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I need help with tension issues...machine not me...yet!!...

I need help with tension issues...machine not me...yet!!...

Old 09-11-2011, 01:23 PM
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Hi all,
I have been trying to get better at my fmq...I learned to fmq on my Brother PC-420. It works for smaller pieces, but I wanted to do larger projects, so I recently decided to get a more industrial machine, bought Brother PQ-1500...DH is going to build me a frame for it, but it will be a while..So, I am using it on my sewing table, it is sunk down in and table is even with the bed of machine. Well, I just cannot get the machine to do fmq...or, can't get it do it with me at the helm...I tried adjusting both top and bobbin tensions, not at the same time, of course...I even ordered in another bobbin casing, as I thought maybe I had messed up the 1st one, and couldn't get it back...I have also tried the bobbin genies, quilting gloves, and supreme slider, too...My fmq still looks like a rats nest underneath, its awful!!! I am really getting frustrated as to what to try next...
How do ya'll know what the right tension is on your machines? Do you just make small adjustments to either the top or bobbin tension at a time, and try a sample sew, if its still bad, do another adjustment, and keep going till it works? I am thinking it is in the bobbin tension...and, I know I should be able to get this figured out...I am not afraid to try adjusting things, I can't use it like it is...so, nothing ventured, nothing gained...I bought the 1500 strictly for piecing and fmq...so I really want to get this down...
Thanks to you all for any help you can give...
Kif
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Old 09-11-2011, 01:35 PM
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First ... what kind/wt thread are you using in the top and bottom?

Second ... describe 'rats nest'. Are you getting it just at the starts, all the time, on curves?

I don't have the same machine, but on my machine I don't always have to change the top tension when I move from sewing seams to quilting (FMQ or otherwise). I make a test sandwich first, check my stitches, and if I have to change the tension at all it's usually only 1 position. I've never touched the bobbin tension.

Also, when was the last time you changed the needle, and is the needle the right size for the thread you are using. And, have you tried completely re-threading the top of the machine?
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Old 09-11-2011, 01:35 PM
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The rule of thumb is that if the problem shows on the bottom, it's your needle tension. IF the problem shows on the top, it's the bobbin. So i would work with your top tension, rather than the bobbin.

Are the rats nests everywhere? when you start? on curves?

If it's on a start, you need to pull your bobbin thread up and hold both tails. If it's on a curve, this is a common problem, you're going a bit too fast.
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Old 09-11-2011, 02:38 PM
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Hmm...well, when I turn it over there are long stitches, with loose loops, then some rattiness, I think it is all over, not just on curves. I have tried so many different threads...Superior, Sulky, Coats and Clarks, Connecting Threads, from 40 wt to 60 wt...I make sure that the bobbin and top thread wts match...the cotton seems to be so linty, so tried polyester...I have changed the needle...use schmetz or klasse', singer...I have re-threaded top several times...I will take a pic of the ratty stitches...embarrassing...and post it...thank you so much for helping me...I have several quilts that I so want to quilt besides just stitch in ditch or straight stitch...and, I promised my mom I would finish hers...she is 7 years in remission from lung cancer, and I so want to get hers done! Thanks again...going to post a pic..
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Old 09-11-2011, 03:00 PM
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start with a small practice sandwich- like a 12" square---and work on it until you have it figured out-
sometimes trying too many different things only makes matters worse.
you need to get used to the machine- before trying to quilt a quilt with it.
are you using a free motion foot? or a walking foot?
try to do some basic sewing---piece a 4 patch-
if the stitches are good top and bottom- great- make a practice sandwich and start practice quilting- if the stitches are not ok- start trouble shooting that- first.
if you have been turning dials- & screws all over the place it may take you a while to get it back to where it belongs- but start at the beginning---a 4 patch would be a good place to start
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Old 09-11-2011, 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by ckcowl
start with a small practice sandwich- like a 12" square---and work on it until you have it figured out-
sometimes trying too many different things only makes matters worse.
you need to get used to the machine- before trying to quilt a quilt with it.
are you using a free motion foot? or a walking foot?
try to do some basic sewing---piece a 4 patch-
if the stitches are good top and bottom- great- make a practice sandwich and start practice quilting- if the stitches are not ok- start trouble shooting that- first.
if you have been turning dials- & screws all over the place it may take you a while to get it back to where it belongs- but start at the beginning---a 4 patch would be a good place to start
I have done several piecing projects with it...works great...it works great with the walking foot for straight line quilting, though with the auto pin feed, I really don't need the walking foot...it is when I put on the free motion foot and try to fm quilt that the trouble starts...I haven't been turning all of the dials and such all at once, sorry if I made it sound that way...I have tried one thing at a time...using my book that came with it, my fmq books, on-line info, and of course info I find here...when it still is not right, I try and put 1st setting back, and try something else...I think I have it narrowed down to the top tension...there are 2 ways to thread the top tension...I have only used the 1st way. I just re-threaded and went with the 2nd way, tried another small practice sandwich, and it actually looks ok...I know it is because I asked for help on here...and the machine knew it and has decided to cooperate!! I haven't lost my mind....really... :shock: So, thanks for the suggestions, and especially that I really needed to check the top tension not the bobbin...if it does more "rattiness" I will take a pic of it...
Curious, what thread do you all think is the best? I know it varies from machine to machine...but how do you know you have the best one? Does your machine consistently quilt great with the right thread? So you stick with that brand/weight? Or does it vary, and you just have to figure it out? Thanks loads again for all the help!
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Old 09-19-2011, 09:56 AM
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You've probably done this, but are your feed dogs down when you are FMQ? You don't have to have the same size thread in bobbin and top. But, make sure if you are using a heavier thread in your bobbin, you might need to adjust the bobbin tension. If the bobbin tension isn't right, you'll never achieve a good stitch. Don't be afraid, it's OK to change your tension on top and in the bobbin, that's why we have knobs and screws on our machines...so they can be adjusted. Also, make sure your needle is the right size for the thread.

If you are using different threads (and you should) you might have to adjust both bobbin and top tensions. But, the results are great.

Ricci

Last edited by QuiltnNan; 07-05-2013 at 02:23 PM.
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