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Member since 12/25/11
Posts: 375
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Posted on: 4/16/13 9:00 PM ET
The left needle thread on my Babylock coverstitch machine keeps breaking. I've looked in the instructions and changed the needle (twice), re-threaded that thread, and changed the presser foot pressure. I was trying to hem a slippery knit, so I tried a piece of plain cotton (hoping it was just the fabric that it didn't like). No luck-it didn't like the cotton either. What else can I try? Any suggestions will be appreciated! It's about 6 months old, so under warranty, but the dealer is over an hour from here and I'm busy!!
  
Member since 8/18/02
Posts: 1578
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Posted on: 4/16/13 10:48 PM ET
Be sure that thread is not getting caught on something in and outside the machine.

Check all the threads.

Reduce the tension on the left needle -- maybe that will help.
  
Member since 11/12/03
Posts: 932
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Posted on: 4/16/13 11:53 PM ET
I don't know seems like sew sally covered it all, but have you checked that your thread stand is completely telescoped up?
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Patty
  
Member since 1/9/05
Posts: 3570
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Posted on: 4/17/13 1:14 AM ET
And have you taken the thread spool completely off the holder before re-threading? It might be catching at the bottom...the thread could be slipping down.
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Alison in suburbia - Sydney Australia
aka Bag Yoda
My sewing blog: http://nosilasews.blogspot.com/

My machines: Janome MC6700P, Janome MC6600P, Janome MC8000, Janome MC4900QC, Janome MC3500 (inherited from my mother), Husqvarna Rose, Janome My Excel 18W, Janome 534D & 2 x 634D overlockers, Janome Coverpro 1000CPX.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 3855
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Posted on: 4/17/13 2:24 AM ET
Try changing the type of thread eg mettler
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Wellington, NZ
  
Member since 12/5/10
Posts: 128
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Posted on: 4/17/13 7:31 AM ET
The only thing I can add is to make sure that when you changed the needle you got it pushed all the way up as far as it will go. The needles will not be the same level, the left one is higher.

Someone else mentioned thread brand, but just repeating..the thread brand is extremely important. Cheap threads will break. Try Maxi Lock as I know the Baby Locks love that brand.
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Member since 12/25/11
Posts: 375
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Posted on: 4/17/13 10:59 PM ET
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm using Maxilock thread, which has always worked fine before this problem. I hope to have time tomorrow to check everything, re-thread, and try again. Maybe a little wine beforehand might help?
  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
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Posted on: 4/18/13 10:11 AM ET
Thread can get looped around the thread guides on the antenna and then, of course, break.

Hand-walk a few stitches to see if you can find the problem.

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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 12/25/11
Posts: 375
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Posted on: 4/18/13 10:22 AM ET
Well, duh. I guess this doesn't count as an "edit" since it's two days later. Just re-read my first post. Correction: the left needle thread is skipping stitches, not breaking. I still plan to try all the suggestions y'all have made so far, but would skipping stitches point to anything else?
  
Member since 11/16/05
Posts: 1570
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Posted on: 4/18/13 10:46 AM ET
Does the needle skip stitches whenever you stop sewing for a moment? To rearrange the fabric, remove a needle, etc? If yes, the threading is off somehow, which will show at that moment of no tension when you stopped stitching.
I have the same machine and only noticed after repeated use that the needle threads have to pass through a little clamp/wedge/whatyoumacallit above the needles to perform a perfect stitch! Major duh moment for me. So check that.
Here is another thought: Have you switched needle brands? BL is supposed to take both Schmetz and Organ, but my BL serger, not the coverlock, doesn't like the Organ 14 size. Go figure. It will take the Organ 12 and the Schmetz 12 and 14, but not the Organ 14. A sewing technician advised me that sometimes, individual machines don't like certain brands even though they are designed to work with them. If you tried changing the needle from the same brand with no luck, try a different brand.

Claudia
  
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