area, or even the take-up lever gets a nick or becomes rough. This can constantly snag and weaken the thread. Look very closely along the thread path. Feel parts gently for roughness. A tiny file might smooth a small burr, but be careful not to make things worse.
Machine Timing
Sewing machines need precise timing. This means the needle, the take-up lever, and the part that catches the bobbin thread (the hook) all have to move together at exactly the right time. If the timing is off, the needle might hit the hook, or the thread might not be ready to be caught. This often causes the sewing machine needle breaking thread problem as well as thread breaks. Fixing timing usually requires a qualified repair person.
Motor or Foot Pedal Issues
Less commonly, an inconsistent motor speed or foot pedal can cause jerky movements, which stress the thread and lead to breaks.
If you’ve tried everything and your thread is still breaking, it might be time to take your machine to a professional sewing machine repair shop. Describe the problem clearly: when it happens, where the thread seems to break, and what you have already tried to fix it.
Preventing Thread Breaks
Once you fix the problem, here are some tips to keep your thread from breaking in the future:
- Change Your Needle Often: Change your needle for every new project, or after about 8-10 hours of sewing. Needles are cheap, frustration is not!
- Use Good Thread: Always buy good quality thread.
- Thread Correctly Every Time: Get into the habit of lifting the presser foot and following the thread path exactly.
- Clean Regularly: Clean out lint from your machine after every project, or even after a few hours of heavy sewing. Pay special attention to the bobbin area and under the needle plate.
- Use the Right Supplies: Match your needle size and type, thread type and size, and even stitch settings to your fabric.
- Don’t Force It: Don’t pull or push fabric through the machine. Let the feed dogs do their job. Sew slowly through thick parts.
- Consider a Service: Just like a car, sewing machines work best with regular check-ups. Get your machine serviced by a professional every few years, especially if you sew often.
By understanding the common causes and how to check and fix them, you can solve most thread breaking problems yourself. Happy sewing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My upper thread keeps breaking right at the needle eye. Why?
A: This often means the needle is the problem (bent, dull, wrong size/type), the upper tension is too tight, or the needle thread path above is snagging. Change your needle first. Lower your upper tension. Check the thread path above the needle.
Q: My lower thread keeps breaking inside the bobbin case. What’s wrong?
A: This is usually a bobbin area issue. Check the bobbin winding (is it uneven or too tight?). Check the bobbin case for damage or lint under the tension spring. Make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly and the thread is in its tension guide.
Q: Could the type of fabric cause thread breaking?
A: Yes! Very thick, sticky (like vinyl or leather), or very fine/delicate fabrics need the right needle and sometimes special thread or machine settings to sew smoothly without breaking thread.
Q: How often should I clean my sewing machine?
A: Clean the bobbin area and under the needle plate after every medium to large project, or after several hours of sewing. Give your machine a more thorough cleaning every few months, checking the upper thread path guides.
Q: Does the way I hold the fabric matter?
A: Yes. You should guide the fabric, but never pull or push it. Pulling or pushing can bend the needle, strain the thread, and mess up your stitches and tension, leading to thread breaks.
Q: My thread breaks only when I sew backward. Why?
A: Sewing backward compacts stitches tightly. If your upper tension is too tight, or if there is already a slight issue, the extra stress of reverse stitching can cause the thread to snap. Check tension and re-thread carefully. Make sure there’s no lint buildup tightening things up.