Surfergirl

I'm learning to FMQ and would like to use a 301a vintage sewing machine. I bought a FMQ foot (slant shank) and tried to use it this morning with no luck. All I get are long stitches, no stitches and a lot of puckering of the fabric. Anyone using this machine for this purpose?

sueisallaboutquilts

Thanks for posting this. I also want to know. I've heard they are really nice for it but I haven't tried on mine yet.

Surfergirl

I love my vintage sewing machines. I'm able to FMQ on my 201-2's (i have 3 of those) and would also like to use the 301, which is a really good machine, also. I have a Necchi Supernova Bu, which I really like, but can't find high shank attachments that will work on it. I really hope someone can give us some help with the 301.

featherweight

Have you dropped the feed dogs? I haven't tried my 301 for FMQ but will soon.

Surfergirl

I covered the feed dogs with an index card and also tried it w/o the index card and with the same results.

hazeljane

This is the first question I ask myself when this happens, because it's frequently the answer for me, and it's almost so simple it's scary- do you have the presser foot down? When my quilting foot is on the machine, it's the single thing I frequently forget to do. and the results is a loopy scary mess underneath.

(If you are smarter than I am, and of course you checked that, please ignore.)

featherweight

I feed dogs on the 301 will lower for FMQ...

oldhag

There is a darker coloured screw under the extension bed of the machine.Turn it as far as it will go,away from you and that will lower your feed dogs. Also try putting your stitch regulator in between the forward and reverse settings. Once you get going, I think you will like FMQ on your 301.
She's my favourite machine for FMQ but a close second is my old Hudson's Bay Badged machine.

SherriB

Thanks for asking that question! I also have a 301 that I hope to learn how to FMQ on. Just need have it serviced first. I am bookmarking this to help me later.

CarrieAnne

Thanks! I just found one at a sale too!