Trying to FMQ and it's not going well!!

[Monique]

Finally this morning, I thought I would start and see if I could FMQ. After I figured how to set the machine, I did a little and it turned out not too bad. I used an embroidery hoop.

Thought I would try without the hoop and things just went downhill from there. I broke two needles because the frame does not slide very well under the needle. Do they sell shorter needles? The darning foot has to come off too. Pain in my **A**S**S. Doesn't work without the hoop!

Then the threads just bunched up underneath.

After several attempts and some very COLORFUL language, I QUIT!!!

I won't give up yet and will try again when I calm down.

Thanks for listening.

[RiverMomm]

I know EXACTLY how you feel!!!! Last time I tried, after a few broken needles, I stepped back to try again another day (sometime in the future).

[Sandy Navas]

Do you have one of those quilting frames? I bought one and then couldn't get it under my tension bar/foot holder thingie majiggy. Took it BACK! So frustrating. You just have to get an old Singer and let it hum along with you. Do keep trying though.

[auntiemern]

I am totally lost what you are trying to do. You don't use a hoop to FMQ, at least none that I know of. You have to use the darning foot in order for you to be able to move your quilt. Are you sure you lowered your foot, that will cause all that mess on the back. Did you lower your feed dogs or set your stitch length to 0? Also get machine quilting needles, and make sure your needle is centered. Move your tension up a little, and remember that your hands have to be going the same speed as your needle.There are some very good FMQ tuts on you tube. May want to give them a look. Good luck trying to get it all worked out.

[Pattycake]

Did you drop your feed dogs? Wearing quilting gloves or glove with rubber fingers might help. Good luck!

[Bubby]

Monique....I have the same trouble unless I just SITD with my walking foot. I feel your pain and frustration!!

[Quilting Queen]

I think you should check all the things that auntiemern has suggested. But I have been FMQing for quilte awhile now and somedays its good and somedays its not. Do not give up.

[quilter.martha]

Your needle can break due to the tension being wrong. That can also cause the bunching up of the thread on the back of the quilt. Also, needle size can cause problems. Hang in there--you can do it!

[Jean Sewing Machine]

There is a new product out that looks like an embroidery hoop but it just rests on the fabric. It is weighted and you can move it easily. It helps you move the fabric more easily. I bought one but lost it somewhere in my sewing room! Does that tell you something about the room?

Marilyn's checklist is the way to go:

Feed dogs down
Darning foot on
Tension set higher
PRESSER FOOT DOWN!!!!!!!
Plenty of bobbin thread (Jean's input)
Quilting needles in machine--new for each quilt you do
A glass of wine nearby
No time limit on getting project done
Quilting or "grippy" garden gloves help
Machine cleaned of lint both in mechanisms and bobbin case and bobbin race
There is also a product that is a silicone mat tht is very slippery that you can get to make the fabric slide more easily over the machine bed

Try again, you'll do it! Jean

[Quilting Queen]

Jeans sewing machine, my two favorite on that list of yours is......Glass of wine nearby and no time limit. That works for me.