laynak

This happens so frequently when free motion quilting or even using my walking foot. What's going on? I've tried using different needles but it doesn't make a difference. It's happening with small quilts that just have W&N batting so they're not that thick. I'm using Aurifil thread and have a Babylock Ellure machine.
Does anyone else have this problem? What do I need to do?
FMQ and even walking foot work are just a miserable task with this problem.

Ginaky

When you free motion, do you use a foot that hooks over the needle screw? If so, that is working the screw loose. My walking foot has a small plastic piece that fits over the round part of that screw and it keeps the overlapping part from loosening the screw. I hope this explanation is clear!

Tiggersmom

Sounds like the needle is not in properly and or not screwed in tight enough.

HillCountryGal

When I use my walking foot, it needs to be tightened every few minutes. In fact, I tighten the screw that holds the foot on as well as the one holding the needle. Think all that "action" just works it loose. It's a pain.

Prism99

It could also be that the screw is stripped (the screw that holds the needle in place), which means you would need to get a replacement screw.

Edit: When I first got my machine years ago, I was cautioned against over-tightening that screw. I was told that over-tightening could strip the screw.

Peckish

Check the owner's manual for your sewing machine and make sure you're inserting the needle correctly. I have 7 machines. One has the flat side of the needle placed facing the rear of the machine. Another one has the flat side on the left. A third machine uses round needles, meaning there is no flat side at the top of the needle. If you're using a flat needle in a machine that uses round ones, I could see it coming loose and falling out.

liking quilting

I agree with the theory of the walking foot action with the bulk of the quilt working thru can loosen the needle. I've had it happen twice in the last week while quilting a queen size quilt.

quilterpurpledog

Use a small screwdriver or pliers to tighten the screw-especially when using the walking foot. But, don't be over zealous. Finger tightening may not be sufficient. Also, be sure the needle is facing the right direction.

ManiacQuilter2

I have quilted over 1,000 quilts and never have had this happen on my Bernina. I would ask the person who services your machine with what you should do about this problem. He may tell you to tighten the screw tighter.

mike'sgirl

My screw has a slot that fits a flat head screw driver, so I put one in there and give it a little extra umf! to keep the needle in place . The needle in my 301 was falling out until I started using the screw driver.