Ok, so now that I've been successfully using my Viking Sapphire 830 for piecing and quilting with the walking foot, I'm trying to figure out why I'm not having any luck with free motion quilting. I've tried 3 different feet (2 with springs and 1 without) and followed the instructions in the book as far as setting it up, but I just can't get it right. After a few inches of stitching the top thread tightens up so much it snaps the needle. I've already broken 3 needles just by practicing. I unthread/rethread both the top and bottom. Have tried numerous thread weights in both the top and bottom. I even created a sample fabric sandwich and wrote on the fabric what I was using for threads so that I could compare all when done. It seems I can use any thread combination for straight/decorative stitching. But nothing is working for the free motion. So, I'm thinking that either I am not doing something right when I set it up, or there is a design flaw. It's kind of upsetting after spending nearly $1000 on a machine for quilting that doesn't want to quilt.

I was wondering if anyone with a Sapphire is having better luck with free motion than me and what you might be doing differently that I need to try. I am going back to the dealer on Friday, but in the meantime, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I have a Sapphire 830 and I was TRYING to do some FMQ. My first problem is that even though I move the slider on the front to lower the fed dogs, it still won't let the material move freely.

You say there is directions somewhere? In the book that came with the machine or on the CD?

Just basic setup in the user guide. I couldn't get the cd to work. I even bought a Supreme Slider hoping that would help.

I was getting much more comfortable with free motion on my old Viking...I was sad to see it go when it died. I'm hoping I don't regret purchasing this one. I really want to be able to do free motion. I don't want to feel limited by just stitch in the ditch or decorative stitches.

If where you bought it have knowledgeable people then maybe they know. I got mine at the Viking dealer inside Joann's and I haven't been back for classes. Actually now that I think about it, when I asked about the classes they said they had, I was told they haven't started them yet.

I'll have to find out. What type of walking foot do you have? I see so many online that I'm not sure which is right. What type of FM foot?

I also have the sapphire 830 but dont have a problem with free motion.
I use Coats and Clark good thread and it works just fine.
My top setting is on 5 and I leave the other settings as they are.
Be sure and only use the green bobbins.
It came with a couple of FM feet and they work fine also.
I have found that the thread holder should be horizontal not upright, it puts more tension on the thread and it wants to break. I have used invisable thread and so far it works fine. breaks once in a while.
Sometimes I adjust the stitch length just to see if it makes it easier but it dosnt seem to make any difference.
And of course set the feed dogs in the down position.
Make sure to clean out the bobbin case regularly it makes a big difference. I use a hand held vacumm it works well.
Sometimes even though I tread the machine right it just wants to be threaded again then works fine.

I opted not to buy mine at the dealer inside Joann's because, well, they are just plain snooty to me. Maybe I don't look like someone who'd spend that much on a machine, but that's no reason to be like that...anyone can be a potential customer. I bought from another dealer that is closer to home (Joann's is closer to my work). The one I bought from offers unlimited "know your machine" classes; Joann's offerd 2 classes.

I have an open toe foot with spring, metal horseshoe shaped (my favorite with the old machine); clear foot on a spring,maybe about 3/4" square w/rounded corners; and the R foot that came with the new machine. The first 2 I bought online at http://sewingmachine221sale.bizland....re/page63.html.

I downloaded instructions from:
http://www.husqvarnaviking.com

I do only use the green bobbins (with the viking logo). I've tried the thread both ways and didn't notice much difference, but will be sure to try it again with the thread horizontal and see if that helps. Most of my thread is Coats and Clark. I did buy some finer thread and it works great for decorative stitches. How long have you had your machine?

It says denied - I can't access! Do you have a pdf of this?

I had to change the address for viking to its main page to get it to work.
The videos are there you will just have to search for them since my long trail did not work.
I have had my machine for about 2 yrs. I love it except for the fact that the top of the machine just sits to low to get your hand under to change needles etc.