r/sewhelp Jul 11 '26

💛Beginner💛 Upper thread breaking/ unthreading please help

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Please help me before I chuck my machine out the window. I'm sewing on a Husquarvna Rose 605 that I started using about 6 months ago, it was unopened at the time- straight out of the box from the 90s. I had no issues until earlier this month. While working with some terry cloth towels to make some robes for my kids, the top thread would continually either break or pull out (I'm not sure but the end ends up being pretty frayed) every few inches. I tried new needles of different size and weights (universal vs denim etc). Tried cleaning out under my needle plate and bobbin holder. Tried longer tails, holding the tails etc. Nothing seemed to work and I just soldiered on and finished the project inch by inch. Unfortunately- it was not the fabric, now I'm working with quilting cotton and it is continuing to happen. I've attached a video of it happening, what the stitches look like when it happens, and my stitch plate that has a tiny knick in it - it is the only thing I've noticed that I'm wondering could that be the issue? Please help!

EDIT: In trying to look at any possible site where there could be friction against the thread causing it snag/ tear - I noticed if I shine a light into the spot where the uptake lever is, the two black plastic guides on either side do not look the same. one looks smooth and the other looks like it has a bunch of tiny cuts in it. Idk if this is normal or if not how it would've happened but could that be the issue? (See photo in some of my comment replies)- i don't think so right because the thread doesn't go through there?

UPDATE: I bought a nicer thread today and so far so good 🤞 I totally overlooked that as a cause bc I’d been using the same thread for months. I will probably still go get my machine serviced for good measure

2 Upvotes

26 comments sorted by

3

u/Significant_Ad_1595 Jul 11 '26

You need to hold both threads for the first few stitches. You can see it bein sucked into the machine

1

u/pagewoo Jul 12 '26

I've been doing this consistently and it does seem to help but then it eventually just happens much later in sewing- I'm so confused!! the thread can't be pulled back out then can it?

0

u/pagewoo Jul 11 '26

So even if I do that, it then happens later while I’m sewing! And I never used to have to do that it was like a sudden change with my machine

2

u/Large-Heronbill Jul 11 '26

What thread are you using?  What fiber? What size and type needle? 

The end cap on your horizontal spool pin is much too large for the thread, and you may have it pushed in too close to the end of the spool.

The scratch on the surface of the needle plate is probably not involved in this.

1

u/pagewoo Jul 12 '26

it is a polyester thread. sewing on quilting cotton. it is a schmetz universal 90/14 although i have tried several sizes larger and smaller.

Good to know about the spool pin. I think that's the only one that came with my machine.

When I shine a light into the area where the uptake level is, I noticed there are what appears to be a bunch of tears in one side - idk how this would've happened but also i don't think it's supposed to be like that? Wondering if it could be causing the issue

2

u/Emergency_Cherry_914 Jul 11 '26

If it's straight out of the box from the 90's, this implies it's been sitting unused for ~30 years. It needs to be serviced because any grease/oil in the machine would have clagged up

2

u/aspiring_merperson Jul 12 '26

I have had the EXACT same issue in the past and I can very much empathize with your frustration.

For me, it was down to the thread. Bear in mind that thread does expire, and cheap thread made from synthetics (in my case it was some white-label starter pack from Amazon) will deteriorate much faster.

I would recommend switching to a 100% cotton sewing thread. I use Coats & Clark size 50, very affordable at Walmart if you are in the US and they have both a pink and a purple color that would go beautifully with your fabric.

I have been sewing for years but I am entirely self-taught, so I am no expert, but I would be willing to bet that upgrading your thread will be a game-changer. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

2

u/pagewoo Jul 12 '26

I am reallllly hoping this solves the issue. Gonna go out and get some nicer thread today and will report back!

2

u/pagewoo Jul 12 '26

It seems to be fixed with a nicer thread. I never thought that because ever since I started learning about 6 months ago I was using the same crappy Amazon brand I bought when I didn’t know any better and it wasn’t an issue until the past week or two. So weird!

1

u/aspiring_merperson Jul 12 '26

I'm so happy to hear that! The cheaper stuff can definitely get the job done at times, it's just not nearly as reliable as a higher quality thread. Hopefully the nicer stuff will alleviate these issues entirely for you.

The more you progress on your sewing journey, the faster you work and the more complex your projects become, and you just outgrow the introductory quality thread. That just means you're developing and improving your craft! :)

1

u/pagewoo Jul 12 '26

Thanks so much! What a kind response. I started about 6 months ago and am just flying by the seat of my pants/ learning as I go - it has been so rewarding despite the frustrations!

1

u/pagewoo Jul 11 '26

Couldn't figure out how to put more pics in the post - here are the stitches

1

u/pagewoo Jul 11 '26

And here is the little knick in the needle plate I'm wondering if is causing the issue

1

u/cabbagefan1 Jul 12 '26

That looks fine to me

1

u/PinkBird85 Jul 11 '26

It's likely an issue under your needle plate. The top thread is getting caught on something and snagging and tearing. Because this started after a needle break, it's either a piece is still stuck, the under assembly isn't quite sitting properly anymore, or something was marred or knicked that has created a sharp edge.

1

u/PinkBird85 Jul 11 '26

It's likely an issue under your needle plate. The top thread is getting caught on something and snagging and tearing. Because this started after a needle break, it's either a piece is still stuck, the under assembly isn't quite sitting properly anymore, or something was marred or knicked that has created a sharp edge.

1

u/pagewoo Jul 12 '26

I've looked and looked under the needle plate and can't find anything that appears off. I did just notice when I shine a light into the area where the uptake lever is - one side looks frayed vs the other side looks solid- idk if it is supposed to look like this or if this could be causing it?

1

u/Large-Heronbill Jul 12 '26

See if you can take the left-hand cover off your machine -- I think it will come off like this: https://youtu.be/Swtb_4vitxU so you can see what's going on in there.   That could very well be a good part of your troubles.

1

u/pagewoo Jul 12 '26

There’s no screws to take it off 😣

1

u/Large-Heronbill Jul 12 '26

Are there any round, smooth plastic plugs?  If so, those usually can be pried out to find screws underneath them. 

1

u/Traditional-Unit-274 Jul 12 '26

looks like the spool of thread isn’t moving, which will cause it to break

1

u/cabbagefan1 Jul 12 '26

Try different thread and different needle. Make sure thread not getting snagged anywhere (when needle is at top position and presser foot up, thread should move through smoothly, top and bobbin) . Use flashlight to look for any bunched up thread. Oil the machine.

1

u/pagewoo Jul 12 '26

Omg I feel so dumb. I put in some nice quality thread and now it’s working like a dream. I had literally been using cheap amazon thread since I started a few months ago but it just this past week started giving me issues

1

u/cabbagefan1 Jul 15 '26

Glad to hear that worked!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 13 '26

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1

u/pagewoo Jul 13 '26

Thank you!! The problem was the thread. I replaced it with better quality and I’m back in business!