Debbie B

I've been looking at this machine, too. I was just wondering if you have put it on a frame and if so...how do you like it?

grannypat7925

Did you lower your feed dogs?

Para722

It take a lot of practice. I try everyday to practice for 20 minutes. I have yet to try it on a real quilt. Have you thought about your brand of thread.

MadQuilter

Sorry you are having such a hard time. I took an 8-week course for FMQ and we used the book "Machine Quilting Made Easy" by Maureen Noble. She has lots of exercises in the book and they certainly help you figure out your machine. All I can say is give it a try and use 12-15" pieces for practice. That way you can focus on the technique NOT the quilt.

I started using a vinyl sheet on the machine to help cut down static build-up. It is worth the expense to me.

Good luck.

gypsylady5

Sounds like what I do! I love the Brother 1500S - it does a great job of quilting, straight and FMQ.

meanmom

I have a Janome and have had the same problem. I now have a single hole needle plate and drop your feed dogs. Make sure you have a quilting needle in your machine. I wear machinger gloves. All of these things make little differences that seem to add up to better FMQ. The is also a mat you can put in your machine bed that is supposed to make it easier to slide your quilt. I haven't tried one yet but was told they are helpful. I recently saw one on the Jinny Beyer site.

danade

1. Be absolutely sure that your feed dogs are down.

2. Wear Machingers gloves.

3. Use a quilting foot (also called a hopping foot, with a spring in it. Never even think about using a walking foot--not the right thing at all for FMQ.

4. Make many, many practice sandwiches.

5. Be sure your quilt isn't creating drag by hanging down from your machine. The weight of it has to be supported on a table or some other support so it can move around as you sew.

6. Make sure your machine bed is as clean and slippery as you can make it--silicone spray, sometimes just something like Pledge (be sure to wipe off every last drop of this).

7. BE SURE to bring up your bobbin thread through all the layers of your practice sandwich or your quilt and hold the bobbin thread and upper thread (about 7 or 8 inches) in one hand, behind the needle. which will keep your tension right as you begin to sew. This is a VERY important step that I finally learned from an expert.

Good luck as you learn--loads of good tips here!

ggreenridley

I know it takes practice. I still can not do FMQ and I guess that is why I only do wallhangings which looks fine. I took a class (years ago) and did samples but I never really practiced. I should go back to it now that I have retired, maybe I will. As has been said, practice, practice, practice, and you will get there. Start small.

danade

Oh, and one more thing--be sure your stitch length is set at zero. Very important also. It's very easy to forget to do all these steps--no wonder it's hard to learn.

grumpy90650

i agree with the people who say take it to your janome dealer or lqs and get someone to help you...there are also, in some areas and lqs, beginning fmq classes....please do not give up...keep trying....good luck!!!! gina