Julie in NM

Nancy Notions has these little washer thingees. My bottom stitches sometimes are loose or eyelashes. Top looks just fine! I try and move my fab slower and have my needle speed faster but oh crap. Issues. Just spen over an hour picking out stitches. Has anyone tried these? Are they worth it? Do I have to adjust tension? Scared to do that.

http://search.nancysnotions.com/?q=b...rs&sp_cs=UTF-8

leatheflea

Those are Bobbin Genies and they do help, but you can also adjust your top tension to help with this problem. Every machine is different so try turning the tension up and down till you get it right. I'd use a practice piece while testing the tension. We all move our hands at different speeds and our machines sew at different speeds and some fabrics pull differently. So your best bet before spending money is adjustments. I personally have never needed the Bobbin Genie.

Toni C

I have tried them but saw no difference. Make a little mark so you know where you were and adjust the tension. Does it happen all the time or only in loops or moving away from you...

nativetexan

you didn't say, but do you bring the bobbin thread up and hold it with the top thread and take a few stitches in place first? very important.

Tweety2911

I started using the Bobbin Genie's and love them. They helped alot with the looping. Once you bring up your bottom thread make sure to take some stitches to lock them in place. Test your tension before doing FMQ on a straight stitch first. Practice, practice, practice. Going to fast around curves can cause eyelashing. Hope this helps.

QuiltE

If by chance you have a Janome ......... you can buy a "blue dot bobbin holder" to switch with your regular one when FMQing.

Prism99

You can purchase a second bobbin case for your machine, mark it with a red fingernail polish dot, and then fiddle with the bobbin tension to your heart's desire. All it requires is a tiny sewing machine screw driver to turn the screw that tightens or loosens the tension on the bobbin case.

ncsewer

Although you didn't ask, I recently read something explaining that the right needle makes a difference. You have to have strong enough needle to poke the correct size hole. I never knew this and tucked back into my brain to check on it the next time I FMQ

QuiltE

The needles I buy are labelled as "Quilting" needles ... you can buy different sizes, but the Q label, says it's for the actually quilting process. My understanding is that they are a little sharper, to punch thru all the layers and seams.

Of course, they can be used for piecing too!

patski

I also tried them and they didn't help, I agree that you have to test the tension sometimes over and over till its' just right. Plus I ALWAYS clean out the bobbin are of dust