Fmq
 

I'm a newbie at this. I finally got the stitches right on top and bottom but now my upper thread winds around my needle as I sew and breaks the thread if I don't catch it in time. Sometimes the thread shreds. I've tried changing the top tension but that doesn't help. I've tried sewing faster but that didn't help either.

Any suggestions?

Kathy R.

Sounds like you are using the wrong size needle. I use a Top Stitch 100 when I do FMQ.

I talked with the shop where I bought my Janome and was told to use 80/14 for machine quilting but I'm ready to try something else. Of course, I live an hour and half away from town but will put it on my list. Thanks

I agree with the recommendation of a larger needle. I use a 16 or 18 for quilting. Does your machine thread the needle from front to back, or left to right?

For me with FMQ it all comes down to speed of machine vs. speed of hands. I can use the same needle I piece with as long as I coordinate my speed correctly. Medium machine speed. Slower hands. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it is easy or that I do it well, but I can now let things I have FMQ'd been seen by family and friends. For a long time, I just pitched them in the trash.

If the thread is wrapping around your needle ... are you sure you have the needle threaded correctly?

I also use the same size needle I use for piecing. I was at a quilt show a couple of weeks ago & was told by one of the gals that you shouldn't change tension for FMQ. I never change my tension & it works for me.

It threads front to back.

I did a baby quilt with just some simple hearts in the blocks for my first project. The top stitches were pretty good but the bottom was often railroady. I didn't change the tension. However...my thread never broke. I've left the feed dogs up and covered them for this queen-sized quilt. I'll lower them today to see it that helps. I've read where lowering the feed dogs sometimes messes with tension so that was why I left them up this time.

Yes, I've gone over and over the route. Ugh!