Long arm quilter with a problem

[cappies1970]

Hello to everyone on this site. I am new to forums so please bear with me if I ask "stupid" questions. I have been quilting (piecing) for over 10 years; I have had my long arm for 3-4 years. However, I am still a BEGINNER quilter on the long arm because I am afraid to mess up my quilts. I have been using simple quilt patterns. I prefer to use pantographs to quilt.

However, I just started a king size quilt with a pantograph that is not quite coming out like I want it to. It is a combination of swirls and curls. I am have difficulty staying on pattern because the machine seems to bind or jolt or jump (whatever you prefer to call it) as I stitch. Has anyone one else had this type of problem and do you know what the cause may be? Or can you provide a solution?:

[CountryHut]

Re: Long arm quilter with a problem

I don't have any machines like that - but my 1st thought was to call a place of business that sells them - and pick their brain

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Re: Long arm quilter with a problem

Dirty rails or wheels. Some are so hard to get to or clean. Or is a long bobbin thread catching? My frame has one spot where this seems to be happening, everywhere else it moves smoothly. Share with us if you find out anymore insight into the issue.

[WVGranny]

Re: Long arm quilter with a problem

I had one of the leader wirers catching in the back when it got to certain spots.

[lawork1211]

Re: Long arm quilter with a problem

We had issues with the stitch regulator. Check the wheels are going smoothly. That fixed us up.

[Pattycake]

Re: Long arm quilter with a problem

The tiniest speck of fuzz, thread or anything on the rails, wheels or in the bobbin case can cause problems. Also, when you're doing tight curves slow down a lot. Here is a short video from Handiquilter that shows you how to clean and oil a long arm:

Super-Easy Handi Quilter Maintenance - Clean and Oil - YouTube

Be sure and watch the entire video because Vickie shows how to clean the rails and wheels.

[pamipatch]

Re: Long arm quilter with a problem

Check you're not loading your top and backing too tightly...it shouldn't be like a trampoline. There's a handiquilter tut video for that too...welcome :-)

[Quiltfreestyle]

Re: Long arm quilter with a problem

One other thing to check,, make sure your table is still level all the way across left to right & front to back.
I had a few problems like you describe & leveling the table & cleaning the rails & rollers took care of it.
Good luck!

[mary3100]

Re: Long arm quilter with a problem

Thanks your link led me to some other awesome videos on long arm quilting!

https://www.youtube.com/user/HandiQuilterHQ

Then I traveled to here:
Quilter's Academy