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From: johnson mom
Date: 12-07-2005, 11:58 AM (1 of 9)
I am new to this embroidery game, so I don't know what is normal frustration when dealing with embroidery sewing -- but I am about to have a small heart attack trying to figure out what's going on. I have had my brand new Janome Memory Craft 9500 for a little over a month. I find that when I stich a design with stiches close together it sometimes messes up the machine. I have found one problem to be that the thread shreds and then gets stuck up in the arm mechanism -- which is a hassle -- trying to get it out, the machine won't work properly if there is thread/lint stuc  k in the arm part. But now I am having a new problem. My machine couldn't finish a project last night -- thread too thick on the design or something -- and now the bobbin tension is screwed up. I have to set the bobbin tension on 5 to do an embroidery project and it still doesn't come out right -- I have fiddled with the darn thing until I am ready to throw it across the room. Is this normal for all machines? Do I have a dud? or am I doing something wrong. |
User: johnson mom
Member since: 11-26-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-07-2005, 01:17 PM (2 of 9)
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Hi johnson mom and welcome to Sew Whats New. Sorry, I am one of the few without an embroidery machine. I am sure there will be lots of advice here for you soon. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: paroper
Date: 12-07-2005, 09:42 PM (3 of 9)
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Well, I understand the frusteration. My first guess is that part of it is your thread. Not all thread is created equal. I use Isacord Poly which is expensive. I recommend it but it is not the only good thread out there by any means. I understand that Maderia makes very good thread and there are others also. Sulky is not as well liked by most. On many brands because of the process of dying dark threads, some darker threads, esp. black tend to fray or break more often than others. Threads that fray can leave terrible problems in the upper (and lower) part of your machines from small pieces of thread left behind. You need to regularly replace your needle and make sure that your needle is not only compatable with your machine by size but one recommended (brand) by your manufactorer. Although there are many excellent needle brands out there, some are not recommended from one machine brand to another. When you thread your machine you need to be sure that you ALWAYS thread this and all machines with the presser foot UP. You can lower it to put the thread in the needle ONLY. This can cause huge problems with the machine. I was following your information about your bobbin tension but you started talking numbers. Normally numbers are associated with the top tension, not the bottom. The bottom tension on most machines is controlled by a screw that is unnumbered. There may or may not be a pressure control for your presser foot. On some machines that is numbered. It is often found on the side of the machine and controls how hard your presser foot presses against the product. When the top tension is correctly set the top thread will actually show a few cm on the underside of the product, unlike sewing where the two threads should meet in the middle. Also, the bottom tension is often controlled by little "extra slots" that may show on your bobbin thread. Often, there is an extra hole or other place to put the thread through when using it for embroidery. Under normal circumstances, this actually can increase your bobbin tension by 50%. Make sure that you are using all your thread guides and that your bobbin is in position correct (going the correct direction.) Any one of these ideas could make a world of difference in your sewing. Please tell us if any of this helps, if not, we'll attempt to tackle the problem again. Be sure and clean everything out well and do try a different brand of embroidery thread (make sure it is embroidery 40wt thread)...it does much better in these machines than straight sewing thread and make sure that you are using the correct bobbin thread. (You probably realize this, but the bobbin thread is much different than the top thread and for the most part it is either black or white in color only.) pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 12-07-2005, 10:00 PM (4 of 9)
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I just finished getting Nancy Ziemens Machine Embroidery with Confidence book and she mentioned something that I didn't realize, when you go to change your thread, cut the thread at the spool, then pull it out through the needle. That way you don't take any fluffies up into your tension disk. Pam has such good information too. I am also a new embroidery person, and I have had those same problems, I know one of my problems was stabilizing the fabric well enough, and the other was thread. I have two black threads, one is crappy and one is great. So I threw out the crappy one as it kept messing up things. Another suggestion from Nancy is always always do a test pattern before doing your good one to make sure things are going right. I finally finished one project and am thinking of starting another, but I am leary. It's not as easy as it sounds to be. Practise, practise - that's all the advise I can give.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: mamadus
Date: 12-08-2005, 02:27 AM (5 of 9)
Pam is right... if your thread is shredding, try a different thread brand, and try changing your needle... I generally use embroidery needles as opposed to sewing needles.. the eye is a little bigger. There are lots of good thread brands out there.. Isacord, Robison-Anton, Madeira, Marathon, ARc.. I don't mind Sulky's regular threads.. and they do have some neat twist colors, etc.... but they can keep their metallics... try not to lose patience... it does take practice when you're first learning this hobby... start out on easy things... do some simple designs on muslin to test things out til you get the hang of it...and be wary of doing too much adjusting of your bobbin tension... consult your manual often, and check out other embroidery forums also, such as www.threadstop.com and www.sewforum.com... good luck.. and don't give up!! it will get easier...  MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: paroper
Date: 12-08-2005, 04:53 AM (6 of 9)
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Once you get the right needles and thread, I think the most difficult part of machine embroidery to master is proper hooping and stabilizer. Since this is the framework to your project, it is vital. Be patient. You will learn...and like most things, you will continue to learn for a long time to come.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: threadingerin47
Date: 12-18-2005, 04:12 PM (7 of 9)
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My suggestion is call the store you bought it from and tell them your problem. also Janome might have a certain brand of bobbin thread you need to use. along with that, if you have a denser, heavier embroidery pattern, you need to have the right needle to handle it along with the proper stabilizer, the needle you might need is a Schmetz Microtex Sharp 80/12, 130/705hm. this needle is great because it is stronger, and can pounce easier on the pattern and stabilizer. this needle is great for lace things also, where you keep going in and out over the same area. so check the needle, the type of bobbin thread, and the embroidery thread. YLI is great with Janome and Robinson Anton. You can order these through thatthreadshop.com also. But also a suggestion, email Janome too and ask them what to do. Good luck.
Erin from NH who says GODoodlesNQuilt!!!
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User: threadingerin47
Member since: 12-18-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-22-2005, 05:04 AM (8 of 9)
| I have a very inexpensive stand alone embroidery machine. I have used all kinds of threads but use only basting and bobbin thread in the bobbin. I haven't had any thread problems with my embroidery machine but I have had some breakage and shredding with some thinner threads when doing heirloom stitches on my sewing machine and I just change to a Schmetz Metallica needle and it solves the problem. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-22-2005, 05:14 AM (9 of 9)
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Sometimes the design is too dense to embroider well. Just because you purchase it doesn't mean that it was well-done. Also you need to be very careful about how much you shrink or enlarge a design. You can only shrink a good design about 5% without having problems. If you are having density problems, you might try to make it a little larger. You still can't enlarge very much but it can make a real difference in the design density. It is also a good idea to test designs before you stitch them out, if you can.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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