FMQ w/one speed machine
 

Does anyone have any suggestions in controlling the speed on a machine that you cannot adjust it? I have a Baby Lock Jazz II and it is fast. I'm a beginner quilter and learning how to free motion quilt and I cannot get my hands and feet in a cohesive speed. I realize a lot of this is something that I need to learn. A repairman told me to tape a metal disk on the foot pedal to prevent me from pushing down the entire way. It worked for a little while but the disk kept slipping off. I might need a better tape than packing. Any suggestions? Thank you.

I do okay with the walking foot.

It does sound like you need a new foot pedal for your machine that will let you have control to accelerate. or slow down. it doesn't make sense how it slows down with the walking foot.

I know exactly what you mean. Hard to focus/coordinate your hands and foot both while doing something different with each. Sometimes I go faster and faster until I lose control. And since your Jazz has no electronic speed control, it would naturally be even harder.

The idea of taping something to the pedal to limit the movement until you get the practice hours in is certainly a possibility. I also wonder if an electronics/electrical shop can sell you something that allows you to adjust power coming in to the machine. Years ago we had these little boxes that you could plug a lamp into that allowed you to increase or decrease the light. I think it was a simple rheostat control. This would not be good for a computerized machine, but for a purely mechanical machine it might work. Perhaps inquire at an electronics shop or electrical supply store if something like that still exists and if it would be appropriate on a mechanical machine like this.

One more thing....I have heard there is an adjustment inside the foot control for these AC types. You might could adjust it down, and leave it that way for a couple weeks/months while practicing, then turn it back up when you feel ready. It would slow down all your sewing during that time period, of course, but might be worth it overall. Just another thought.

Thank you all for the insight and suggestions. Possibly the easiest is to cut a piece of wood the right size for the foot pedal and tape it on. I'll see how long that lasts. Just practicing will help, for sure. Thanks again.

Lots of practice is the best way. I just try not to push the foot pedal down all the way.

I had to go look after the comments here - very surprised that the Jazz does not have a speed control.

I think you may need a new foot pedal like others have said. This happened to me and the speed was out of control and going so fast on my machine. I took it to the LQS and they replaced the foot pedal and what a relief to control the speed on my machine.

I sew barefoot and find it easy to reduce the pressure applied to the foot control. I can actually sew one stitch at a time, if I choose.