Originally Posted by
Prism99
I am not an expert on this topic, by any means. From what I have gleaned on the internet, it is important to launder a batik backing before layering. Many quilters have reported more difficultieswhen quilting batiks (especially batik backings) because of the tighter weave associated with batik fabrics.
Suspending your quilt may help. Here is a link to a commercial suspension system, although you can also find directions for making one yourself with PVC:
http://www.jennoop.com/quilt-suspenders.html
This thread on inconsistent tension and fixes may be helpful:
https://www.handiquilter.com/forums/...istent-tension
Are you winding your own bobbins? If so, you might want to switch to magni-glide pre-wounds.
You might want to consider replacing the check spring on your upper tension. They can wear out.
Instead of winding the thread twice around the tension discs, you might want to try adding additional thread guides on the machine -- such as taping short lengths of straw before and after the thread guide to try to keep it from jumping out of the discs, or possibly taping a closed safety pin (could be bent to stick out a bit from the machine) and threading through the circle portion of the safety pin.
What brand and type of needle are you using, in addition to size?
There are so many possibilities, I would start with the easiest things to try and work from there.
Edit: I honestly think there is something other than tension that is causing the problems. I would leave tension as-is while experimenting with some of the other things, and I would be careful to change only one thing at a time. The fact that your practice piece can be fine but you still have problems with the quilt itself indicates to me that the size and weight of the quilt may be the primary issue -- something a suspension system would resolve.
Switching to the magnaglide prewounds would be an easier place to start, though.
Thank you Prism for such an in depth response! I appreciate the time it took you!
-I prewash all of my fabric, so that shouldn't be an issue.
-I have a suspension system, which I have used somewhat on this quilt, but with my quilting path, have found it more of a hinderence this time than with others, so pool it at lot, so the quilt moves freely under the needle.
-I will definitely check out that link. I did watch a HQ Webinar that came out in November 2015 on tension and They were the ones that said to wind the thread around the tension discs one turn to deal with that problem. They specifically identified the problem and that it was Glide thread they were using.
- I do wind my own bobbins which are wound well and firm. I have tried magna glide prewounds and did find the tension issues disappeared on another quilt (not a batik one, just regular cotton). That was an awesome experience, but I resist switching to magna glide for all of my quilting for two reasons, a) you can't match all thread colours and b) the cost and I guess a third reason is that I'm a bit stubborn as this machine is supposed to handle all threads and use bobbins you wind yourself, so it should in my book.
-I've not thought about the tension spring but that is something worth checking. I have noticed, but forgotten about it, that it does seem to stick a bit at times. Thanks for thinking of that! No one has ever mentioned it, it proves the power of many minds!
-I never thought of adding an additional thread guide, but my husband suggested moving the one that's on it to change the angle, and I guess we could start there. Duh! Then try an extra guide if that doesn't do the trick.
-I am using Organ brand 134R needles and this is a size 16, brand new, which I've changed to trying to trouble shoot this from a 14. They came with the machine, and I've run their use by HQ. I know they sell Groz Beckert and I have a few of those, but not much of a size selection on hand, so stick with the Organ brand.
Thanks again! I shall try to report back any progress!