Hats my favorite

[Monograms N More]

I'm trying to do a hat that a customer brought to me, and I can get the top part of the design to sew out with no problems. Its the wording at the bottom of the hat(close to the bill)everytime it starts that lettering the presserfoot stays down, breaks a needle and amaya shuts down. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Jackie

[TinaK]

Jackie~

How close is the lettering to the bill of the cap and also have you tried sewing the lettering first then the top portion?

[HIdden Treasures]

It sounds as if the pressure foot is hanging up. Check to see if there is anything that it would snag on - namely the cap frame. Closely inspect all angles of the pressure foot when it is stuck down to find an obstruction. Somewhere along the way you will find one.

[Rod or Sharon]

Both posts are good advice.....Tina's question is very important. Is the whole design and lettering sewing from bottom up and center out?

The cap needs to hooped as tight as you can get it and lay as flat as possible on the sewing arm while sewing.

In a case such as this...the presser foot is being forced to ride the steep incline of the cap just above the bill and is sliding down this incline and wedging itself against the back side of the needle which starts the breaking process. Check the clearance of the presser foot to the needle and make sure there is clearance..aprox 1/8 to around 3/16 inches is sufficient. If it is bent, you can use a flat blade screwdriver to gently shove the presser foot straight back to bend it to get this clearance.....

You may need to raise the presser foot another notch or two....what speed are you trying to sew these caps at??

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[Monograms N More]

I'm sewing at about 600. Do I need to do the bottom(close to the bill) first? I have the presser foot up 2 clicks and it is a structured cap.

Jackie

[HIdden Treasures]

Yes, always start from the bottom up or the middle out. That will reduce wrinkles and pinches. You may even try to raise the lettering up from the bill a bit on the design and see if that works. Two to three clicks up on the pressure foot. Loose bobbin (drop it 5-6 inches on the test drop) and adjust thread feed to reduce looping (probably around 8 - 12). Single ply backing. If you see any looping or have false breaks, lessen the thread feed a notch or two at a time 'til it goes away.

[HIdden Treasures]

Also, you can up your speed to about 1000 at that point.

[Monograms N More]

Thanks so much for everyone's help. I managed to get them done with only a few thread breaks.

Jackie