Thread: Fmq

Originally Posted by KathyRobin

Yes, I've gone over and over the route. Ugh!

I had a similar problem with the railroading on the back when I tried FMQ. Tried 2 other machines and got same results. A friend told me she increased the top tension about several numbers higher than regular sewing. I finally tried that and -- waahoo! It worked for me. About the shredding thread, maybe the thread is old or the needle has a "burr" on it. Change needles and see how it does.
Good luck.

Boo Hoo! I took my machine in to the dealer I bought from. The needles I bought yesterday did not solve the problem. I had to leave it. Won't get it back for a week! I'll go in to withdrawals. Lol! Thank goodness it's still under waranntee. (sp) I'll report back next week.

Originally Posted by KathyRobin

Boo Hoo! I took my machine in to the dealer I bought from. The needles I bought yesterday did not solve the problem. I had to leave it. Won't get it back for a week! I'll go in to withdrawals. Lol! Thank goodness it's still under waranntee. (sp) I'll report back next week.

After reading all your posts it sounds like its not you it's your machine. My post was going to suggest you take back to the dealer. Maybe the timing is off. But I see you've thought of everything. Make sure before you take it home that dealer has used it fir FMQ. I'm sure all will be well soon.

Well, I picked up my machine on Thursday. The problem was the customized quilting foot. I had changed it per Leah Day's suggestion and that was what was screwing up. The shop put on a new Janome quiliting foot (without customization) and it's now stitching beautifully! Well, as beautiful as a beginner can do. Lol. Thanks for all your suggestions. Kathy

I also use the same size needle I use for piecing. I was at a quilt show a couple of weeks ago & was told by one of the gals that you shouldn't change tension for FMQ. I never change my tension & it works for me.

Originally Posted by Gail B

I also use the same size needle I use for piecing. I was at a quilt show a couple of weeks ago & was told by one of the gals that you shouldn't change tension for FMQ. I never change my tension & it works for me.

I did a baby quilt with just some simple hearts in the blocks for my first project. The top stitches were pretty good but the bottom was often railroady. I didn't change the tension. However...my thread never broke. I've left the feed dogs up and covered them for this queen-sized quilt. I'll lower them today to see it that helps. I've read where lowering the feed dogs sometimes messes with tension so that was why I left them up this time.

Originally Posted by Gail B

I also use the same size needle I use for piecing. I was at a quilt show a couple of weeks ago & was told by one of the gals that you shouldn't change tension for FMQ. I never change my tension & it works for me.

If dropping the feed dogs doesn't work today, I'll try going back to regular tension. I'm just afraid that I'll get crappy stitches again. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Deborahlees

When I start to stitch, I ALWAYS make sure I am holding the two tails of the threads, once you get going you should be find. I do agree with the larger needle and it should be a topsitch needle that has a "Larger Eye".....
I change the tension IF I am using a thicker batting....are you sure your Feed Dogs are down.....

I put the feed dogs down, still no improvement. I changed the top tension gradually, still no improvement. I changed the bobbin tension by a quarter turn of the screw. Bottom stitches went back to being crappy so I returned the screw to where I was getting good stitches. And yes I always hold onto the tail. It's only when I get on down the stitching line that the top thread either wind around the needle or it starts to fray and breaks. I would think the looping is because the tension is too loose but the fraying tells me the tension's too tight. I'll just have to take the machine back to the dealer along with my quilt and show the quilting expert there just what it's doing. Thanks to everyone for their responses.

Kathy