Uneven stitches with walking foot

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02-26-2011, 08:11 AM

#21

Cdrlinda

Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Wisconsin

Posts: 95

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

I'm a pusher. I tend to shove quilts through the machine and it gives me uneven stitches every time. I have to remind myself to let the feed dogs work and support the quilt weight so they can work.

I am the same way. If I slow down I get better results

02-26-2011, 08:53 AM

#22

echobluff

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Worland, WY

Posts: 303

Quote:

Originally Posted by Candace

Are you yanking your fabric through, maybe unaware of it? You shouldn't have to be pulling on it as that will distort stitches. Also, you may want to try lowering the foot pressure on your machine if you've got the capability to do so.

That was my thought too...

02-26-2011, 08:57 AM

#23

stormatsea45

Junior Member

Join Date: Jun 2009

Location: Kansas

Posts: 211

Because of the way the walking foot is built, when going over a thicker seam, it will catch or drag, causing smaller stitches. Watch and see if that is when your stitching changes, if so, slow down on the seams. Once in awhile, I find it necessary to slightly lift the pressure foot to allow it to advance going over certain seams. Hope this helps.

02-26-2011, 09:05 AM

#24

IBQUILTIN

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: North Fork Ca

Posts: 8,234

If you are trying to fmq eith a walking foot, you will never get your stitches even, it is only for straight seams. You need either a free motion foot or a darning foot.

02-26-2011, 10:54 AM

#25

quilt gram

Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Belt, MT

Posts: 10

Can you adjust the pressure on your pressure foot?

02-26-2011, 10:59 AM

#26

bigsister63

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Ohio

Posts: 2,148

I just read a hint to use a demin/jean needle 80/20 when machine quilting. It is supposed to be better that the universal needle. I have not tried this yet. Hint came from a site called "www.aliceinstitches.com"

02-26-2011, 12:58 PM

#27

llcox

Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Chicago, IL

Posts: 58

How are you basting? Are you using a spray?

02-26-2011, 04:07 PM

#28

Martha Hamman

Junior Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Edinburg, VA

Posts: 107

Just a thought...are you keeping your quilt from dragging. If there is too much weighted drap it will cause your stictches to be uneven. Just ask me how I know this.

02-26-2011, 05:38 PM

#29

QuiltswithConvicts

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Texas

Posts: 2,811

Just a thought - try replacing your needle. It may have a slight burr on the tip and so it's not catching like it should. Otherwise, try all the previous suggertions.

02-26-2011, 07:20 PM

#30

New knee

Junior Member

Join Date: Oct 2007

Location: Macon, Ga

Posts: 272

Quote:

Originally Posted by kim_s

Just wondering if others have this problem? I have 2 machines. An old Viking 6570 and a new Janome AQS. Both have nice and even stitches when piecing but everything goes haywire when I use a walking foot. Both walking feet I bought specific to the machines so they are not generics. I have attempted adjusting the upper thread tension but that doesn't help. Not sure if I want to mess with the bobbin tension...The Viking was serviced about 1 1/2 years ago and the Janome is less than a year old.

I always sew at the same speed to try and keep the stitches more even. In the past I always did SITD so the stitches were not so visible but now I am doing more freehand designs on the quilt tops so everything shows!

Anyway, if you have any suggestions or solutions I would be most appreciative.

Thanks!
Kim

I have trouble with the walking foot, too. I have a Bernina 440. I was told to remember that it is a "walking" foot, not a "running foot." I have to sew very slowly, or the stitches get very small, no matter what length I set. Given all this, I do like the way the foot keeps the fabric layers moving together.