Time to Throw in the Towel?

[@thearb2003]

PS love you chatting about different challenges it really helps us all put our thinking caps on. Thanks Susan

[@StitchedBySusan]

I appreciate that! It takes a bit of courage to put it all out there 😄 but it also helps me immensely to have you all sharing your experiences and ideas.

[@mariamgunderson1425]

Thanks Susan. I’m sorry you keep having issues with thread breakage. We’ll still be here to watch and support you while you continue to figure out your machine and what works best. 🤞

[@kimharrington1764]

Sounds to me like you figured it out! I am interested in hearing what you did in the end about the loading. I have red snappers that I have started using on my longarm. I am very new to this, but I already know that I do like them!

[@StitchedBySusan]

For the loading, I raised the dead bar just a smidge, and for the first advance, when the snapper needs to slide underneath, I break thread and move the machine a little to the side beyond the thick outer snapper. I have no problems with it at all.

[@kathrynboseman5249]

I second the earlier comment re: zipper system. It was just such a game changer for me. I pin to zips while sitting with hubby in the evenings. I have several sets so i'm always ready to just zip a project in place. I also love that I can move between projects when necessary.

[@debbiemacdonald7439]

I just found your 'station'. Thank you for this work! I have been in the middle of testing, problem solving, and finally I think I figured out what was happening with my Q20 on a studio frame. I've had the machine for over a year - no problems until now. Used the manual, looked at software update, tension on both bobbin and upper thread, thread, needle. Low and behold I THINK I have the problem solved. When I left the front cover open to try to catch the moment the thread was shredding, the problem ceased. I 'think' the issue is that the front cover is malaligned and is pushing the thread against an area it is not meant to be. I have left the door fully open and partially open and the problem is solved (for now!). Who said sewing was just about needle and thread! Thanks for your videos! It really reassured me that I was not alone in my efforts!

[@StitchedBySusan]

Yay for problem solving! I think that's a big part of our job description as a quilter!

[@betsyercolini8724]

i know this is older, but had the same problem with my Bernina. Now using Sew Tites magnetic system. Considering loading mine like you do with them! Thanks for reminding us to think outside our boxes!

[@StitchedBySusan]

You’re welcome! It’s a good reminder for all of us❤️

[@susanabbott2597]

I rent time on a Q24 at a local Bernina dealer and they use the red snappers with no problems. Depending on who helps me they sometimes load the top of the top snapper behind the dead bar and then we start quilting. Uses a little more fabric but no problems.

[@SuperBettyboop23]

Sew tights is what I use, I was using red snappers but no longer. I use sew tights Magnum is the best because they were like I think 3 to 5 inches long and very strong and quick to put them on you’re a fabric. I can load a queen size quilt in less than 15 minutes ❣️🪡✂️🧵

[@nflinn8680]

I have a Juki, and I now realize that I my problems with thread breakage got better when I put the dead bar at the right level. I was using the red snapper system but had to stop because my hands got too sore. I have been using magnetic systems for loading, and they are really slick! Quick, adjustable, and they don't take up too much space as you roll it past the dead bar.

[@StitchedBySusan]

Good to know. Two quilts after height adjustment....it's doing better 👍🏻

[@madgebuus-frank4344]

Good evening Susan. You are such a thoughtful and magnanimous person! I am the "Madge" and a loyal follower and admierer. I don't claim to have THE answer, and offered the comments about the # of thread breaks with absolute RESPECT for you and your expertise. I am a Bernina LOVER, have the same machine you do. I also love my red snappers. One of the differences is that I have never adjusted the dead bar (as you did) - I somehow made the snappers work with the machine set to factory precise specs. I think you are absolutely onto something! I think of it like a medical instrument. Using it according to specifications gets the results. It makes great sense that his was corrupting your tension". My dealer was super careful about the dead bar and leveling and the careful "calibration" of each step of the set-up to the other. I hope this does it for you so you can continue your beautiful work!

[@tammykelley6173]

Could you load with red snappers where they do not go under the leveler bar? Just will need a few extra inches of backing.

[@user-yk1dp8ik7d]

I baste a wide swath of muslin as a backing fabric extender (sort of stuff kind of like your green scrap fabric Leader) that I sew onto the backing fabric so the red snapper system is behind the dead bar and not interfering with the level of the dead bar. It just extends the backing fabric so it is large enough to load back beyond the dead bar so the level of the dead bar is not changed at all and the rod and snappers do not impede the area at all.

[@madgebuus-frank4344]

This sounds like the approach I have taken and it has worked for me. I also have resorted to a larger "header of backing fabric . . . It may feel like a waste of fabric; however, I recycle that fabric and turn it into scraps for the next quilt!!!!

[@donnarouse9314]

Just joined. Hello today from NC. Sunny and warm.

[@anna-mariaflanegan1351]

I've had one thread cone where the thread kept on breaking. Other threads of the same thread make had no problems at all. Was it perhaps a very old thread? On the other hand, l think it's good to see how you approach your thread problems and it just enhances my repertoire of possibilities of things that can go wrong! I've only discovered your quilting site recently and thoroughly enjoy them. I've been thinking of using the zipper system as I'm through with pins poking my fingers and pulling my clothes! ...

[@StitchedBySusan]

Sadly, I've tried different spools/bobbins, etc and they weren't the issue. I did start using a larger needle and that helped, as well as having a full service done and the needle bar adjusted just a smidge. It all adds up to improvement.

[@cindyhenderson1486]

I just watched this replay. I wouldn't ever give up my Red Snappers for the reason of the dead bar needing to be lower. I keep mine low as well. When it is time to advance the quilt the first time, I just move the machine all the way to the left or right so that I can advance the red snappers beyond the dead bar, then move the machine back. Sure takes less time to quickly move the machine that one time than pinning on the top of the backing fabric. And only have to do that on the first advance. But, I have watched a tutorial on installing the SewTite magnets and I am intrigued by that, but I believe it will take more prep time for that than Red Snappers.

[@StitchedBySusan]

That's a really good option on the Red Snappers! I confess I've been making do, as I focused on getting the thread break issue fixed, but I'm going to take your advice and re-install mine.

[@sew1derful]

I have a similar frame on the Innova Classic 22. I load with Red Snappers only on the front and pins on the back. When I load, I snap first and then go around the frame to the back of the machine and pin. It's a bit slower but it gives me the advantage that I use less backing at the top of the quilt and I can make the first roll without the snappers catching on the dead bar. Otherwise, to use snappers, I have to have more fabric at the top so they are already under and above the dead bar. Others have created other solutions but I prefer to be able to make the first roll without having to finagle the snappers around the dead bar or waste fabric. When I had a HQ 16, I got very good at basting the backing on the leaders with the HQ. For some reason when we moved I stopped doing it and I transferred the habit to the Innova when I upgraded. I know it is partially because the frame for the Innova is much higher. I let them set it up according to Jamie Wallen's recommended height. I am having second thoughts now because I have short arms for my height.

[@kaygonzales4559]

You could try having extra backing fabric at the top of the quilt that allows the red snapper to not have to pass under the leveler bar. Or sew on a piece of scrap to the the top of the backing to allow clearance

[@StitchedBySusan]

Yes, both are options.

[@quiltsylinda2939]

Thank you for all your troubleshooting. It can be so frustrating! I use the zipper system and can say once you find the sweet spot you just don’t want to rock the boat. 🙏🙏

[@nerdmom_quilts]

Hi Susan. I use the Sewtites Magnum on my back bar. I still use pins on the front, as the Sewtites are expensive. I seem to be having good results with them, so will move to them on the front soon.

[@julianneflagg4973]

I have a gammill classic plus , I recently purchased red snappers. I have a bit of arthritis in my hands and pinning was becoming difficult. I've only done two quilts using the snappers, but so far I love them. So yes I think we need to be open to doing (trying) something different. We also need to be willing to work with it and keep playing with things until we find the fit for ourselves.

[@StitchedBySusan]

Wise words❤️

[@robinphyfe5047]

My Bernina Q16 is very temperamental. I struggled for months trying to get Aurafil to work. Isacord and Glide are my go-to threads. I also pin my backings. I do have the zipper system but I haven’t put it in yet.

[@StitchedBySusan]

I simply don't have enough time on the BERNINA yet to have opinions about terperamental-ness, but changing the dead bar height has given me 2 thread-break-free quilts, so that's a win! It's a long, slow learning curve, isn't it?

[@julianneflagg4973]

I also wanted to say.. I am fairly new to your videos and I really enjoy and appreciate them, I usually have to watch them later in the day instead of live but that's ok.

[@dorothygillstrap7549]

When I got my Gammill I had constant thread breaks. I was ready to “throw in the towel” and then I watched a video about all the things it could be. About the fifth thing was the back bar being too high. Only a small space should be between the quilt and the throat of the machine. I had it up too high. Adjusted it and bam, no more thread breaks!

[@StitchedBySusan]

that's just it - there are MANY factors, the trick is to find the right one!

[@thearb2003]

I use the red snapper only on the belly end. The top end I still pin. Polyester thread always breaks.... Cotton not so much I am looking now for quality cotton spools... Strange the cheap Coats brand both my machines love. has the quality changed on the Isacore (sp) thread?

[@lanafrazier4638]

I pin on the take up bar leader and use red snappers on the rest.

[@cassandrasharkey8697]

I sewed backing to zippers for awhile and recently I got the Sewtites for longarmers and I really like them. Downside, very expensive.

[@StitchedBySusan]

I’ve watched videos, but not actually used them.

[@roxanneweaver5377]

I use red snappers with the bar raised and no thread breaks except when I use Isacord.

[@StitchedBySusan]

Interesting! I find it so incredible that I did so many quilts (40+) before this problem arose 🤷‍♀️

[@marianneparkinson3873]

Watching from Australia

[@conniehainline3220]

I love the red snapper! I made a leader of canvas and I bast the leader to the top of the back. This gives me more wiggle space away from the snapper. I also took the snapper rod and cut enough of it off of one side so I can bring the machine to that side , the machine head is out of the way and I can roll the red snapper under the dead bar and that little spot is not in the way with the machine because it is empty of rod when I am ready for the next section. my other breakage was from oil. I didn't know it was old but every time I used the oil that came with the machine the thread quit breaking, threw the oil that was given to me away! I also started oiling the 2 little wicks just in front of the bar we are suppose to oil. that also made a difference.

[@StitchedBySusan]

Great tips! May I use the one about fresh oil? I’d like to add it to a future edition of my Tension Headache mini book😁

[@conniehainline3220]

@@StitchedBySusan you bet! Anything that helps someone else is great by me.

[@caroljoymileti2609]

I have seen the magnets that go in the very sleeve of our long arms, and that looks like it’s a much thinner type of attachment than the red snappers and I find that I too have a problem with red breaks with my red snappers when I went back to pinning it worked, so I’m thinking about going with the magnets that you slide the whole sleeve down your leader and then you have your little magnets that you put on on top and they take a very very little room

[@barbdespen2745]

Wow, thank you for sharing that. I will be interested in whether this is your final solution....lowering the dead bar. Will that mean you can't use the red snappers anymore?

[@StitchedBySusan]

The solution seems to be working.....after lowering it, I've loaded 2 quilts with pins. There's other choices too, like extra leaders on the backing, etc. I'll be experimenting!

[@lisaiorga5851]

I have a dead bar as well. Don’t give up on the red snappers - finagle them through the dead bar that one time, then everything is fine. That makes sense that the bar was too high.

[@nataliefisher2767]

Maybe you can keep half of your red snappers. Only pin on the dead bar side.

[@mendybuckmaster9643]

Hello Susan. I ditched the red snappers with my Q20. Apparently they don’t do well with Bernina’s stitch regulator, plus I just got tired of working around them. I use the zipper leaders from Bernina now. I also lowered my dead bar…don’t forget to factor in your ruler base when doing this. Lastly, I use Mettler thread that came with my machine…so yeah, I guess you could say it’s best to stick with factory recommended accessories/thread.

[@StitchedBySusan]

It's a fine balance between the wisdom behind the recommendations....and expanding horizons. It's great to hear so many ideas and suggestions from other quilters. How to you attach to the zippered leaders? Baste/pin/magnet/other?

[@mendybuckmaster9643]

@@StitchedBySusan I sew them in with my serger using a chain stitch, so when I’m finished I can just pull the top thread and unravel the seam.

[@northernsuequilting8446]

catching the replay!

[@carolanngager1458]

What about SewTight Magnum bars stitched into your leader? I’ve been checking them out and really wonder about them! New to my long arm machine, pinning is the worst part in my opinion.

[@StitchedBySusan]

I think it comes down to personal preference. I know quilters who love the magnets, but I’ve had great success with my Red Snappers, and they cost significantly less. This episode only had pins because my Snappers were attached to another quilt, and I thought it might be helpful to some quilters to see them.

[@carolanngager1458]

Yes, that makes sense. And the reason I’ve not purchased magnets…the expense. I guess I feel that pins are working for me right now, but do tend to slow the process a bit, so why change? But Red Snappers? I must google them and check ‘em’ out!

[@jann6082]

Has anyone else had voice sync issues?

[@jostauffer6637]

Yes.

[@jann6082]

I’ve figured out that every time I watch live it’s always out of sync.

[@nancymathisen9707]

Yes, but it really doesn’t matter because the sound is clear.

[@quiltingatthelake]

It wasn’t at first, but somehow it jumped part way through.

[@quiltingatthelake]

Threw in the towel on my HQ Fusion trying to use smaller than size 18 needles. Will skip stitches every time.

[@kimquinn4159]

Kim Q in VA Says Hello!

[@debkelly8199]

Have you seen the Sew Tite magnets for Longarms?

[@thaleiburke2725]

Thalei in Upper Michigan

[@denisebazan3461]

I was wondering if you have started using the Bernina's bobbin winder only or are you also using your older one? I ask because you had an episode that you pulled off about 6 yrds of thread and it fixed the issue...perhaps the bobbin winder (and not the machine) doesn't wind as nicely as your older winder does with your favorite thread...I know the tention can show correctly using the new one but it could be how it's winding it. Just a thought.

[@StitchedBySusan]

I’ve been using the new winder with the new machine. I do know that different threads wind differently, and the winder is adjustable…so I’ve tweaked that down a little.

[@vickiharris5441]

Hi from Iowa

[@laurapotter638]

I have a q24, did not change the dead at level and still use the red snappers

[@PauletteManemann-jj9wh]

Same for me. My dead bar has never moved and the red snappers have worked great

[@MissyFannin]

The zipper method?

[@007brasso700]

Hi from Munich

[@caroljoymileti2609]

They are called is sewtites

[@tweetybird53046]

I use zippers and really luv them

[@tinad846]

Tina AZ

[@oddlyuncommon3535]

Sewtites magnums

[@LauraMcHugh]

I'm seeing this in Dec 2023 and notice that in your current vids you are still using the red snappers. I have been using them for only 2 weeks with my new Q24 without any issues. Keeping my fingers crossed that continues to be the case.

[@StitchedBySusan]

I hear from a number of people who are using them without any trouble. I think as long as all is going well…yay!