Advice needed-machine help
#1
I seem to be having trouble with my sewing machine when I try to FMQ. It looks like I am moving too quickly because I can see the loops on the backside of the quilt. I meander almost all of my quilts and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. I do not adjust my bobbin tension, was told to never do that. It is due to be serviced, but I have 8 more quilts to finish before Christmas and swaps that I'm in. I have tried slowing down when quilting and also adjusting the speed of my machine and nothing seems to work well. I have also cleaned out the bobbin area, put in a new needle, oiled. Is there something I'm forgetting? It sews perfectly fine other than the FMQ. Thank you in advance for any advice you have.
Edit: Because of cost I have been using polyester batting on this quilt and the previous couple. I usually use warm and natural or a cotton blend. I find this polyester batting to be a real pain to work with.
Edit: Because of cost I have been using polyester batting on this quilt and the previous couple. I usually use warm and natural or a cotton blend. I find this polyester batting to be a real pain to work with.
#2
I'm only a beginner at FMQ, but there are two things you can try. One is adjusting your top tension, very slowly at a time. The other thing is to change your needle to another size, depending of the weight of your top thread.
The other day, I tried a heavier top thread and turned up with those nasty bobbin loops, and changing the needle to a larger size stopped it. There are many places where you can read about which size to use with which thread. This is one of them:
http://quiltbug.com/Articles/threads.htm
The other day, I tried a heavier top thread and turned up with those nasty bobbin loops, and changing the needle to a larger size stopped it. There are many places where you can read about which size to use with which thread. This is one of them:
http://quiltbug.com/Articles/threads.htm
#6
Are you using the same thread for the top as well as the bobbin. I found that was my problem and since I use the same thread through out --no problem. Try on a piece of sandwiched block the same as your quilt and try out the tension until you have it right. Also put a new needle in--that helps.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 1,398
It also happens a lot when the speed of the machine and the speed you move your quilt sandwich are not properly coordinated. The faster the needle goes, the faster you can move your quilt when FMQing. If the needle is moving more slowly, then move your quilt more slowly....proper coordination comes with practice.
Make up a quilt sandwich out of leftovers and try using different speeds to see how it works.
Make up a quilt sandwich out of leftovers and try using different speeds to see how it works.
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
if you are getting loops on the back your top tension is too loose, tighten it a little at a time do a practice line of stitching and continue to adjust until your tension is equal top and bottom. it is very easy to adjust your bobbin tension also, next time you take it in for service you should ask the tech to show you how if you are not sure how.
#9
Originally Posted by ckcowl
if you are getting loops on the back your top tension is too loose, tighten it a little at a time do a practice line of stitching and continue to adjust until your tension is equal top and bottom. it is very easy to adjust your bobbin tension also, next time you take it in for service you should ask the tech to show you how if you are not sure how.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Alturas, CA
Posts: 9,393
Also, make sure your bobbin is feeding right. I was FM yesterday, ran out of bobbin, replaced it, started stitching, said what is this?, stitching was all messed up and loopy, took the bobbin out and I had put it in wrong, put it in right, stitches just fine now.
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