Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • MACHINE FRUSTRATION >
  • MACHINE FRUSTRATION

  • MACHINE FRUSTRATION

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 06-19-2011, 01:03 PM
      #1  
    Member
    Thread Starter
     
    love2sew8085's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2010
    Location: Central Coast of California
    Posts: 81
    Default

    I have a Viking Mega Quilter that I bought from a friend a couple months ago. She never used it so is no help. I am quilting a full size quilt, when I do a FM pattern, like meandering, I have no problem but when I do SITD which I have to use the FM method because it is just too hard to use the walking foot and turn the quilt in the middle, etc, the thread breaks all the time. I am using tried and true thread that I have used with my Bernina 440 but I have the stitch regulator with that. This is my first machine that is truly me doing the FMQ. I have tried everything, changing needles I know there is nothing wrong with, changing the needle size, adjusting the tension, cleaning, oiling, checking and rechecking the bobbing tension, looping through 2 and 3 of the upper bar. Adjusted the speed, mine and the machines. It lookes like a turkey quilted this quilt. It is for my neice's HS grad and I am not happy with the results. I am seriously thinking of taking it in for repairs when I am done with this. HELP!!!!
    love2sew8085 is offline  
    Old 06-19-2011, 02:37 PM
      #2  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Nov 2010
    Location: So. Ea. Ind.
    Posts: 1,312
    Default

    I am of no help, But I am so sorry you are having trouble. Have you checked the machines web site? Just a suggestion. :thumbdown:
    S D G is offline  
    Old 06-19-2011, 03:03 PM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    jayelee's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Chaumont NY
    Posts: 1,127
    Default

    I dont have a mega quilter but I do know that some threads work fine on some machine brands but not on others. I have viking machines and they do better with guttermann and sulky threads I can also use thread from Joanns but I tried some really expensive thread once and almost threw my machine out the window
    jayelee is offline  
    Old 06-19-2011, 03:09 PM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    soccertxi's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2010
    Posts: 1,658
    Default

    I have alot of trouble doing SITD on my long arm. You might need a ruler to help guide your foot. Also, just because a thread works on your Bernina, does not mean that your Mega quilter will like it as well. I would suggest, trying a new thread, trying a long arm ruler (diff than your cutting one, the quilting ones are thicker to accomodate the hopping foot), or just not doing SITD till you have had a chance to practice it elsewhere. Its a learning process! Take a deep breath...you WILL figure this out... Probably nothing you wanted to hear! Sorry!
    soccertxi is offline  
    Old 06-19-2011, 03:13 PM
      #5  
    Power Poster
     
    BellaBoo's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2009
    Location: Front row
    Posts: 14,646
    Default

    If you are FMing stitching in the seams then it's the thickness that is causing the breakage. At least that is what happens to me. I just finished FMing a quilt and every time I went down a seam line the thread would break. I have never SITD more then a few inches without a walking foot and using the feed dogs. I have to stop and turn a lot but that's just what I have to do.
    BellaBoo is offline  
    Old 06-19-2011, 09:34 PM
      #6  
    Member
    Thread Starter
     
    love2sew8085's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jun 2010
    Location: Central Coast of California
    Posts: 81
    Default

    I think you're correct about the thickness of the seams. I should have just used the walking foot. I am almost considering ripping out what I have done, it really looks that bad. Thanks for your help.
    love2sew8085 is offline  
    Old 06-20-2011, 05:32 AM
      #7  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Feb 2009
    Location: Northern Michigan
    Posts: 12,861
    Default

    i know you said you are using "tried and tested" thread...but i would try changing to a different thread any way and see what happens-
    i own 3 different machines- one of which is very picky! (being the long arm) i can buy thread and use it with my viking and do just fine- then try the same thread for quilting- go through tons of frustration (telling myself-it can't be the thread i used the thread and it was fine) then, as soon as i break down and change the thread-all the problems go away.
    ckcowl is offline  
    Old 06-20-2011, 05:37 AM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    Lindsey's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Bucks co PA
    Posts: 1,269
    Default

    It could be the backing or the batting. Lots of different things. What kind of needle you are using. what kind of thread. Try a top stich needle and see how that works. What color thread are you using.? My machine never like black or red thread.
    Lindsey is offline  
    Old 06-20-2011, 05:49 AM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Norfolk, VA
    Posts: 5,397
    Default

    I also have the mega quilter and when I bought mine the store used Aurofil even for store demonstrations and she said that is what the viking dealer recommends in this machine. Now, no matter what machine I use 90% of the time I use Aurofil
    romanojg is offline  
    Old 06-20-2011, 06:21 AM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    Doreen's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: El Paso Tx
    Posts: 1,428
    Default

    I also have the mega quilter and I don't do SITD because of the thicknes and because I can't sew a straight line. Yesterday, I had breakage and I figured that the needle had gunk in it from the spray basting. I had to slow down and clean the needle with alcohol and I finally finished the quilt. It nearly drove me nuts! You have a walking foot?
    Doreen is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    brushandthimble
    Main
    49
    10-15-2011 03:41 AM
    DMotyl
    Main
    17
    06-26-2011 05:16 PM
    bugsmom
    Main
    8
    12-14-2009 03:50 PM
    Inghinn
    Main
    13
    11-10-2009 06:17 AM
    isnthatodd
    Main
    14
    06-11-2007 12:21 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter