Frustrated with my FMQ
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bar Harbor, ME.
Posts: 2,911
Frustrated with my FMQ
I finally finished the stacks quilt from MSQ but I'm having the hardest time doing the FMQ on it. I've changed bobbins, rewound new ones, rethreaded the machine multiple times, adjusted the tension and still I'm getting looks on the top of the quilt.
I'm wondering if the problem can be with the needle? I bought a few the other day to try but haven't gotten back to working on the project. Could it be the needle that's causing loops on the top of the quilt?
I'm wondering if the problem can be with the needle? I bought a few the other day to try but haven't gotten back to working on the project. Could it be the needle that's causing loops on the top of the quilt?
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,131
I am sorry for your dilemma. I never have had any loops on top when doing FMQ. Have you rethreaded your top thread?? Sometimes I have had trouble with the spring catching the thread before you go up to the moving lever. Is straight normal stitch balance??? Is your machine due for servicing?? I hope you are able to resolve your problem.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,845
Sounds like you've tried everything else. Change the needle and see what happens. If that doesn't work, I find giving it a rest for a day or two clears my mind so I can solve the problem from a fresh perspective. Sometimes I think my machine appreciates the rest, too. It's been known to behave much better after a break. LOL
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
It could also be the thread. What thread are you using top and bottom?
Also, I agree with double-checking the bobbin area. Loops on top mean that the bobbin is not pulling on the top thread enough. If this is not a top-loading bobbin (I don't know how to adjust those), take out the bobbin case and make sure there is no lint under the spring on the bobbin. You can run a pin underneath that spring to clear out any lint. Also make sure there is no lint around the feed dogs or anywhere in the bobbin area.
Also, I agree with double-checking the bobbin area. Loops on top mean that the bobbin is not pulling on the top thread enough. If this is not a top-loading bobbin (I don't know how to adjust those), take out the bobbin case and make sure there is no lint under the spring on the bobbin. You can run a pin underneath that spring to clear out any lint. Also make sure there is no lint around the feed dogs or anywhere in the bobbin area.
Last edited by Prism99; 02-28-2016 at 10:58 AM.
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,461
Try changing to a new needle and since the bobbin thread is coming to the top, either tighten the bobbin tension or loosen the top. Make a note or picture of the tension settings before moving them so you can turn them back if it doesn't help.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
I agree with Prism. I'd also try changing the thread -- top & bobbin. And if you're using 2 different threads, try a test piece using the same thread (or at a minimum, the same weight & fiber content of thread).
Another thing I'd try, although I doubt it would cause loops, is making sure to give everything a good cleaning. Dust out your bobbin case & "floss" your machine by running the thread through to just before the needle & then pulling it out from by the needle. Sometimes the tiniest fuzzies can completely ruin a project.
Another thing I'd try, although I doubt it would cause loops, is making sure to give everything a good cleaning. Dust out your bobbin case & "floss" your machine by running the thread through to just before the needle & then pulling it out from by the needle. Sometimes the tiniest fuzzies can completely ruin a project.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Snorky Lvs2Quilt
Main
16
04-21-2011 09:57 PM