Irishrose2

I just quilted one with high loft batting. I had skipped stitches, too. Mostly on a curve as I quilted toward me. When I cleaned the machine and changed the needle, it was better. When I changed to a heavier thread (good old C&C - the old stuff), the skipping stopped. I didn't have any shredding.

maviskw

I found this just in time. Thank you. Last night at our meeting, I was given a quilt to sandwich with puffy batting. This quilt will be going to a Veteran's home. I've done lots of free motion quilting, but I don't think I ever did it with this type of batt. I will be carefully following this thread as I attempt a "new process" (for me).

themadpatter

That is cool that you figured out the mechanics of what was happening. It seems like I read something once that said something similar to this that had something to do with the direction of motion and how the thread was moving either off the bobbin or through the needle. I have a feeling it has something to do with how the thread moved through the slot in the needle- is that the scarf? I don't recall. Anyway, thanks for doing the research, Watson, and the next time I have shredding, I am going to remember this and take careful observations.

Peckish

The needle has an eye that the thread (obviously) goes through, but it also has a groove that runs down the length of the needle that the thread can sit in. It helps reduce the friction (and therefore shredding) on the thread as it moves quickly in and out of the fabric.

The video I posted in this other thread stars a sewing machine tech who's been in the business for years, he shows detailed views of a sewing machine needle, along with great information about how to make adjustments for the issues the OP was dealing with.

Jojk

maviskw - How did it go?

Jojk

Thanks Peckish - that was very informative. I finally finished topstitching. It looks like I probably would have had an easier time of it if I had bumped my needle up a size. Ah well. I'll keep it in mind for the future.

toogie

I just wish I could find really hi loft batting. The label says 'high loft' or 'extra loft' but maybe what they mean is I have to buy an 'extra' one to double up, to get 'high' loft!

Jojk

Thanks. This one is a Yli 40/3 ply Danube Blue.

I absolutely love varigated thread. I can usually find a combination that contains most if not all of the combinations in my quilt and it just ties everything together.