Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

[SummerK]

So, I'm in the process of taking my quilting to the next level and learning to stipple and FMQ. My top stitches actually look very pretty but I cannot get my bottom stitches right. I've fiddled endlessly with tension and when I go tighter, my thread starts breaking.

Here's is a pic of what my curves look like on the back of my quilting sandwich. The straight stitches aren't bad, just the curves.

FMQ Problem.jpg

Do any of you know what I'm doing wrong or do you have any advice for me? I really, really, really, really want to stipple.

[Mimis-quilts]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

I'm right there with you SummerK, I've tried quilting on the machine and get frustrated with it every time. I have the same problem as you. So, if any of you experienced quilters have some good advice I would appreciate it too!!! Mimi

[Patrice]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

are you using the same thread type in the top and bottom?

[SummerK]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

Yes, I am. I wind my bobbins from the same spool I'm using on top.

[Loonwatcher]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

SummerK, here's a link to my thread when I was having the same problem. Seems my pictures are gone now but they looked like yours and the ladies here had lots of great tips. I think the one that worked was just to completely re-thread the machine. Good Luck!

http://forum.missouriquiltco.com/showthread.php?2773-HELP!-What-the-heck-do-I-do-with-this...&highlight=tension

[zenkitty]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

Make sure bobbin is going in the right direction when inserted in the machine. It has to pull out clockwise, otherwise it will have large loops.

[SummerK]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

Thanks for the link, Nancy...there's a lot to check in there.

Zenkitty, I never realized that mattered...I know I have it in counter-clockwise because it's easier for me to thread it in that direction. I will change it around and see if that's the problem! - Thanks!

[zenkitty]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

I didn't know it mattered either until I was in a class and the teacher came over and explained it to me. So now when I am ready to put it in the bobbin case, I make sure it pulls out clockwise. I hope it's as simple as that for you.

[shell.scraps]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

Make sure bobbin is going in the right direction when inserted in the machine. It has to pull out clockwise, otherwise it will have large loops.

Do you mean when it is winding or when it is in the machine to be sewn with?

My machine specifically says for sewing that it has to be loaded for the thread to come out counter clockwise.

[shell.scraps]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

To answer your question I have had that happen when I am moving faster than the machine thinks I should be moving. It's a very important equation and everyone will be different. It's a balance between your machine, your hands, your fabric, and your needle speed.

[zenkitty]

Re: Help with Free Motion Quilting - Pic included

shell.scraps...maybe it is machine specific, but my bobbin has to go clockwise when sewing.