Free Motion Quilting, Stitch Problems
08-20-2011, 10:32 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 547
It could be the top tension is too loose, or the bobbin tendion is too tight (both draw the top thread to the back). Try tightening the top tension a little bit, test, then tighten a little more on a scrap quilt made up of the same batting and with the same fabrics and thread. This is a common occurrance for us with longarms, so we're always adjusting our tensions like this. Good luck!
08-21-2011, 03:39 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Morristown, TN
Posts: 662
Originally Posted by PaperPrincess
Great beginning. takes LOTS of practice. I would work on sample sandwiches first!
Normally a problem on the back means a tension problem with the needle, a problem on the front means tension issues with the bobbin. I think you need to tighten your tension to the needle. Also, curves are tricky and need to be done a bit slower. Even with great tension you can run into issues on curves if you go too fast.
Normally a problem on the back means a tension problem with the needle, a problem on the front means tension issues with the bobbin. I think you need to tighten your tension to the needle. Also, curves are tricky and need to be done a bit slower. Even with great tension you can run into issues on curves if you go too fast.
08-21-2011, 06:12 AM
#23
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 17
Originally Posted by pscott392
Originally Posted by PaperPrincess
Great beginning. takes LOTS of practice. I would work on sample sandwiches first!
Normally a problem on the back means a tension problem with the needle, a problem on the front means tension issues with the bobbin. I think you need to tighten your tension to the needle. Also, curves are tricky and need to be done a bit slower. Even with great tension you can run into issues on curves if you go too fast.
Normally a problem on the back means a tension problem with the needle, a problem on the front means tension issues with the bobbin. I think you need to tighten your tension to the needle. Also, curves are tricky and need to be done a bit slower. Even with great tension you can run into issues on curves if you go too fast.
08-21-2011, 08:13 AM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Prescott Valley, AZ
Posts: 1,329
Mine looks like the first picture (or worse) when I forget to put my presser foot down. My machine has a half-down position for FMQ and it's not easy to tell if it's down or not. If I don't lower the foot, the tension disks do not engage.
08-21-2011, 08:34 AM
#26
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 71
I am very glad to hear from you and see your free motion!!! My looks just like yours!! It drives me crazy and I have not been able to get it right. I don't even attempt free motion at this point. I also have a Fab-U-Motion attachment for my Viking. The free motion looks the same way. It is not as easy as the lady on the DVD shows! The Fab-u-Motion is for sale if anyone is interested.
08-21-2011, 08:38 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Portage, Michigan
Posts: 7,688
Thank you everyone for your advise. I had the same problem and ended up taking out every FM stitch on a baby quilt. I was on a quick deadline and did not need that frustration.
I found it was indeed my speed. I was hurrying the stitching. The front looked swell,but the back pretty crummy. Pick, pick,pick and then redo the whole thing. S-L-O-W-L-Y and kept the speed consistent and watched the curves. Take time and try not to change your rhythm and speed. I finished the FM quilting, checked the back and HUGE improvement. You all gave great advise. I suspect that we have all been there. :lol:
P.S. I did get it finished on time and had time to enjoy a good old movie while I finished the binding.
I found it was indeed my speed. I was hurrying the stitching. The front looked swell,but the back pretty crummy. Pick, pick,pick and then redo the whole thing. S-L-O-W-L-Y and kept the speed consistent and watched the curves. Take time and try not to change your rhythm and speed. I finished the FM quilting, checked the back and HUGE improvement. You all gave great advise. I suspect that we have all been there. :lol:
P.S. I did get it finished on time and had time to enjoy a good old movie while I finished the binding.
08-21-2011, 10:04 AM
#28
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 17
Originally Posted by Cagey
These a good suggestions even if you FM on a sewing machine.
Thanks for posting the pics and asking the question.
Thanks for posting the pics and asking the question.
08-21-2011, 10:22 AM
#29
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 65
2 suggestions. Clean out your bobbin case each time you refill it. Fabric dust/lint can create this problem.
Next make sure the machine is threaded correctly both the bobbin and upper thread. Either or both of these can cause this problem.
JeanneZ
Next make sure the machine is threaded correctly both the bobbin and upper thread. Either or both of these can cause this problem.
JeanneZ
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