quiltjoey

I took a class recently and told my teacher that I always get these "bird's nests" at the beginning of my stitching. She told me to turn the big wheel on the right side of the machine that makes the needle go up and down. She said it helps to make the thread carrier (the metal thingy on the right at the top of the machine, you thread the thread through it, that goes up and down with the needle).
You don't have to turn it but only about 1/2 or so turn and you won't get a "bird's nest" underneath your fabric which can cause jams!! It works every time for me now. The only problem is remembering to turn the wheel! I've been doing it the other way for so long but now I am remembering to do it almost every time I start a seam! Give it a try and see if it works for you!!

mtnative

Thanks for the tip. I will try it.

auntpiggylpn

Thanks for the tip! I always use a "leader" when I am piecing. Since I started doing that I haven't had any nest issues.

QuiltnNan

thanks for the tip. i've held the thread tails tight for the first stitch and that has worked for me. but, as you said, you have to remember to do it LOL

NJ Quilter

That's how I was taught decades ago as a child. Along with holding the tails. Both are second nature to me at this point and do it on machines that supposedly you don't need to!

thimblebug6000

Are you using your FW when you are doing this technique? I was always told with the computerized machines not to turn the flywheel by hand, lots of differing thoughts on things, isn't there?

Tartan

Another tip is to start sewing a quarter inch from the edge of your pieces, back stitch to the beginning and then proceed.

DianneK

all good tips, ladies!!!

BellaBoo

This is what I do. And I end the seam that way too.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

I'm with NJ Quilter. I was always taught to do that when I learned to sew. I guess I assumed most everyone did it.