Tension problem when using walking foot

[cathym]

I am trying to quilt a lap quilt-one of my long term UFO's-on my home machine. The top is outdoorsy with tan, green and blue and I want to quilt it with tan thread on top and green on back but keep having either the top thread show on bottom or bottom show on top.

At first, it was bottom thread coming through to top. I cleaned it, rethreaded, threaded bobbin thru the extra thread/tension thing on bobbin. That made it go to back. I changed needed, played with top thread tension (both up and down), rotated screw on bobbin a bit.... I just can't seem to get it right. I played with it an hour and am taking a break.

Any other ideas?

It's a Bernina Patchwork Edition active 135.

[auntiemern]

Re: Tension problem when using walking foot

I never mess with my bottom tension. I really don't know why you would be having those kind of problems. But then I usually use the same color in the top and bottom. Some one will come along and have an answer for you.

[Doloris]

Re: Tension problem when using walking foot

the thread will almost always show little tick marks on the top or the bottom when using 2 different colors. once it is done and washed they should just blend into the layers of the quilt. put all your settings back to start and try it on a sample and then wash it and see if you are happy with it then.

[cathym]

Re: Tension problem when using walking foot

Thanks for the feedback. My take away lesson is to use a print next time for the back! The little tan threads wouldn't show up so much if I had. I just hate that I can't get it right. I've used different threads in the past, but not with a solid, I guess.

[WVGranny]

Re: Tension problem when using walking foot

Are you using the same weight of thread in the top and bottom?

[Sharyn J]

Re: Tension problem when using walking foot

It's the nature of the beast when using two different colors. A print backing helps a lot and as Doloris said, once it's washed, you probably won't notice. Another option is to use a varigated thread.

[cathym]

Re: Tension problem when using walking foot

I am using the same weight though not same brand.

[cathym]

Re: Tension problem when using walking foot

Thanks, everyone. My LQS didn't have a variegated thread that worked with the top, but I think I'm going to wait and find one.. It seems like my best bet and I do prefer them anyway. I'll have to pick out the quilting I've done, but I've done that before.

Thanks!