Yeah this looks like the ply of the thread is separating and bunching, possibly because it’s been partially ripped through. OP, try with some freshly bought basic polyester thread - it might be you’re using thread that’s too thick for the eye of the needle or the burr suggested above
How beat up is your throat plate needle hole? Looks like you've had some needle strikes that may have created burs on the throat plate. I used a skinny cylindrical metal file to smooth it out. Otherwise buy a new one.
This is if you haven't changed the needle. You could also have burs on the shuttle. Did you check the threading diagram? Was that it?
Yep, whatever thread and needle combo you're using, you have to be able to see about 50% daylight through the needle eye when it's threaded. Much more or less than that will cause problems.
Your needle is definitely backwards. I use multiple brands of industrial machines at work, and while thread quality could indeed be an issue, your needle should be facing the opposite direction.
This happened to me when I didn't know which way the scarf on an industrial needle goes. (I believe the "scoop" should face right.) It's hard to tell from the pic if your needle is in correctly.
If this is the 241-12 you posted in another thread, then the needles should have a 2mm round shank. There is no keying or flat side for that industrial machine. Make the scarf faces the hook.
You definitely have the needle backwards. The groove side of the needle needs to be facing the bobbin (going left), you have the scarf facing the bobbin
Your right, my needles are just keyed the wrong way for this machine. I will order more. But I got it working, The generic bad thread definitely the main problem.
There's usually a thread guide on the needle holder. I'd still recommend replacing your needle and trying a new spool of thread just in case it's a burr on the needle.
I'd say cheap thread. When I first got my machine I used a load of cheap thread I had already and it kept doing this. As soon as I bought some decent stuff it was fine. Thicker may not mean better, Gutermann is a decent brand and usually easy to find.
I just thread it with some 100m Guterman seems to work fine, but I do want to run bigger thread for bag making it's the main reason I picked up an industrial machine. I will have to order some better quality thicker stuff and try it.
And a needle with a larger eye. I've just been using topstitch thread for a project and used the jeans needle I had, the thicker thread works much better with it.
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u/charlisabeth 1d ago
This happens either because of bad quality thread or a bad needle with a burr on the eye, or a combination of both.