Originally Posted by annesthreads
Originally Posted by sewcrafty
I really wish I could assist with the blue bobbin. I have a 6600 and haven't used a blue bobbin with it. I use my reg. bobbin and set my tension on 6 and have been good to go.
I'm on the 6600 Yahoo forum because it's one machine I'm considering if I decide I have to replace the 4800. My impression is that some of these machines, like yours, are fine for FMQ with the standard bobbin, but others need the blue dot one. There isn't a universal problem with FMQ on Janome machines, but a worrying proportion of them do seem to have tension issues. The owner of my LQS went so far as to say "I don't believe it's possible to do FMQ on a Janome!" because of all the problems she'd seen in workshops.
I've really not had a problem with FMQ'ing on my machine at all. Feed dogs down, tension set around 6 and speed control set to med-low. Even stitches on front and back. I'm really sorry to hear that some are having these issues. I had the option to purchase that for my machine, but decided to try without first. My understanding was that the blue bobbin was for individuals not wanting to make adjustments to their machines tension.
In fact, I'm teaching a class and one woman had a Janome (can't remember the one) and she went right out of the starting gate beautifully. Even stitches, no eyelashes, etc. and didn't have anything other than the reg. bobbin.
Try without the blue bobbin and see how it works. Try your tension just a little higher # than your normal setting and if you have the capability, set your speed for low-med and play with a sandwich.
Pedal to the metal isn't for me, I need to take it at slower pace, sort of steady as you go for me. LOL
Good Luck!