quilting batiks
#1
Hi,
I put together a quilt with batik accents. No problem sewing it together. I put it on my frame and it's skipping all the stitches JUST on the batik. I've tried every needle from 11 to 14, different weights of thread and I'm stumped. I can't take it apart, I haven't time, it's a wedding gift. Aside from taking it off the frame and quilting it on my regular machine what else should I try? I've used batiks before without problems. As I said, it pieced together fine, so it's not the fabric...or is it? HELP!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks,
bev.
I put together a quilt with batik accents. No problem sewing it together. I put it on my frame and it's skipping all the stitches JUST on the batik. I've tried every needle from 11 to 14, different weights of thread and I'm stumped. I can't take it apart, I haven't time, it's a wedding gift. Aside from taking it off the frame and quilting it on my regular machine what else should I try? I've used batiks before without problems. As I said, it pieced together fine, so it's not the fabric...or is it? HELP!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks,
bev.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Los Lunas, New Mexico
Posts: 426
I must say I have never had this problem. I use Batiks a lot on both the front and back. I use a 16 or 18 needle. The only time I had skipping problems it was because my rollers for the stitch regulator had got off "track". I also use the same thread in the bobbin and top. Have you tried re-threading the machine from beginning to end including the bobbin? Some times that fixes these little "bugs". Good Luck. I am off to my all day quilt group. We meet from noon to 8pm on Mondays. Sometimes I get a lot done and others not.....to much talking and eating.
Connie
Connie
#3
When I am having problems with threads skipping, I do what Connie suggested--I rethread my machine, and check my bobbin. Always a great place to start troubleshooting.
I just took my first long arm class and the instructor said that some Batiks are more picky about thread than others. Could it be the weight of your thread? Some Batiks are very tightly woven and you do not want to be tearing the fabric with your needle and thread.
I am sorry--these are my only suggestions. Others on the board are long arm quilters and can be more help, I am sure.
I just took my first long arm class and the instructor said that some Batiks are more picky about thread than others. Could it be the weight of your thread? Some Batiks are very tightly woven and you do not want to be tearing the fabric with your needle and thread.
I am sorry--these are my only suggestions. Others on the board are long arm quilters and can be more help, I am sure.
#5
Thank you for the suggestions. I did try rethreading the machine but not a new bobbin. I have the same thread top and bobbin. I use coats and clark cotton. Maybe I should try one of the other brands. I'm confused because I had no trouble piecing with the same thread. Oh well. I'll try a new bobbin, a larger needle (I have some 18s) and I'll get back to you.
Again, thank you all for your suggestions. If worse comes to worse I'll quilt around the batiks. Seeing as the top is made of 1" and 2" squares and rectangles this should be fun!
bev.
Again, thank you all for your suggestions. If worse comes to worse I'll quilt around the batiks. Seeing as the top is made of 1" and 2" squares and rectangles this should be fun!
bev.
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 212
Are you using a sharp needle and not Universal or ball point etc. With my Bernina, I don't have any problems (better knock wood since I'm starting a new batik project) when using a Schmetz 12 jeans 80/12 or a Schmetz Microtex Sharp 80/12. I find that Coats & Clark thread doesn't do well in my machine. I use YLI and Sulky with success.
#7
Brand new needles. I use schmetz universal or quilting needles. I read online about microtex needles. What are they? Or should I ask..how are they different? In any case I'm going out tomorrow and buy a package and give it one last try. I also read that for batiks you should use 40 wt thread on top and 50 wt in the bobbin. Since my quilt is barely 1/10th batik I think I'm better off with equal weight threads. I WILL switch brands though. There's a shop a couple of miles away that doesn't even carry coats and clark. Maybe I'll get my thread and needles there.
Thanks for the needle and thread info!!
bev.
Thanks for the needle and thread info!!
bev.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: currently central new jersey
Posts: 8,623
Originally Posted by Connie1948
I must say I have never had this problem. I use Batiks a lot on both the front and back. I use a 16 or 18 needle. The only time I had skipping problems it was because my rollers for the stitch regulator had got off "track". I also use the same thread in the bobbin and top. Have you tried re-threading the machine from beginning to end including the bobbin? Some times that fixes these little "bugs". Good Luck. I am off to my all day quilt group. We meet from noon to 8pm on Mondays. Sometimes I get a lot done and others not.....to much talking and eating.
Connie
Connie
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 18,726
Also...don't think it isn't the needle if you try just 1 new one. Yesterday I was having all kinds of trouble (although not on a batik), but I did everything, rethreaded, etc., etc., and new needle..Still problems....then tried different new needle out of the same package...viola'...good to go!
Sometimes brand new needles are not good. Hope you can get it working for you!
Sometimes brand new needles are not good. Hope you can get it working for you!
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