Have a mega quilter and inspira frame, purchased it used, the machine keeps breaking the top thread. any advice.
Hi Corky, it is nice to meet you. Your thread breakage could be a number of things check and/or change your needle, re-thread your machine to make sure that the thread is not hanging up somewhere, take your bobbin out and check it (make sure when you put it back in the case that it is coming off the bobbin smoothly) . If none of these are your problem. Every time I've had a breakage problem, the thread was hanging up somewhere along the way from the cone to the needle.
Also, in the groups section there is a Longarmers Share group and you can probably get some more info there. If you are still having problems, come back and ask again and we will keep trying to help you figure it out.
Life is like a quilt...bits & pieces, joy & sorrow, stitched with love
I used to have a brother 1500 on a handiquilter frame. Have you tried different kinds/brands of thread, I had a lot less breakage when I switched to Aurifil 50wt thread. Also my thread tended to break when I sewed over seam intersections where there were multiple layers of fabric, so I tried to avoid sewing through those thick areas.
Don't use cotton thread. Try a 40 weight poly like Glide. Make sure the tension is set correctly and you are using a large enough needle...at least 14or16. Make sure the thread is not old or dry. Clean out lint from your thread path and bobbin.
I also have a Mega Quilter on an Inspira frame and have had the same problem. Every suggestion you have received is valid and could be the problem. I have found that when I use a brand new spool of thread that has been encased in the plastic, I don't have much of a problem. When I use an older spool of thread I get a lot of breakage. My best results have been using a 40 wt. cotton thread vs. the 50 wt., but I have to admit that I have not tried using the Glide thread that Jeanine recommends.
Thank you all for your reply, some suggestions I have tried, and the rest I definetly will try. I was very excited to start, but very frustrated when it kept breaking thread. Local quilt shop didnt have some of the thread recommended, had to order it on line, anxiously awaiting delivery.