ftkls501

I have had so much trouble with this machine trying to free motion quilt on it i spend more time rethreading or fixing something else with it. The thread is always breaking and i am always changing what i think needs to be changed. Can some one give me some pointers?

Mamaskeeto

Sorry can't help but it sure looks like a nice machine.

QBeth

Let me take a guess at a couple of things. If I read your post correctly, thread breaking is the main problem, not the machine, per se.

First, do you have the correct size needle for the thread you're using? Harriet Hargrave has a wonderful book called Heirloom Quilting or some such. She talks about free motion quilting (FMQ), the right needle & thread combinations, etc.

Secondly, it looks like you're using a hopping foot which is correct. Are you also using a single hole throat plate? The standard plate for most machines has an oval opening that allows for zigzig sewing. The single hole helps keep the fabric taut.

Thirdly... wow, I'm doing better than I thought! :-) did you drop your feed dogs (or, cover them with an index card taped down if you can't drop them)?

Setting up for FMQ is a process unto its self. A number of things have to come together for it to work smoothly. Hope my questions help. Good luck!

ftkls501

Yes I have the feed dogs down,I think i have the right thread and needle but will check. I will get the book you have talked about as well thanks so much

ftkls501

and i have a single hole throat plate i have a plate that covers the feed dogs a darning plate

QBeth

You're certainly on the right track! Is this the first time you've tried FMQ?

mytwopals

I have the same machine, a very good one by the way, which is mounted on a Grace quilt frame. This machine has only 1 stitch, a straight stitch and the feed dogs do not lower. There is a cover plate, which is attached to prevent the feed dogs from grabbing the fabric and it has only a single hole for the needle to pass through. I have not had any thread breakage problems with mine. I use either Gutterman 100% Cotton Machine Quilting thread both top and bobbin or YLI invisible thread on top, with Gutterman in the bobbin. Quality thread will make a difference in this high speed semi-industrial machine.

My first questions are regarding the thread. Which thread is breaking? The top thread or the bobbin thread? Also, what brand of thread? What is the thread made of? 100% Cotton, Rayon, Polyester? What size thread?

My second set refer to the sewing machine. How long ago was the machine oiled? When was it last cleaned? What speed setting are you using? High, Meduim, or Low? How long has it been, since the needle was changed? Are you using the special needles specifically for that high speed machine (HLX, I think. I'm at work and don't have any of my needles handy.)? What size needle? Does the machine sew straight stitches consistently, without the thread breaking?

QBeth

Holey moley, an expert has chimed in! :-)

Seriously, I'm glad you did. I could only advise on the basics. Also, I didn't realize this is a semi-industrial machine. Wow! that's great. My Pfaff Hobby (about 15 yrs old) is at the lowest of the low end. :-)

ftkls501

Yes it is the first time I have FMQ I have a frame that my machine goes on but I finally have given up on using it.

QBeth

That's a pity. Hopefully, you'll get enough info here that you might be encouraged to try the frame again. Hang in there!