annesthreads

Thanks - I hadn't thought of the possibility of a faulty darning foot (and I really did think I'd tried everything!). I may borrow one and check that.

annesthreads

Thanks Carol. I've tried the auto tension (would like to know what number that corresponds to?). Loops on the front. On my machine nothing higher than 1.5 works, and not always even at 1 or less.

annesthreads

I'm on the 6600 Yahoo forum because it's one machine I'm considering if I decide I have to replace the 4800. My impression is that some of these machines, like yours, are fine for FMQ with the standard bobbin, but others need the blue dot one. There isn't a universal problem with FMQ on Janome machines, but a worrying proportion of them do seem to have tension issues. The owner of my LQS went so far as to say "I don't believe it's possible to do FMQ on a Janome!" because of all the problems she'd seen in workshops.

annesthreads

I love Leah's site too -so inspirational. I emailed her and she was kind enough to send me a long reply. Her advice is basically to use the same colour top and bottom and just go for it! In terms of confidence issues with FMQ I agree with her, but nevertheless, there is a problem with my machine that needs resolving, or the loops will continue.

annesthreads

Believe me, I've done it all! I've started with checking how I thread the machine and put the bobbin in, and gone on from there. The manual doesn't actually deal with FMQ, but I've checked all that -feed dogs, stitch length, needle etc etc from various books.

annesthreads

ABSOLUTELY! The 4800 is described as a "quilter's edition". As you say, it therefore shouldn't need a separate, expensive bobbin case before it will quilt. I've spoken to Janome UK by phone several times over the past 2 or 3 years: the ladies there have tried to help, but they never admitted, before the blue dot case came out, that there was an issue with the machines - it must be my incompetence or the thread I was using etc etc. It was only when I tried FMQ on 2 Berninas and a Brother that I began to believe I could do it and that it was the Janome machine that was incompetent!

k3n

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k3n

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sewcrafty

I've really not had a problem with FMQ'ing on my machine at all. Feed dogs down, tension set around 6 and speed control set to med-low. Even stitches on front and back. I'm really sorry to hear that some are having these issues. I had the option to purchase that for my machine, but decided to try without first. My understanding was that the blue bobbin was for individuals not wanting to make adjustments to their machines tension.

In fact, I'm teaching a class and one woman had a Janome (can't remember the one) and she went right out of the starting gate beautifully. Even stitches, no eyelashes, etc. and didn't have anything other than the reg. bobbin.

Try without the blue bobbin and see how it works. Try your tension just a little higher # than your normal setting and if you have the capability, set your speed for low-med and play with a sandwich.

Pedal to the metal isn't for me, I need to take it at slower pace, sort of steady as you go for me. LOL


Good Luck!

annesthreads

Done all that! With the standard bobbin case I've sat there and moved the tension half a number at a time all the way from 1-9, have tried every combination of speed and movement, have covered endless practice sandwiches. This has been going on for several years: I struggle, try new things, go back to Janome and the dealer, give up again until next time. The machine is simply not set right for FMQ: it may occasionally work with the tension very high, but not often. I think it's basically an embroidery machine that's been labelled "quilters edition" and is just not designed/set to cope with the range of threads used for quilting.