Foogy

I new to quilting and new to this forum. Actually I'm working on my first unsupervised quilt. Tonight I started free motion machine quilting and was impressed with the way the front was looking then when I turned it over to look at the back I was very disappointed. The back looked like a thread was just laid across it with a blanket stitch holding it down. I'm really not sure what I did or how to change it. Actually I pulled out the stitches and I'm going to start over but was wondering it anyone had some advice. Thanks in advance.
Btw I tried to upload a picture but I can't figure out how just yet. Also I have a Brother sewing machine with a free motion quilting foot on it.

Scissor Queen

You're moving the quilt too fast for the speed of the needle. Slow hands, fast needle.

jaciqltznok

first..welcome!
secondly, we have ALL been there...you need to make a practice sandwich using the same fabric and batting so you can adjust your tension to do the quilting. Also make sure you are using a NEW sharp needle and thread that is meant to be used for quilting both on top and in the bobbin.
More than likely it is just a tension issue and you will need to make notes on your sandwich or a sticky note as to what # your tension dial was on and what stitch length/width you were using!

Good luck and keep us posted

nonnie60

Kudos to you for this 1st attempt. I agree with Jacquie, practice sandwich first and get the mistakes out of the way. Good luck. Post when your done.

mighty

Welcome, congrats on your first attempt. I also agree with the suggestions from Jacquie, and sissorqueen. Keep practicing you will get it.

jcrow

I agree. I have done the same thing and it was the tension. It'll look the same way on the back when I'm sewing just two pieces of fabric together. I have to adjust the tension. And welcome!!!! We love new company. First thing in the morning, I grab my coffee and sit at the computer and come to The Quilting Board. Feel like I'm visiting with friends. I stay as long as I want and come and go all day. BTW, I don't work so I have lots of free time to visit here!

Buckeye Rose

I find that I have better stitches when I increase the top tension to 7/8 (Janome 6600) ....stitch length doesn't need adjustment as length is determined by you when you move the fabric.....slow down moving the fabric and speed up the needle.....just a couple of the things I've learned by trial and error, as well as by lots of practicing.....

Tartan

Ideally the threads should meet in the center of the sandwich. If the top thread is being pulled to the back, the bobbin is too tight(turn the little screw to the left) or tighten your top tension. You will have to fiddle between the 2 tensions until you get it right for your quilt sandwich. Good luck on getting your quilt quilted.

Tollergirl

WOW! you are good! free motion quilting this early in your quilting career! I've been quilting for about 6 mo and just learned how to FM. I can do a meander on small projects, but stink on anything else!

Good for you!!!!

woody

I had a Brother machine as well and the best way to sort out the tension issues was to put the stitch length at 0 but leave my feed dogs up. As soon as I dropped them I alway had tension issues. Give it a try on a practice sandwich and see if it works for you.