Help....what am I doing wrong? I am trying to practice FMQ, I will be moving along just fine and then the fabric won't move. The bobbin thread gets tangled up. I then have to pull out the snarled mess.
When I sew on a smaller sample things go fine but when I move on to the bigger BQ this is when it happens.
I read the the bobbin thread moves slower then the spooled thread. I think I am maintaining a constant speed, which I don't know if that would have anything to do with it or not.
I have threaded and re-threaded, cleaned the bobbin case, moved the thread from the machine to a spool holder, changed the needle at least 3 times.
I am getting extremely frustrated.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Lynn

I don't know, because I can't see it, but it sounds like you may be slowing down without realizing it. That would be the thing I would think if I'm getting snarls of bobbin thread. Something is causing the thread to build up down there. Either that, or there could be lint in your bobbin case - which will affect tension. Try checking for lint first, then speeding up a little bit and see if that helps. Moving a large quilt feels very differently than moving a small test piece.

Hope this helps :)

How are you doing your FMQ? What foot do you use; are your feed dogs up or down; are you using gloves, etc?

First, what brand of sewing machine are you trying to use?

Second, put in a fresh needle and bobbin?

Third, check your tension? It might need to be adjusted for the heavier weight of a big quilt.

fourth, are your feed dogs down?

Fifth, check to see if your top thread is winding off in the right direction, check your manual.

I'm sure others will give you more hints. This way I do it.

Good luck!

is your bobbin wound tightly and well?
does your plate have any 'nicks' on it, that would cause your fabric to catch?
are you using a new, sharp needle?
hope you get it figured out!
a

I am using a Viking Designer 1 machine. It has a Q foot, and there is a setting for the Q foot so I don't think I need to change the tension. Maybe I am wrong about that though as there was not much for instructions as to how to use the foot.
My feed dogs are down. Changed to a new needle 3 times. Have not checked to see if the thread is feeding off the spool correctly. Will do that.
I am using a pair of white Machingers gloves.
I am going to do some research on the Q foot. Maybe there is something I am not setting right.
Thanks everyone...I appreciate all the tips, and so quickly too.
Lynn

Do you have a large flat surface for the quilt? It sounds as if you are getting drag on the quilt that you weren't getting on the practice piece. This happens when the quilt gets hung up on the edge of a small table.

first thing, did you bring your bobbin thread to the top?? that keeps the bobbin from making bird's nest usually. needle down, then up and get hold of the bobbin thread and the top and take a few stitches in place. then start moving your quilt and then stop and clip those threads out of your way. continue fmq. it does take practice. doing some on scrap squares of fabric and batting helps.

There's a small ring you can put under the bobbin that helps. I think it's called a Bobbin Genie(?)

I "think????" I figured out what I am doing. Debbie had suggested that I may be slowing down with out realizing it. I have been trying to pay really close attention to what I am doing when it happens.
I am "trying" to do the loopdloop. It doesn't seem to happen when I am moving in a fairly straight line, it happens when I am in the process of the loop. I am tending to slow down to a very slow speed. I think I am also slowing the fabric down as well.
Do I need to keep the quilt moving at the same speed all the time even if I slow down the machine speed? Does this make sense how I am asking this?
When I worked on my sample I was able to move at a smooth even speed and didn't have to slow down for the loop. The quilt is a tad harder to handle so I think I am trying to compensate for that by not moving is smoothly.
Sound like a good excuse?? lol
Lynn