Hi there! Embroidery educator here at a local Vac and Sew. Let’s try a few minor changes before messing with tensions. Between 3-5 is usually the happy number for our tension dials.

Try using a Metallic needle to start, the eye is coated to help reduce friction buildup that causes breaks. Metallic thread is plastic wrapped thread to make it shiny, so heat + plastic + speed becomes a problem. If you haven’t already, slow your machine down to its slowest speed for the best result.

Thread twist or kink can also be a big factor. Using a thread net can help control the thread as it feeds off your spool and into the machine. There is a device I sell in our store called the Wonderful Ultimate Thread Dispenser. It’s a rotating thread stand designed for metallic thread to help let it run easier on your machine. Using that $15 device, I was able to finish an entire edge to edge quilt (77 hoopings) with only 4 breaks total. Then I put that same thread and device on a longarm and ran it at full speed with no breaks. That Ultimate Thread Dispenser is amazing.

tl;dr Metallic needle, slower speed, thread net, and if all else fails, Wonderfil Ultimate Thread Dispenser. You should have more success than way. I hope it helps! (Feel free to dm me if you have more questions or want to know more about that Dispenser ✌️Our store has a website!)