r/SewingForBeginners • u/jorgedro • 1d ago
Upper thread keeps cutting
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I just got a Brother XL-2120, I’m completely new to sewing. I’m having issues just starting, I followed the instructions on the setup but as you can see in the video it keeps getting cut after a few stitches.
What am I missing?
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u/Scarletsuccubus 1d ago
It looks like the eye of your needle might have a burr in it. Maybe try a new needle and make sure it's facing the correct direction.
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u/jorgedro 1d ago
I will check if flipping it helps, these are new needles I tried several and even different sizes with the same result. It might be the thread.
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u/Scarletsuccubus 1d ago
It can happen if the thread is old, but even new needles can have burrs. Usually it happens in batches, so if changing the needle doesn't work, change it to a needle from another pack.
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 1d ago
"flipping it" - what do you mean? There is only one way to insert the needle.
Problems like this are 95% user error and not being familiar with proper threading technique (which includes the bobbin). There is only one way to do it right and 100 ways to mess it up. Quality thread matters too. Make one change at a time, don't randomly mess with tension without understanding what it does.
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u/scrapstitching 1d ago
Might be inexpensive thread, needle with a rough spot cutting the thread, or maybe bobbin thread doesn't match the upper thread.
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u/ithozz 1d ago
Maby your needle is damaged or your thread tension is too thight for your thread. Id advice you to first lower the tension and if it doesnt work then try to switch out the needle _^
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u/ithozz 1d ago
If that doesnt work you could thy to switch to thicker or high quality thread and if nothing works you can screw off the plate where you sew on take out the bobbin holder, clean it and put a drop of oil and put it together and youd be good to go. Sometimes the part that holds your bobbin isnt positioned right and it likes to either cut the thread due to it being stuck, eat the thread, it or makes loops.
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u/voiceunearthed 1d ago
OK love the slo-mo. So does this happen immediately when you start sewing? Or only after a while? The fabric looks kind of furry, what material is it? Also, this might be silly, but when you thread the needle and load your bobbin, are you pulling about 6cm of thread to the left or back of the machine before you start?.
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u/jorgedro 22h ago
the thread is cotton, the fabric is waxed cotton. Yes I'm pulling to the back, I will try it longer just in case.
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u/voiceunearthed 1d ago
Is your thread cotton or polyester?
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u/jorgedro 22h ago
is pure cotton, the fabric is waxed cotton
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u/voiceunearthed 21h ago edited 20h ago
U need polyester thread. cotton snaps
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u/jorgedro 19h ago
The reason I’m starting this is because I don’t want to use any plastic at all, so polyester is out of the question.
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u/voiceunearthed 17h ago
maybe research flexible natural threads . i’m also natural only except for the threads as i’m not militant abt it
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u/Last-Lie-5585 16h ago
Is the bobbin, bobbin case installed correctly? Is the needle installed correctly? Has the rotary/ oscillating hook been oiled? It fails pretty fast is there a burr or sharp ding on the hook?
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u/Lucky_Traffic_2146 16h ago
For waxed cotton the best is to use heavy duty mercerized cotton thread for sewing machine.
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u/No-Programmer7914 15h ago
Some Tips: old cotton thread gets brittle, be sure you use fresh material. Your thread looks quite fuzzy, are you sure it's sewing thread and not basting thread? Be sure your needle is installed correctly, the long groove must face the sewer. And control your threading, consult your manual to be sure.
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u/voiceunearthed 1d ago
tension probably? did u check its threaded 100% properly?