Originally Posted by MadQuilter

Sorry you are having such a hard time. I took an 8-week course for FMQ and we used the book "Machine Quilting Made Easy" by Maureen Noble. She has lots of exercises in the book and they certainly help you figure out your machine. All I can say is give it a try and use 12-15" pieces for practice. That way you can focus on the technique NOT the quilt.

I started using a vinyl sheet on the machine to help cut down static build-up. It is worth the expense to me.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by misspix

Some of the problems you mention are talked about at different thread manufacturers websites and a lot of them recommend the use of a topstitch needle for FMQ. I have had a lot of the same problems myself and haven't tried the topstitch needle yet. I have also learned that there are different needles that should be used for different threads. You might want to check on that... it might not be you or your machine but the needle and/or thread. Good Luck.

Originally Posted by vivientan

Yup, always made sure my bobbin thread is pulled up before the FMQ. I've tried almost everything I could in my capacity. Guess would really give the blue bobbin case a try....just called the service centre and the lady said she would deliver it to a dealer nearby for me to pick up. I asked about the straight stitch needleplate with a single hole too but she said it's out of stock locally.

Has anybody tried the blue tip needles with FMQ and does it help?

I'm using wt 30 thread as I find it thicker, hence may be more sturdy for MQ. I note that some people have suggested that I try wt 50. Is it strong enough for MQ to feed through the quilt sandwich and withstand multiple washes?

Originally Posted by Somerset Val

Why not try a 40 weight such as King Tut or Madeira?

Originally Posted by vivientan

I've been trying out FMQ for the past year but I don't seem to be improving. First thing first, I never get the thread tension right. I either get loops at the front or the back. I'm using a Janome 6260 and I've tried every single tension from 0 - 9 but nothing works. Even tried varying the machine speed, foot pedal tension etc but still at a dead end.

I find it rather hard to move my quilt sandwich under the machine. Sometimes it gets stucked, causing a huge ball of thread forming underneath! What has gone wrong?

The worst is, I can never get even stitches. They are either too short or too long. Can't seem to be able to move my quilt at an even speed. Even tried drawing out my design from a quilt stencil but somehow, I just can't follow the design! Jagged curves, uneven lines etc.

I don't think I can ever succeed with FMQ, despite trying on lots and lots of practice sandwiches. Maybe I should really just call it a day and stick to my walking foot. :(

Sorry for all these ranting...I need to let off steam!

Originally Posted by vivientan

I've been trying out FMQ for the past year but I don't seem to be improving. First thing first, I never get the thread tension right. I either get loops at the front or the back. I'm using a Janome 6260 and I've tried every single tension from 0 - 9 but nothing works. Even tried varying the machine speed, foot pedal tension etc but still at a dead end.

I find it rather hard to move my quilt sandwich under the machine. Sometimes it gets stucked, causing a huge ball of thread forming underneath! What has gone wrong?

The worst is, I can never get even stitches. They are either too short or too long. Can't seem to be able to move my quilt at an even speed. Even tried drawing out my design from a quilt stencil but somehow, I just can't follow the design! Jagged curves, uneven lines etc.

I don't think I can ever succeed with FMQ, despite trying on lots and lots of practice sandwiches. Maybe I should really just call it a day and stick to my walking foot. :(

Sorry for all these ranting...I need to let off steam!

Originally Posted by ruthrec

I have already posted once on this thread but now have found the best series of videos I've ever found. They are on YouTube and are by Patsy Thompson. She has a 4 part tutorial on FM that begins with how to set up the home machine. This is the URL for the first one and you can click on 2,3,and 4 as you want to. I am subscribed to her channel as she teaches other techniques also. Good luck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39I5A...yer_detailpage

Originally Posted by My time

Okay this might seem like a dumb question but are you sure you feed dogs are down, and that your using a stipple foot? With my Janomw 10000 I use the embroidery foot rather than the stipple foot and have better results.