Originally Posted by
Onebyone
I noticed a lot of you said to avoid pokies. If you have pokies then there is a problem with the stitch. I have taken dozens of machine quilting classes and eliminating pokies was the first hour of the very good classes. I always learn something from a class no matter how many of the same ones I take.
What type of machine do you use to quilt? What weight threads? What type of batting? All of these can affect the tendency toward pokes.....I used to get them more often when using a megaquilter on a frame, king tut cotton thread and 80/20 batting.....I now use an APQS Lucey, so fine mainly and polydown or hobbs 80/20....I get way fewer pokies now....but still get them occasionally especially when using a thinner batting....I always do a bit of test stitching on a bit of scrap the same weight as the quilt top.....I check the backside and do a number of direction changes while stitching....as I am older....I got a mirror and a good flashlight to check the backing for the stitches before I more onto the quilt. Using a long arm, I have gotten used to adjusting tension both for the top thread and the bobbin....but that is one reason I use mainly so fine as I have separate bobbins who tension is adjusted for so fine, bottom line, etc......it is nice to have specific bobbins for the different threads you use a bobbin threads....that way, you just usually have to adjust the top tension a bit....