Setting stitch length for FMQ?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 66
Setting stitch length for FMQ?
Why does it matter what the machine's stitch length setting is? If the feed dogs are down, and you determine the stitch length by how you move the quilt, what difference does changing the stich length setting make?
I just wonder because I don't seem to get different results if I forget about changing the default stitch length to zero.
I just wonder because I don't seem to get different results if I forget about changing the default stitch length to zero.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Michigan. . .FINALLY!!!!
Posts: 6,726
I don't change my stitch length either. When I took my FMQ class at my LQS, the instructor said that once you drop the feed dogs, there is no stitch length or tension. So I don't mess with either one!
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 816
There is definetly still tension. I do play with mine a lot, and that does
change things. The tension discs have no relation to.the feed dogs.
But most problems aren't really tension problems but needle speed/hand speed problems.
change things. The tension discs have no relation to.the feed dogs.
But most problems aren't really tension problems but needle speed/hand speed problems.
#5
they used to say set it at zero, now it doesnt' seem to matter to some teachers. i took a class and we never bothered about it. nor lowered the feed dogs. I usually do though. your moving the quilt dictates the length of the stitch. too slow the stitch will be long, too fast, very short.
#6
Neither of my sewing machines can drop their feed dogs, so I have to set the stitch length to zero (so the 'dogs don't move and grab my material). Even thought the 'dogs are covered by a blank plate on my main machine, when I'm doing FMQ I still don't want them moving.
I've never used a machine with feed dogs that drop, so I can't speak to that situation.
Alison
I've never used a machine with feed dogs that drop, so I can't speak to that situation.
Alison
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 66
Neither of my sewing machines can drop their feed dogs, so I have to set the stitch length to zero (so the 'dogs don't move and grab my material). Even thought the 'dogs are covered by a blank plate on my main machine, when I'm doing FMQ I still don't want them moving.
I've never used a machine with feed dogs that drop, so I can't speak to that situation.
Alison
I've never used a machine with feed dogs that drop, so I can't speak to that situation.
Alison
#8
There is no stitch length but definetly there is tension and it's very important for it to be "right". Usually tighten mine a notch or two.
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