thread feed looping

[sroot3485]

Can someone explain what controls the looping that occurs in front of the needle case prior to being fed to the needles? I seem to get quite a bit and can't find what really controls it. Thanks

[Rod or Sharon]

The appearance of what I believe you are calling "looping" in front of the needlecase is normal.

The amount of thread being fed through the machine is dependent on material thickness, digitizing, i.e., type of stitch being sewn, satin, fill, etc, and the length of these stitches. An example would be a very narrow satin column vs a wide column that is .250 to .3. More thread will have to be thrown for each stitch.

If you are running auto acti-feed, it takes care of the material thickness side of this for you.

These are some of the reasons you see what appears to be looping. The looping look may change appearance as the speed of the machine is taken up or down.

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[gcannon]

What you call looping, I call flagging. You are talking about the thread fluttering in front of the needlecase, right? This is totally normal, desired, in fact. If mine don't flag a little, it won't be long before too little thread is fed, and, our favorite, good ole' thread break!

[Rod or Sharon]

So that you know what "flagging" really is, it is the up and down motion of the material with the needle that is caused by improper hooping, the presser foot not being properly adjusted (too much clearance with needle plate), and improper fabric stabilization (incorrect backing). Named because of its resemblance to a waving flag. Flagging generally causes improper needle loop formation that can lead to skipped stitches and thread breakage. Flagging can also negatively impact the appearance of the finished product resulting in poor design registration.
Sharon