coffeebreak

I've tired it all...except one way.. and that is the way that will fix this! I starch all squares before sewing them, I press seams flat then to the side, the press on top. I pin seams and use only 100% cotton, and same for thread. When I assemble the quilt, I use the spray adhesive stuff...starting with the back and batting together and starting in the middle and working out in small areas. I press it all down, and turn it over and do the same with the quilt top and even use large safety pins to hold it in places etc. all that said.....

WHY DO THE SEAMS STILL PUCKER!!!!???????

This picture is just one of the puckers...When I do the top stitching like SITD...there are these puckers. WHY? I can't figure anything else to do to stop them...any suggestions?

Kat Sews

Since the pucker is were you pass another stitching line, my first guess would be that your walking foot isn't moving the top layer at the same speed as the feed dogs move the bottom layer.

Pat M.

Is your quilt laying flat on the table or hanging off of the machine (about 3-4")?? Do you use the quilting gloves? When the quilt hangs it pulls on the machine needle and cause problems, I always use the gloves. It helps to hold the fabric in place.

crafty pat

Are you stretching the fabric because it is cut on the bias?

greensleeves

You didn't mention whether you use a walking foot. That could be the problem-a walking foot helps to move top and bottom layer equally.

ckcowl

try lengthening your stitch length a little bit- are you using a walking foot?- if not that is the problem- if you don't have one can you (lessen) the pressure on the foot you are using? some machines allow that-some do not- but your stitches look really really tiny- lengthening them a little will help

Sunnye

I have stretched fabric before when I wet the fabric too much with the starch.

auntpiggylpn

When I am doing any straight line quilting or SID, I lengthen my stitch. I think it helps "loosen" the tension and causes less puckering

Tartan

When I do the straight stitching on sashing before FMQ, I start in the middle of the quilt and stitch out to the edge of the quilt in all directions. I used Hobbs 80/20 fusible batt but the fabrics still move a little but if you get the "extra" to the edge it helps. After the whole quilt is stitched outward in the sashing, I quilt inside the stabilized squares. My Machinger gloves really help with smoothing the sandwich as I approach intersection. I think intersections are where most problem puckers tend to occur.

coffeebreak

I used the walking foot this time for the first time intending to help this problem, but it didn't help and didn't seem do do any diff than the regular foot