Help needed: backing fabric puckering
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Delaware
Posts: 1,027
If the stitches were okay when you first started but got smaller as you went along it is most likely due to drag. Keep the fabric up on the table or over your shoulder so it allows the machine to feed it through without the drag. I also agree with sewing in one direction only to prevent puckering. Trying on a sample will let you know if the machine is stitching correctly but it will not help to determine if drag is the problem. Keep trying until you find the solution but maybe on a larger piece of fabric you don't mind losing?
#25
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Virginia
Posts: 239
Here's another vote for using Elmer's Washable School Glue or something similar that will wash out -- perhaps something you mix up yourself, as others have suggested. There likely are recipes for that online, or perhaps even in the search function on this forum. Find some YouTube videos on glue basting, and study those. Since I've been doing glue basting I have no puckers in my quilting. I think you would be very happy with this method. Of course you must get the washable kind of glue, and yes, it really does all wash out.
#26
It's 100% cotton with a polyester batting. I know that's not the best kind to use but this is what Ive been supplied with by the charity for whom I'm making the quilt.
I've turned the speed down as low as it will go and on a test piece this worked fine.
Haven't cleaned the feed dogs though - good suggestion
I've turned the speed down as low as it will go and on a test piece this worked fine.
Haven't cleaned the feed dogs though - good suggestion
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,667
I pin basted when I first started quilting and I had wrinkles and puckers every where. I kept trying but gave up the pinning. And it was tedious way to baste. I glue my backing to the batting then press it until dry. Then I glue the quilt top on, press until smooth and dry. . I use a paint roller bottle to roll a thin layer of glue on the batting. I never have to check the back for wrinkles or puckers when I'm machine quilting. I use Elmer's School glue and it washes out.
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 1,703
my opinion is not that the basting is the problem, but with your sewing process. My first thought was to use a walking foot, but you already are. My other thoughts have already been mentioned as well. lessen your pressure of the foot on the fabric. make sure the quilt is supported on a table as you go. stitch slowly. reposition your hands and the quilt bulk frequently.
My other thought, if you are a new quilter, could this be an old machine? I had this problem in the beginning (though it didn't bother me like it is you!). When I bought a new machine, it was sooo much better. My first machine was given to me as a hand me down, and even though I had it serviced, it just didn't do well. I didn't know it wasn't good since I didn't know anything about sewing. My new machine was nothing fancy or expensive, but i found it so much smoother and cleaner to sew with.
My other thought, if you are a new quilter, could this be an old machine? I had this problem in the beginning (though it didn't bother me like it is you!). When I bought a new machine, it was sooo much better. My first machine was given to me as a hand me down, and even though I had it serviced, it just didn't do well. I didn't know it wasn't good since I didn't know anything about sewing. My new machine was nothing fancy or expensive, but i found it so much smoother and cleaner to sew with.