Fleece Stadium Blanket

[Debbie Garifi]

I purchased the Port Authority Stadium Blanket with Pocket BP81 from Sanmar. Had the issue with hooping the pocket and had to get the Fast Frames and sticky backing. Now I am trying to embroider the thing and it is thread breaks every other minute (No Joke). I have changed needles from a 75/11 to a 80/12 did a little tweaking of the needle's, I just did all the major maintenance on my XT. It isn't the design because I have put it on other apparel & accessories and never had this problem. Please advise me of any tricks of the trade you have to get through this!
I am using the 4.5 X 11 FF with sticky backing and solvy topping. The needle nose is inside the pocket during the stitching and the rest of the blanket is on the table/cart top. The fleece does get on the needle, but when I removed the FF and check the bobbin area all was clean but went over it and sprayed too.
I welcome the advice of all you pro's.
Thanks a bunch
Debbie
Design Wizard Embroidery

[Wishes]

Dear Debbie,
I will bet that the problem is the sticky backing. You can take the fast frame and put cut away or tearaway on with clamps on top of the ff. Then place the blanket on that and add more clamps or remove the backing clamps and put on top. Add the slovy and do the same thing so that all of the pieces are clamped together. If you are using any kind of metallic the problem is worse. Try without the stickly backing and see if it makes a difference. Just be sure you have enough clamps for it doesn't move. I do this all the time and use very little spray or sticky backing. Could also use the backing but not directly under design. It will hold the blanket down. Insert a non-sticky backing where the stitches will be.
Margaret

[GF]

I use Floriani Perfect Stick stabilizer and it holds the nylon fine. I also use a piece of waxed paper which helps the needle I think. I would also use a sharp needle 75/11. Hope this helps.

[TinaK]

We do the fleece blankets as well and we hoop the blanket like normal with a tearaway on the bottom and then solvy on top with a 75/11 BP needle and we never have any problems.

Good Luck!

[Debbie Garifi]

Thanks Tina and Margaret for your advice.
I can't use a regular hoop due to the logo size and direction it had to be at. My only solution was the FF and Melco Mart told me how to do it using "sticky" backing which I had to purchase also. I have the pocket of the blanket adhered to the backing and nothing else like wax paper with it, only the solvy on top. If I add the wax paper where would it go?
Margaret - Can I use the clamps/clips for holding papers together? I just have to see if they will stay out of the way.
Have to work on a shirt order so I will not come back to this blanket til the weekend so keep the suggestions coming!
Thank you
Debbie

[Wishes]

Dear Debbie,
If you want to call me when you get back to it on the week-end call 480-216-3163 and I will walk you through it. I won't be avaialbe till Friday afternoon about 5.
Margaret

[TinaK]

Hey Debbie,

You probably already checked this but check to make sure you have the needle in correctly along with the bobbin as either one of these will cause thread breaks also maybe switch your thread to a different number and see if you have the same problem if you don't you know it is with the needle and replace it.

Also I dont use sticky backing I use a tearaway backing and then KK100 and never a problem...

[GF]

The waxed paper is used as a floater between the item being sewn and the machine. It's not absolutely necessary but I find it helps with thread breaks that can be caused by the needle passing through the sticky paper. GF

[Debbie Garifi]

Margaret, Tina & Ed -
I tried adding another cutaway and wax paper between the needle nose and the sticky backing. I changed needles again and still have thread fraying and breaking. I notice that everytime it breaks there is blanket fuzz wrapped around the middle of the needle.
Tomorrow I will try Margaret's idea if I can get some clamps to hold all of it together without using "Sticky". I will be gone most of the day and back early evening to give it another try.
Thanks

[Crazy Threadz]

what kind of clamps are yall recommending for this ??? Where do you recommend getting them ??

Thanks,
Stephanie

[GF]

If every needle and every thread is fraying and breaking, it's most likely NOT anything with your hooping or stabilizing method. It's looking more like it could be your rotary hook. I'd call a tech for this.

[Wishes]

The clamps that I use are the ones that clip by opening as you pinch two wire like pieces. These are attached to a black part that opens. The wire handles flip back and forth. You might have some on your cap frame. You can get then at Staples, stationery stores and they come in several sizes. We use them all the time on fast frames. I very seldom us sticking backing becasue of the gunk on needle and thread breaks.
Margaret

[Theresa S.]

Hi folks - office supply stores call them "binder clips". As Margaret says, they come in a variety of sizes. I use them for a lot of different things.

I too, do a "workaround" due to the fact the sticky backing was too sticky. What I do is cut a piece of backing the size of the fast frame I want to use, then use the sticky backing like tape and use it to attach the backing to the frame; then put a little KK100 on the backing. Put the fabric on it, clip it in place and you're ready to go.

[Image Embroidery]

Those clips are wonderful! I have them in two sizes for the very same reasons. I DO NOT like working with the sticky backing. Even though I have the ICTCS clamping system (also known as slimline), I still use my fast frames with the clips for small items.

LuAnn

[Crazy Threadz]

hi... thanks for yalls replies... I have some of the binder clips, but they dont work very well... I will try to get some larger ones....

Im considering getting te slim line system and was wondering if I would use it more than I do the ast frames... is it worth the cost ??