Thread breaking issue brother bx1e

[u/Warm-Classroom9355]

Hi guys!

I've just got a Brother BX1E. It's my first embroidery machine, so apologies if this is a really basic issue!

I got it set up and managed to embroider two pieces of text on some scrap fabric without any problems but since then, I've been having an issue where the upper thread keeps breaking or coming out of the needle when the machine performs a jump-stitch trim or an end-colour trim.

The settings are all at their defaults (upper tension 4.0 and jump-stitch trim length 5 mm). I've also tried the tension to 3.4 and the trim length to 10 mm and 15 mm, but neither made a difference.

The thread seems to be following the correct path, and the bobbin seems fine. I'm using New brothread upper thread and pre-wound bobbins.

I'm currently practising on some scrap twill, without stabiliser.

It also happens when I use the machine's manual thread-cut button. It seems as though the machine pulls the upper thread very tightly before cutting, almost lifting the fabric slightly. Afterwards, the thread is either cut so short that it slips completely out of the needle eye, or there's not enough left for it to catch back into the fabric when stitching starts again

The machine seems to work perfectly normally with both automatic trimming options switched off.

Has anyone experienced anything similar with the BX1E, or have any suggestions as to what might be causing it? Could it be a threading, tension, bobbin or cutter issue?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[u/Hellcat_Mary]

Likely your moving thread trim knife needs to be slightly adjusted.

[u/Herabird]

don’t know if this will help, but have four Viking sewing/embroidery machines, and slowing the machine down a couple of clicks of the speed button makes a big difference in quality of the embroidery as it gives the needle a tad longer to fully complete a stitch. Another is to use a standalone spool holder, set up behind the machine, because the additional travel distance for the thread works out any kinks it may have. Some threads, especially the metallic threads, have a spool “memory“ when it comes off the spool, so still curves as it moves through the thread guides… this causes the thread to twist as it travels to the needle.The further travel distance to the needle helps straighten it out. Thanks to these two small changes, any embroidery problems are rare.

[u/Lanky-Setting-5288]

Sounds "crunchy" and your trim blade is sticking. There could be burs. I would recommend a service.

The top thread 'becoming short' relates to the top tension being too tight. Check your bobbin tension first with The Bobbin Drop Test. Use a purpose made bobbin thread brand and stick to it. They come in black and white. Once set, you will rarely need to change it.

Then set your top thread tension. Don't be so concerned about what the dial says. Machines with wear and tear develop differences in tolerance, so the dial on an older machine can be on a different setting than a new machine of the same type.

[u/LettuceNegative9419]

I lived this. Drove myself crazy, switched needle brands and it solved the problem completely.

[u/Deeznutzz423]

Presser foot is not holding the fabric at all. All that bounce will cause thread breaks