marilynr

This is what solved the problem for me.
Marilyn

nativetexan

feed dogs down (took a class and we left ours up) and lower needle and bring it back up again to get the bobbin thread to the top. hold onto both threads and take a few stitches.
then foot pedal should be fairly fast and movement of your quilt fairly slow. too fast movement will make longer stitches.
it should move easily with the presser foot lowered and a darning foot on.

quiltmouse

yes, I have played with the tension, and am pulling bobbin thread up. Also changed threads.

Connecting Threads cotton thread shredded

Gutteman or mettler poly shredded

am using guttermen or mettler 100% cotton embroidery thread ATM. Only one so far to not shred.

spent a good bit of time on Leah Day's website today. Thanks for link!!!

Will try the Isadone (sp!) she suggests.

have not tried "zero" stitch length. Will try that. Will also try feed dogs up.

Next stop, after $$ is flowing a bit more smoothly, the foot she recommends & maybe the slider dealie.

Machine is Singer Slantomatic 403 (with drop in cams)

Changed needle, too.

CoyoteQuilts

Do you have a 1/2 step to the foot down? With a darning foot you don't want the foot to set on the fabric like a regular foot. My machines have a 1/2 step by pushing the pressure foot lever back and it catches on a lip on the sewing machine housing. I also don't worry about the feed dogs being up or down. I can't tell the difference with FMQ on my domestic.

Good luck! I'm sure when you find out the problem you will go, Duh!

carolaug

here is a really helpful tutorial. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfIle...eature=related

carolaug

Make sure to use a quilting needle.

MadQuilter

Not all machines work that way. My Babylock needs the stitch length at regular setting or all I get is angry little bites (as if a bird had pecked my line).

Dolphyngyrl

Can you adjust the presser foot pressure

quiltmouse

??? .... the minion said, "whaaaAAA?"

What is this quilting needle thou speaketh of? Seriously?

Thanks, carolaug! I watched all 4 of her vids last week. That was what inspired me to try. They are great, as are the Leah Day site suggested earlier here.

Hmm. Machine was mom's bought used in early 60's. Grad gifted to me 1974. I know it pretty well, and I have never noticed a half step. Will look. I do have the orig manual. I read the darning section before I tried the foot. I will put the manual open at the machine and pay attention to each word.

D'oh! indeed! hee!

Dolphyngyrl, I can adjust the pressure foot tension. I hate messing with that thing. Every time it has ever been touched, the machine has to go in for a tech to reset. I find myself unable to get it back to normal.

CoyoteQuilts

Have you had any luck yet???