Ok so i'm trying to just do a simple stipple design on this lap quilt i'm working on and I have an older Necchi machine..I have a darning foot on it and when I'm stiching..it's almost like the thread underneath isn't picking up?

When I stich it's like it takes big jumps and will be small normal stitch, small normal, looooong stitch, small normal...if that makes sense. Should I adjust my stitch length?

It's just more frustrating because it looks bad and I end up doing more ripping out then quilting :( Any help would be appreciated!

With FMQ the stitch length is controlled by how fast or slow you move the fabric. It takes practice to be consistent.

Did you lower the feed dogs? You need to do this to FMQ.
If you did lower them..... Then keep adjusting your tension this might be the problem also.

your feed dogs should be dropped or covered, you are the only thing that moves the fabric

Yesterday was my first attempt at FMQ... it's harder than it looks & "practice makes perfect" is an understatement! I thought I was improving as I went along & then I checked the back of my work... lol I'll be in the corner getting re-acquainted with my seam ripper...

Maybe make some practice quilt sandwiches and use these to get the right ratio of machine speed vs how fast you move the fabric.
Usually you set the stitch length to 0. :D:D:D

Be sure your pressure foot is down too! I sometimes forget to do that.......

My Baby Lock Esante did that to me about 5 years ago and I brought it to the shop where I had bought it. They said my machine REALLY needed cleaning. (I guess so!! I had never gotten it cleaned and at that time it was about 4 or 5 years old.) So, they cleaned it, I got it back home and it's been working perfectly ever since. I've been a good girl now and both my machines get a trip back to the shop for a good cleaning at least once a year. Twice if I've really been doing a lot of sewing! Once you do that with your Necchi (if you choose to), then my advice is pretty much the same as everyone elses. Put the feed dogs down (or cover them) and practice, practice, practice! Make yourself a quilt sandwich with muslin and a batting scrap, draw some quilting designs on one side and go to it! Practice till you feel comfortable at it. Enjoy!!!
Kip

Oh, I did that this weekend. :roll:
JulieM