Ok, I know I don't even have Blossom (my new baby - Juki TL98Q) set up yet, but what thread have you all found works well, or doesn' work in your Juki? I tend to like poly, but just bought some 30wt varigated Sulky cotton and now wondering if it was a mistake. What do you use on top and bottom. I might do the quilt with the varigated on my Bernina not the frame with the Juki, but after that is completed need to know. (Also if I do use the cotton on the Bernina on top, should I use cotton on bottom too and what?)

Thanks for any direction any one can offer.

I use Signature 100% cotton thread on the cone spools. be sure to have a can of air handy to blow out fuzzies in the bobbin compartment and keep her oiled well.

I've been using poly- mostly because in preparation for my Juki, I went insane and bought a collection of it, and am too cheap not to use it.... I also have some cotton Coats and Clark machine quilting thread. I think she likes the poly better, but being stubborn, I use both.

And ditto about the air and oil. When in doubt with the Juki- clean and oil.

I've been quilting with the maxilock serger cone thread in mine. Works great. After about 2/3rds of a quilt I had a problem w/a bunch of loose thread underneath, but I just adjusted the bobbin tension, and back in business! :D

Thanks everyone, I will definitely keep the canned air and oil close at hand!

I use Connecting Threads thread. It works great for me. And mine love lots of drinks of oil. :-D

What type of oil do you use and where do you find it? My manual says Defrix oil Number 1.

nursie, I have that machine too and I just got this. Works great!

By the way, does anyone know how many drops to use? I have been using 2, should I use more?

I got mine here because I was placing an order anyway.
http://www.allstitch.net/product/zoo...-4-oz-4008.cfm

This is the machine that Leah Day uses in her 365 days of FMQ designs. She uses Isacord for her quilting and I believe it is poly. She recommends the same thread for top and bottom thread and she sells and promotes those washers for your bobbins. Had never heard of them before that.
Do you all love your Jukis? I've struggled with my Kenmore doing FMQ and am thinking of either buying a Husqvarna Mega Quilter or a Juki 98. Any advice?

sewnsewer2 - thanks for the heads up on the oil.

Thanks mama's place. I already use Isacord for embroidery and have a ton of colors. I will definitely check it out.

I don't have any experience with the Mega Quilter, but even when I upgrade to a long arm- the Juki stays. I never heard of washers either, but when I have been using either bobbin thread in the bobbin or the same as the top. And I've been using pre-wound bobbins, which I love when quilting- because I only have 4 bobbins and this way I don't have to reload them three times while the machine is on the frame.

I find the Juki to be consistent and smooth and flawless. I also really like that you can clean her out thoroughly- all the parts are right there and visible. After a couple of years of swearing at computerized machines, I might buy another one for the stitches, but I'll stick with Juki for piecing and quilting.

Thanks for the info. I am lucky because the lady the I got the machine from had a ton of bobbins. How many bobbins of thread do you estimate you use for a full size (double bed) quilt? Just curious.

Well, I am a heavy quilter, I think. I have only done free motion and I like things tightly quilted, so about 16 bobbins. (for the one in my avatar, which is a whole cloth.) But about the same for the other quilts I've made.

Ok, maybe I have about a dozen, so I would probably be good for a twin...hmmm...where does one buy prewound bobbins and do they come in different type thread and colors?

eBay is my source for everything, LOL. I bought a gross of white and a gross of black- I haven't opened the black and still have most of the white. Yes, I think they do come in different types. When I needed to match the back color, I used my bobbins, but I need to get more.

Ok folks, is this the correct tension setting when FMQ ing?

That's about where I am. I did need to loosen the BOBBIN tension a hair the first time I FMQ'd on it. On your test quilt, check both sides. (Duh!) I haven't touched the tension since and it is fine.

That's what mine is set on...and regarding the oil...2 drops in each location is fine as long as you do it frequently...

Did you all buy your Juki from a dealership or online or what? I want to try one and can't find one to try. The dealers I have called don't carry one in the store but can order one. Any ideas? I don't know anyone personally who owns one.

Did you all buy your Juki from a dealership or online or what? I want to try one and can't find one to try. The dealers I have called don't carry one in the store but can order one. Any ideas? I don't know anyone personally who owns one.

Thanks Tink's mom and hazeljane!

I got mine from ebay brand new. It came with 30 bobbins and 100 needles free. Only paid $764 for mine with no tax and free shipping

I got mine from Sew-Vac Direct in a package with the GMQ frame. I was very pleased with their customer service and help. The little old sewing machine repair shop here said he loves them- they are easy to fix, and they never break. The local shops here are all about either Janome and Singer, or Bablylock, but when I did the comparisons and read reviews, it seemed like the Juki was what i wanted. I haven't regretted it for a minute.