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?

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.

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.

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

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

A darning foot helps. Gloves help.

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

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

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"

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.

On one project, I was being frugal and thought I'd use some old thread on the bobbin. MISTAKE! I got all sorts of nastiness on the back. I threw the bobbin thread away and went back to quality thread and didn't have any more trouble. Even if you use different thread on the bobbin, make sure it is the same quality.

Thanks to all! Lots of things to try!

Have fun and keep practicing. And most important relax and enjoy it.