Why Your Needle or Thread Keeps Breaking And How to Stop It

Quick Fixes for Frustrating Sewing Problems That Disrupt Your Stitching Flow

Ever been deep into a project when suddenly—snap! Or worse, your thread breaks every few inches? You're not alone. Needle and thread breakage are common issues that can halt your sewing. We will explore why your needle or thread keeps breaking and how to stop it in this article. However, the good news is that it is easy to solve once you know the causes.

Let’s break it down and fix it fast.

🔹 Problem #1: Needle Breakage

Broken needles can be dangerous and damaging to your project or machine. Here’s what might be going wrong:

💡 Common Causes:

Wrong needle for the fabric (e.g., using a universal needle on denim or leather)

Bent or dull needle

Pulling fabric while sewing (causes needle deflection)

Incorrect needle installation

Thick seams or hitting pins

🧵 Quick Fixes:

Use a heavy-duty or denim needle for thick fabrics.

Change needles after 8 hours of sewing or at the start of every new project.

Let the feed dogs move the fabric—never pull or push.

Always remove pins before the needle gets to them.

🔹 Problem #2: Thread Breakage

Snapping thread interrupts your rhythm and leaves you rethreading again and again. Here's why it happens:

💡 Common Causes:

The thread is old, brittle, or of poor quality.

Incorrect thread tension.

The thread is too thick for the needle size.

Damaged needle eye or rough spot in the thread path.

Thread catching on a burr in the bobbin case or throat plate.

Your sewing machine needs to be serviced.

Your bobbin case needs to be cleaned and oiled.

🧵 Quick Fixes:

Use good-quality polyester or cotton thread (avoid bargain bin spools).

Check your upper thread path for snags or incorrect threading.

Match needle size to thread weight—thin needle with thick thread = snap.

Reduce thread tension slightly if it’s pulling too hard.

Clean your machine’s bobbin area and replace damaged parts.

Take your sewing machine to the dealer for professional service, or service your sewing machine yourself.

Clean out your bobbin case and oil your machine.

Check the plate of your sewing machine to see if it has been dented.

🧵 Needle and thread issues can frustrate sewing, but they’re almost always fixable with a few adjustments. The right tools, proper threading, and fabric-needle compatibility can keep your stitches smooth and stress-free.

✂️ Looking for sewing inspiration or supplies?
Visit my sewing shop where I offer:

• 📘 Easy-to-follow eBooks

• 🧶 Fabric, yarn, and sewing patterns

• 👗 Handmade doll clothes

Everything I sell is curated or handmade with care to help you sew more and spend less.
📥 Instant downloads. Affordable shipping. No account needed.

I run this website using Hostinger. If you're starting your own site, use my referral link to get a discount.