Here is a pic of the first place mat I have made for fall/thanksgiving. Don't mind the white lines as I have not wiped them off yet. (did not realize they were still there). Also have a pic of a problem I am having when I sew on the binding.......it seems my machine keeps dropping stitches is the best way to put it I guess. Why is it doing this and how do I fix it??? It is really making me MAD, it is doing it on the second one I am finishing now.

Really nice!

They turned out nice!
if you are dropping stitches, then it may of jumped a guide, re thread your machine..
some of the first things i check when my machine starts acting up, is
1.rethread
2.check the bobbin..(if the bobbin thread is getting real low, or not wound properly)
3.change the needle
4. remove the plate and clean out the bobbin area.
done in no real order, but those are the first things i do! good luck, and let us know how it goes for you!

Very Nice! Great job!

Thanks watter, the only thing I have not done is change the needle. I will try that next.

A great list!

Great fabric choice for your placemats...nice work!
I agree ....... try changing your needle.

One more thing..is your spool of thread vertical or horizontal?

if it is vertical, the the thread needs to come off the spool counter clockwise,behind the spool, to the first guide.
just a thought.
i hope the issue is all fixed by now, and you happily sewing away!

nice really nice

When my machine does this the new needle corrects the problem.

Beautiful placemats :D:D:D

Are you having to "help" the fabric along under the presser foot? That can cause elongated stitches too :wink:

Great advice!!!!!! Your placemats are so cute! Let us know if changing the needle helped.

no thats the frustrating part. :? :hunf:

I did change the needle and finished the binding and so far so good. Funny thing is that it only happens when I am sewing on the binding, when I do the quilting on the placemat it works fine. ?????go figure?????? I will try to start the next one this weekend as I have company coming today and won't have time to work on another one till Sunday.
Thanks for all the great compliments and suggestions. I can't wait to start on my Christmas ones as I have some awesome fabric I just love.

Nice projects!

I use a walking foot to sew on the binding.

I was having the same problem and took my machine to the repair man (80+ yr. old) and he told me that I needed to increase my stitch length when sewing on thick fabric. Seems to work when I'm making bags. Still have an occasional problem and a new needle (usually denim needle) seems to do the trick.

I like those placemats!