Foggy

Ok, I am getting ready to have a meltdown!!!! :evil: I just got a Janome 1600P-DB with a Handi-quilter II frame that also has a quilters cruise controll. I have been doing practice work with this thing all week long and I can't get it to stitch right. First it was balling up on the underside of the material and I fixed that, then the thread was breaking, I think I got that fixed. (I hope) Now it is skipping stitches. What am I doing wrong? I have changed the needle and thread, I have rethreaded the machine. I played with the tension.
What kind of thread is the best to use for free motion quilting? What about nylon thread? What is the the best size needle to use for this? Does batting make a difference?
Oh-ya I forgot to tell you, I am new at this. Like you couldn't figure it out :oops:

I will take any help I can get. Thanks foggy

Lisa

Hey there Foggy! I feel your pain! :( I have never used one of those so I am of no help except to say maybe read thru the booklet, walk away from it for a day or something, is there any type of 800 help line that came with the book? Good luck, I know it's frustrating but don't give up!!!!

Foggy

Thank-you Lisa, its nice to know that someone else knows what I feel like. I have read the manual 100 times and I think I know it by heart. I think its just a matter of getting to know the machine (it has not made a good first impression!!!) I am sure I will figure it out sometime in the next 20 years!! :lol: I will keep working at it and let ya know how it turns out.

Thanks Foggy

nanabirdmo

if your machine is new the seller should be available to tutor you. especially if you bought it from a brick and mortar shop. even if you bought it used most places will help you. good luck. i don't have a
quilting machine so i can't be of any other help.

Bri

Hey Foggy! Unfortunately, I believe you are correct. Sometimes it is just a matter of getting comfortable with the little quirks of your new machine. It may take awhile but you'll get it. I know my machine is particularly picky about the type of bobbin and thread I use and especially the fabric with relation the the tension, etc. It took me quite awhile to get everything all figured out. I don't believe you are doing anything wrong, just stick with it :)

mimisharon

Deep breath, again, now let the tension ease in your shoulders, rub your temples, then take out that piece of fabric you've put so many holes in. Drop it! Pick up another nice fresh square, add a little batting, a bottom of another bright fabric. Ready...........it's working better already!!

Wish I had your machine to help, but when the machine knows more than me, I'm afraid of it!! You will work it out, honest, maybe you just need a break from it or someone to answer you that has the same machine. There are several in this group and I'm sure one of them will be by soon!

Good going on trying it, you didn't leave it in the box for weeks like a certain Amma did with her quilting frame............ :roll: :shock: (can you believe it?) So that tells me you'll be flying with that new machine soon! :D

Lisa

Nanabirds msg. got me to thinking that if they didn't offer a tutor maybe you can pack it up and head to your favorite quilt shop, bet one of the girls there could help you!