First of all, God bless my understanding husband - after watching me struggle over my sewing machine for two nights with FMQ - made sandwiches which seemed to sew fine, went back to quilt and it was nesting on the botton again in spots. I realize it just might be me, but this is my 6th free motioning quilt, and I was even getting compliments from the guild on my FMQ. I did use flannel on the back of this baby quilt, and I have never done that before with FMQ.
Yes, I changed the needle to a Superior one for top stitching 2 times.
Yes, I had it serviced within the last two months.
Yes, I threaded and re-treaded the machine.
Yes, I changed the bobbin and even took the thread off the bobbin and threw it away that thread and rewound the bobbin. Yes, I cleaned out the bobbin case.
Yes, I tried adjusting the tension, etc.
Yes, I tried that slippy mat that I bought at the Road to California for $30 some odd dollars.
This morning, upon waking DH said "maybe you just need a new sewing machine!" Any recommendations? I would like a large harp, an auto threader, and the ability to FMQ. I have an Elna 3210 and have been pretty much happy with it since 2005.

When was the last time you had your machine in for service?

Do I understand correctly that you are using a DOUBLE needle? If so - that would be the problem!

OH no, I changed the needle 2 times and I had it serviced in January at a reputable dealer.

any major brand will be a great machine.I prefer Husqvarnas.Bernina makes a great machine also.

OK - whew! The x2 in your message threw me because a TOP stitch needle is for TOP stitching and doesn't make a pretty back

:mrgreen:

If your machine is portable, maybe you could take it to your LQS and ask for help.

I didn't think an LQS would help with machines but during a recent class the owner really worked with one student on some issues she was having - really knew her machines.

Now...DH's suggestion of a new machine...what a guy!!

You might want to take him up on it, but you still want to know why you're having a problem so it won't occur on a new machine as well.

As for brands, I'm looking for one too. Looking for a combo sewing/embroidery and narrowed it down to Janome MC11000SE and Babylock Ellisimo. I personally don't like the feel of the new Vikings and Berninas are so pricy. If I were looking for sewing only, I'd probably go for the Janome Horizon 7700. But I'm indulging myself.

How about a used machine from a dealer. My current machine was purchased that way and it was like getting new. Had been serviced and had a warranty.

Good luck.

I think you're thinking of a TWIN needle. ;-)
You can use a TWIN for decorative stitching but I, too, wouldn't suggest it for decorative quilting.

Bob Purcell of Superior Threads teaches that topstitch and metallic needles are identical. I'm sure there must be some info about needles on his site. But to the poster's question, there are several 9" harp straight stitch only machines for $600-800, some have autocut. I *think* the Juki 2010, Brother 1500, Babylock Jane, and Janome 1600 P do. The New Pfaff Smarter C1100 Pro, the tried and true Janome 6600 and its sister the Elna 7300 Quilting Queen have 9" harps and autocut. The Babylock Quest Plus is similar, but no autocut. I have it and love it. The harp is actually 8 5/8", just an inch more than a Bernina 440, btw, just to give you something to think about. Some Pfaffs and Vikings have almost 10" harps. The Janome Horizon has 11" autocut, and more. The Bernina 820 & 830 have 12". Almost all machines have autothreaders now. So there are MANY machines that have that, so use budget, dealer availability, and other features yo naryow it down more

If you want to do embroidery, I would take the Ellisimo above any! If you are wanting a machine that is great without spending as much money, the Janome 6500 is a great machine. It doesn't have the dual feed like the 6600 but with a walking foot, it performs the same. If you just want a nice, wide harp machine, look at the Babylock Quilter's Choice or the Symphony which now have a dual feed similar to the Pfaff system. They have a 10 inch harp.

Most important of all is the dealer you buy from! Do you feel comfortable with them?

Maybe the combination of the flannel and the thread makes her unhappy. Some machines are particular like that.

Scowlcat, you are mistaken. The Symphonie does not have the IDT, it has the fabric sensing system. (I have the Espire which is basically the same machine and LOVE her)

I'm doing a demo day with the Janome on Saturday, then the Ellisimo later in the month. Shhh...don't tell anybody, but I know which one I'll get.

DH keeps telling me we should buy in NH because it's tax-free. He doesn't get it that you want a *local* dealer to work with.

Are you bringing up the bobbin thread (through the top) when you begin stitching?

Someone stated above they would only get the Janome Horizon 7700 for regular sewing - it was built more for quilting and has the 11" throat space, FMQs beautifully, and also has a free arm and great "regular" sewing features, so I don't get that...OH, NEVER MIND! I realize now you were wanting embroidery, too. Sorry!

Anyhow, I agree you need to figure out the problem first (but STILL go for the new machine!).

I think you are having a top thread problem rather than a bobbin issue. Check your threading again, and again. Thread from the top will bird's nest underneath if it is not threaded correctly or tension is off. Use a small test sandwich for trying different settings. Try using a No. 14 needle rather than a top stitch needle. They work best for me for FMQ on my Baby Lock Quilters Pro. Also, are you lowering the foot lever before you sew? Forgetting to do that will cause the top thread to "free wheel" into masses of knots underneath. Good luck!!!

Thanks for the help!
Janet

Absolutely 100% sure that there's no way the needle could be in "backwards"? ..as in the front of the needle is in the back?

I think I was the one who brought up embroidery - just telling the OP of a couple of combo machines I found to be high quality.

I mentioned the Janome Horizon for sewing only (meaning sewing/quilting but no embroidery). If all I wanted was sewing/quilting, that would absolutely be my choice.

Sorry for any confusion.

Is it possible that a quilting needle would be better than a topstitch needle? I buy Schmetz needles and they sell them as separate needles.