My machine is breaking my thread!!!

I'm free motion quilting and using Coats and Clark white thread.  The top thread breaks after a few stipples.  It's like it thins out and eventually breaks.  I've changed my needle, adjusted the tension up and down (when I adjusted down a #, the bottom threads were super loose), changed to a different type thread, oiled the gears....what is going on? Any other suggestions?  I know in free motion quilting the tension should be lowered some- how low do you usually go?  

 http://taralynnthomas.wordpress.com/2009/05/22/new-dress/l is a link to my blog with a picture of what the thread is doing.  

Any help is appreciated!  Thanks!

It is probably the thread. My machine doesn't like Maderia when I free-motion. I also recommend using machine embroidery thread - it has a much better appearance than regular thread. I like Robison Anton and Sulky.

I second the thread comment.

Robison Anton 30 weight cotton or 40 weight rayon work well for me for free motion.

The thread is probably the problem. Coats and Clark isn't good for anything im my opinion. It gets lumpy, linty, and dries out quickly. I agree that Robinson Anton is good, or try Floriani thread.

Thanks for the advice.  I didn't try quilting again today but tomorrow I'll try to use these suggestions!  New thread might be the solution!

I am having exactly the same problem! I was using a lovely silk thread - but in desperation changed to a machine quilting thread, which seems to have done the trick, but doesn't give as soft a finish. Probably time to investigate some alternative threads!

I recently bought Coats & Clark thread for a sewing project and had exactly the same problem. I am thinking it might be a good idea to avoid their thread altogether. I hope you've switched to a different thread and fixed your problem. (aside for SMS: please count me in on free fabric friday!)

I am using Gutterman thread now and it is working just fine.  I also put the tension down just a teensy tiny bit.  And I oiled the entire machine.  And I changed the needleplate just in case it had a spur and was wearing the thread thin.  So out of all these things, something worked!!!! Thanks for all the suggestions! 

I always use Guttermans.  I love it.  Have never had a problem.  Its good embroidery thread too!

I've had that problem too. Definitely change from Coats and Clarks. Switch to Mettler or Aurifil. Wonderful thread. Also, might want to try a Microtex Sharp needle, and not a quilting needle. Sharps have a better point and penetrate better, meaning less fraying of the thread.  Also, you might be trying to move to fast, which means the bobbin thread doesn't have a chance to catch up with the top thread. This too, will cause breakage. Hope it helps. 

Oh no . . .  I just checked my thread box and 90% is Coats!  A lot of the Dual  Duty XP type.   Whats wrong with Coats?   What has caused you grief?   If I make something tomorrow using that thread, will the thread survive to next summer?    Please note that a lot of my sewing is simple apparel, some crafts and Holiday decorations, decorative pillow covers.  I don't (yet) do bridal gowns, couture clothing, embroidered pieces. 

Please be candid, we beginners value what experienced sewing goddesses have to say. 

I use Coats for a lot of different projects and I like it a lot.  But, when I'm quilting, it didn't seem to hold up to the fast motions.  It could've been a problem with my machine but by the looks of what other sewers are saying, Coats acts up a lot.  Other than quilting, I've had no problems.

Thank you, tarathomas.  Coats is okay for sewing, not so great for quilting.  I was out and about today (Joanns had a great Memorial Day sale) and purchased some Gutterman's thread, just in case.  I look forward to trying it out.

A general FYI about cotton thread, cotton fibers come in different lengths, from short fibers (called regular staple) to long staple, to extra long staple. The longer the fiber, the better and nicer the thread will be to use. The longer cotton fibers cost a lot more, which is one reason why premium threads cost so much more. The regular staple threads tend to be fuzzy (which creates lots of lint build up inside your sewing machine), have slubs, and tend to break frequently, not only making sewing no fun but lowering seam quality. One key tip off that you are working with regular staple cotton thread is if you see it is a cotton thread with a polyester core. The polyester core is meant to stregthen the thread, but you still have the lint and slub issues, both of which can lead to lots of breakage while sewing. Not to mention the mess inside your machine, leading to more frequent servicing and other troubles.

Here are a couple links to thread quality info from Superior Threads:
http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/126/
http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/316/

So much information.  My curiosity is still piqued, thinking of going for the elite and trying King Tut thread.