(Middle image: fraying)
Thread shredding can be the result of many different factors, including experiencing issues with the thread itself (the thread could be damaged or too old), the needle (improper insertion of the needle or the needle is too old and has bent), the bobbin (improper bobbin tension or bobbin is wound incorrectly), the tension (irregular tension on either top or bottom thread, causing the tension to be too tight or too loose), experiencing burrs located in needle or needle plate area, or even facing improper top threading (the thread could be skipping a point in the path that adds tension).
However, when the thread shreds near the needle or has bunched up, it is referred to as “fraying”. Fraying is one of the four different types of thread breaks.
To learn more about different types of thread breaks and how to prevent them, please click here for a video tutorial explaining this topic.
To resolve your fraying issue, please follow the steps listed below.
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Check the needles.
- Do you have thread shredding in just one or all needles? Diagnosing which needles are experiencing problems will help you determine which needles you’ll need to replace with a new one. (Remember, you’ll need to change the needle because it could be dull or damaged.)
- Next, ensure the needle is positioned correctly. To do this, the needle will appear perfectly straight and forward, not backward or slanted. However, if it appears backward or slanted, reposition the needle with the eye of the needle facing forward. (This is the correct needle placement and positioning.)
- To ensure you’re positioning the needle correctly, there should be no left or right dark shadows appearing on the inside of the eye of the needle.
- Also, check the needle plate hole for any damage by ensuring it is smooth. If it is damaged, a replacement will be needed.
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Check the thread and spool.
- Check your thread and ensure it is healthy by diagnosing whether it is old or damaged. (One way of doing this is seeing if a lot of extra thread is winding off your spool before being carried into the thread lift guide.)
- Check the thread path and ensure there are no obstructions that could interfere and fray the thread before it reaches the needle.
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Ensure there are no burrs.
- Locate the thread path eyelets or openings and ensure they are no burrs. If there are burrs, you’ll need to use a crocus cord or sandpaper to polish them away.
- (Also check the rotary hook and needle plate area for burrs.)
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Check the timing.
- Timing is essential. If the needle is too far from the rotary hook, it could cause fraying (or shredding).
- Also, check the needle depth. If the needle is too far into the rotary hook, it can have the same fraying or shredding effect.
If you’d like more information on thread breaks and more, please review the following resources below:
The Ultimate Thread Break Troubleshooting Guide
Threading a bobbin: TC/MT Machines
Why Thread Breaks Happen and How to Avoid Them
Changing the Bobbin on Ricoma Embroidery Machine
Ricoma Quick Start Manual: Thread Break Prevention
Threading and Tension Tutorial
Ricoma EM 1010 Operation Manual: Thread Breaks
For additional assistance, please refer below.
Please feel free to contact us via email at service@ricoma.com or visit our support page at www.ricoma.com/US/support for additional assistance.