The tips aren't a secret, they were just aimed at answering questions asked by another member, so it may appear to be a little out of context, but it is what I had typed in a word document first because it was so lengthy. So here it is:
[h=2]Babylock sashiko Machine Tips[/h]
Overall, I love this machine. I won’t ever return it, lend it out, or sell it. It is a keeper for me. That said, it is a bit temperamental (which is why nobody but me gets to run it). And it takes a combination of these things to get a nice steady stitch without breakage. I have not yet quilted a whole quilt without ever breaking a stitch, but I have reduced the breakage so I am not screaming at the poor baby. Probably, I average one or two breakages per full bobbin.
So here are the things to adjust or play with: (I think in order of importance)
1) Speed. Slow and steady is better than run and gun it. I think you already figured that out. And when it works, I find it relaxing to watch the machine go stitch, stitch, stitch as opposed to FMQ going zoom, zoom, zoom.
2) Polyester thread for “give/stretch” as opposed to silk, cotton, or metallic. Never try waxed quilting thread. I use to be 100% cotton policeman, now not so much.
3) Thread size. Stick with size 50 wt. I wanted to use size 12 wt and big stitches, but honestly, the 50 wt looks great, though I never would have thought it.
4) Bobbin winding. Yes, there are adjustments on the machine for this. Play with them, and even try using a separate bobbin winding machine like the plastic simplicity machine.
5) Needle. I use a topstitch needle. Can’t remember why. It seems I saw a youtube video of a teacher from the Superior Thread Co who was VERY knowledgeable on threads and needles and he did a convincing demo on this subject, and I am embarrassed to say it is the only take away I can remember. (But it is worth looking him up and watching, Dr Bob? Can’t remember).
6) FeedDog/Foot Pressure. You can go from a walking foot with full contact, to almost no contact like free motion. If you pull or push the fabric that is not in agreement with the setting you chose, you will break the thread.
7) Size of Quilt. This is not the kind of machine you want to be pulling or pushing on, so even though I have the support table, and a large table for it to rest on, I still do lap size quilts or smaller on it. The King sized quilt I am working on now, is a QAYG where I am quilting six strips, each about 18” by 120”, and then I will sew the strips together.
This is a lot of things to adjust for a single use machine, but when you get it right, it is a real joy. I hope this helps you. Jane Quilter.