Pulling my hair out - FMQ (trying to learn) on Janome 6600 - GRRRR
01-01-2015, 08:58 AM
#32
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Pittsburgh PA - Leesburg FL
Posts: 537
I want to thank every last one of your for your responses and help. I think I am on the right track. I have followed everyone's suggestions - a lot of them were things I was already doing/trying but there is such a combination of different things that I'm not sure what I changed that did the trick - like someone said "trial and error". First of all I think that the only thing I was doing differently to start with (compared to when I was quilting halfway decent) was a different bobbin - and I think I have a few bobbins I need to get rid of - including the one that was in my machine. Changing it did make quite a difference.
Then by one suggestion, I remembered I do have a "blue dot" bobbin case and bobbin washers that I haven't used before. Also the Slider (I knew I had one but couldn't find it - which happens often when you go back and forth North and South twice a year). I took the time to really do a thorough search and did find it.
I took some of the suggestions to try leaving the feed dogs up and stitch length to zero, slowed the machine down a bit. I do use Start/Stop button all the time.
Whatever, I seem to have gotten a rhythm that seems to be working and wrote a note on every setting I am using so that I can go back to it in the future. Now I need to - like EVERYONE says - practice, practice, practice. I took one of the many orphan blocks I had and sandwiched it and played with it. I'm enclosing a picture of the stippling/meandering (forget the difference between the two - I think it is acceptable.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]504349[/ATTACH]
Then by one suggestion, I remembered I do have a "blue dot" bobbin case and bobbin washers that I haven't used before. Also the Slider (I knew I had one but couldn't find it - which happens often when you go back and forth North and South twice a year). I took the time to really do a thorough search and did find it.
I took some of the suggestions to try leaving the feed dogs up and stitch length to zero, slowed the machine down a bit. I do use Start/Stop button all the time.
Whatever, I seem to have gotten a rhythm that seems to be working and wrote a note on every setting I am using so that I can go back to it in the future. Now I need to - like EVERYONE says - practice, practice, practice. I took one of the many orphan blocks I had and sandwiched it and played with it. I'm enclosing a picture of the stippling/meandering (forget the difference between the two - I think it is acceptable.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]504349[/ATTACH]
01-01-2015, 09:01 AM
#33
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Pittsburgh PA - Leesburg FL
Posts: 537
Or join a guild where members are happy to help you and bring in instructors once or twice a year. Some quilt shops also give lessons, but be careful with that. I see you list Leesburg and I'm in Ocala. Our guild is terrific at helping you learn and is open to anyone for nominal dues. The Villages have quite a few guilds, but I think you actually have to live there to join. FMQ is not my area of expertise, so I have no suggestions. I'm a PA-FL gal, too!
01-01-2015, 09:03 AM
#34
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Pittsburgh PA - Leesburg FL
Posts: 537
I just finished fmqing 2 queen size quilts on my 6600. I always start with a new needle (I use Organ needles). Feed dogs are down, and my tension is set between 8 and 9. I set the speed control about 3/4, and always use the foot pedal. That way I can really control the speed. I use thread from Connecting Threads in both the top and the bobbin (no special bobbins, washers, or case) and have no problems now. However, I have had lots of practice. As others have said, if you move the fabric too fast, that can cause the thread to snap. Also be sure to keep your quilt as flat as possible around the needle. Don't give up!
01-01-2015, 01:00 PM
#36
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Pittsburgh PA - Leesburg FL
Posts: 537
Lots of good advice from everyone here. The only thing I can add is, try using a thread stand. I'm a Janome girl, owning a 6600 and 8900, and I use a thread stand to feed all my thread through, no matter what size or brand spool I'm using. I've heard that Janome's can be thread snobs, but I have never had a problem with breakage or snagging when I use the thread stand. Practice on something other than your quilt, maybe a mug rug, to test it out. Good luck!
01-08-2015, 07:02 AM
#39
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Fallon, Nevada
Posts: 198
There was a glitch in making the 6600 I found out through my dealer. He said always raise your feed dogs before shutting off the machine. Then turn machine on and wait just 30 sec or so then drop the feed dogs for FMQ. This information was given from the main manufacturer. I had my machine in for the same problem you had about 4 times and they finally really checked it out. Try it and see if it works for you. It did for me.
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