Injector Help Singer 403

[jbo_c]

My machine works fine(Singer 403) doing a couple of layers of Momentum. But I'm trying to close the edges of a Top Quilt and it keeps breaking the top thread. A pleat on two hemmed seams makes 8(I think.) layers of fabric. While that seems(haha) like a lot, this machine will supposedly do multiple layers of leather, so relatively speaking, this shouldn't be that tough for it.

Is this a tension thing? I usually run with my top tension near minimum 'cause that's what it likes and what gives me a well balanced stitch.

I've changed needles and run other material fine, but when I put this in, it only makes half a dozen or so stitches then breaks the top thread.

What do you think?

Jbo

[PuckerFactor]

Is there a snaggle on the bottom? If not, you may have a burr or maybe a bit of rust on the tension disks. That would add tension, maybe enough to break the thread.
I'm no expert, but those might cause what you're experiencing.

PF

[creativeKayt]

I'd completely re-thread your top thread, as it may be hung up somewhere.

I've had cases where the little slit they cut in the plastic holder hoo-ha to keep the loose thread contained catches and pops the thread. It is annoying, but a little file job should take care of it, if that's the problem.

What kind of thread are you using might also be to blame.

Or, you are right... it could be thread tension is off. Try dialing it back a bit and see if it helps.

[gargoyle]

You may also try reducing your foot pressure. Since your trying to squeeze 8 layers of fabric thru the same gap as two layers, the added pressure may be to much for the fabric to feed properly.
If you have any scraps, mock up an 8-ply worth of it and test.
Good luck.

[jbo_c]

Good call on the 8ply test. Gonna get some new sharps and try that next weekend when I'm home again. Travelling for work this week. No DIY for me.

Jbo

[jbo_c]

Thanks for the helpful tips, everybody. Figured it out. The problem - I'm a bone head.

Don't know how many times I've done it right, but when I changed out the needle, I put it in backwards. After several attempts to remediate in other ways, I replaced the needle - backwards again. Many more attempts to remediate followed.

Then, yesterday, in the middle of a budget meeting at work, it suddenly came to me. Turned it around tonight. Bing. Bang. Works like it always did.

Jbo