BabsO

How do you like yours????

Do you have issues with tension??
I can't seem to solve my problem.
It still loops on the back .. . I am getting pretty frustrated. I took it down to be adjusted and was excited to get it back, only having the same problem . ..

Any advise?????

PaperPrincess

I have a Viking 18X8 which is made by tin lizzie. I have used just about every thread out there, cotton, metallic, rayon, poly and have found the tension really easy to manage. Here are good instructions on how to set the tension:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t114933.html

mighty

I also have the Viking 18x8 and have been able to use any thread I like. Once you get it you will love your machine. I learned how to handle tension from a video on youtube. It is Taking the stress out of long arm tension by Jamie Wallen. It is a wonderful way to learn to adjust tension. His method works like a charm.

MaryStoaks

My Lizzie is easy to adjust, but I don't have to change the tension often. This is because I use the same thread almost always. Even a color change can affect the tension, so I use white thread.

knlsmith

My Lizzie will sew anything I put in it except the cheap serger thread from the discount stores. Here is the link to the TinLizzie yahoo group, it is a VERY activ group and TONS of help:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TinLizzieLongarm/

When you say "took it down", what do you mean by that? Also, when sewing curves, don't go faster than your machine can go.

When you load your bobbin it the bobbin case, rest on it's side on your open palm and pull the thread. It should just lift it up, if the bobbin doesn't move, then it's too loose, if it lifts it off your hand it's too tight.

Also here is s youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1mRh...1E7B7591A8F559

A longarm is not like a DSM, you will need to adjust bobbin and top tension from time to time.

Also, do you have the correct size needle for the machine/and the thread you are using?

Dina

My sister has a Tin Lizzie, and she has had some tension problems like you mention. Now, I hope she reads this thread, but she is teaching a workshop today and may not have time to be on the computer....so let me pass on what I think I know...that may help. When she is putting the bobbin in the bobbin case, there is a little thing she calls a pig tail that she makes sure the thread...oh, not sure what the thread does....wraps around maybe or goes thruogh? If that makes any sense, good. If not, just ignore it.

Dina

knlsmith

From what I understand, the pigtail helps keep the thread where it needs to be in relation to the looper. Another thing I just thought of is when I first got mine I had trouble, too. But then I realized there is a thread guide on the needle bar just above where the needle goes in, it is just a little hole and looks insignifigant. It isn't. LOL I worked in a sewing factory and should've known better. Guess what? I put the thread through that all hole and have been best friends with my machine ever since. Sometimes it's the little things.

Again, the yahoo group is really good. There are lots of help files, pictures, and people to help.

aborning

The long arm I previously owned was a Tin Lizzie 18. I rarely had tension issues and I used several different brands of thread. However, whatever brand of thread I used, I use it on both the top and the bottom. Maybe this will help you somewhat. I also used to have my tension tighter in my bobbin than what was suggested. When I held up my bobbin case by the thread, (with the bobbin in it), it did not gently go down like a spider, like they sugest it should to have the right tension. My thread was always tighter. Maybe you could buy a new bobbin case and try that. But definitely try using the same thread on top and on bottom to try to alleviate some problems. I never had tension problems with my Tin Lizzie, so sorry I don't have any other suggestions.

PlanoDebbie

I have a Queen Quilter 18 which is apparently a sister to the Tin Lizzy 18. Maybe an evil step-sister...not sure.

I had the same loopy issues on the bottom of all of my practice work when I first started.

http://tinlizzie18.com/images/TinLiz...ers_Manual.pdf

Not sure if this Owner's Manual came with your machine, but it has been a wonderful asset for me! My machine came with about an 8 page stapled together xerox copy of what they called an owners manual. I couldn't even tell how to properly thread my machine. My loopies were a result of the following problems.

1) I didn't have my machine properly threaded. Once I got everything working correctly, I have used a sharpie marker to indicate which direction thread needs to go through all of the loops. That way if my thread ever breaks, I don't need to pull out my owner's manual.

2) Had no clue what the tension release lever was! My original manual never mentioned what it was and why you have it. The lever needs to be in the "UP" position while threading, then in the "DOWN" position before you sew. If you are ready to sew, and the thread easily pulls through your needle, you need to re-thread your machine.

3) Adjust your upper tension. Unlike your DSM, you can turn the tension dial a full turn to adjust it just a little bit. If you have loops on the bottom, your upper tension is too loose. If you have loops on the top, your bottom tension is too loose.

4) Adjust your bobbin tension. With your thread bobbin properly loaded, it should slowly roll down if you hold up the end of the thread. If it falls straight to the floor, your bobbin tension is way too loose. This tension is adjusted with a small screw driver directly on the bobbin holder. (I also used my sharpie to mark which direction the bobbin thread should be going here as well.)

5) Make sure your tension release lever is lowered before you start to sew.

6) Adjust the level of your hopping foot. There should only be about enough space to fit a dime between your quilt and the hopping foot.

7) Lastly, make sure you don't have your quilt so taught in the frame. I like to only have my quilt backing pinned to my leader fabric on both poles. I float my batting and quilt top. I do use straight pins to pin all 3 layers together on the sides before I start to quilt.

Hope this helps! I was quite frustrated when I first started to use my LA as well.