tryitall

I just tried to do some free motions quilting. I have never done it before, and I am having problems with getting my bobbin tension set justright. Any ideas?

Chasing Hawk

I tried it the other day. I think its the speed in which the fabric is passed under the needle. From what I read, let the machine work with the fabric and all you do is guide it around. Don't push or pull it to fast, it's supposed to go only as fast as your usual sewing does.

DA Mayer

When I took a class on freemotion the instructor said look at the top tension. We did continual loops to see what our tension was and adjusted from there. Did you drop the foot feet and use a darning or spring foot? when were doing the free motion she told us to give the machine the gas and move the fabric slow. If you use gloves it is easier to move the fabric at an even rate to get regular stitches.

tryitall

I dropped the feed dogs, but I didn't use any presser foot.

Pam

Try using your darning foot, it will help! Remember, this is a learned skill, just like cursive writing, it take practice.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

A darning foot helps. Gloves help.

tryitall

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

MadQuilter

On mine, I forgot to put down the foot lever and it made a mess. Not sure what your machine requires.

bearisgray

Did you read the instruction book that came with your machine?

That might mention "how to darn" (or mend) if it doesn't say "free motion quilting"

kwiltkrazy

It takes practice, practice, and more practice. Before I start quilting(free motion), I always make a potholder(9x9 sandwich), it warms me up and gets my muscles coordinating again. Also go to daystyledesigns.com this lady is a wealth of info. But, I think, the problem with your tension is probably the top tension not bottom, or it's your speed. You have to learn to coordinate your foot speed with you hand(fabric) speed. But, keep trying, all of a sudden you will notice you're doing it without struggling. It does become fun.