Help quilting making a mess
#3
How did you join the layers? I used to have the same problem until I switched to aerosol basting spray. The reason I mention this after you've already some some work is that you said you've unsewed it, so there is still the opportunity to start over. Good luck!
#4
By " bunching up", do you mean it's gathering up the quilt, or nesting threads beneath? I take it you have your walking foot on for this , and a proper quilting or topstitch needle for the thickness of thread you're using. So perhaps the tension is too tight...loosen it it tiny increments on a practice sandwich made with similar fabric & same batting as your project. And l agree with Tartan, if your machine allows, lessen pressure on the foot.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
There are so many variables when you stitch together two layers of fabric and batting that I think it wise to always make a scrap sandwich and try out the stitching, needle, tension and thread before starting on the quilt itself. You don't have to rip out on the scrap sandwich. I keep a little notebook to record my successful combinations. My favorite combination and used most often is Bottom line thread to STID; King Tut (40 weight) to do quilt design work; 50 weight cotton in the bobbin; and, size 14/90 topstitch needle.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
This can happen for a variety of reasons. Some machines are simply not strong enough to pull the sandwich layers through evenly. What machine are you using? Whether using a walking foot or not, any drag on the quilt will prevent the layers from feeding. It helps to lift the front of the quilt up in the air so the quilt feeds from above to the feed dogs; however, you still have to be careful there is no drag on the sides of the quilt. Just having a quilt fall over the edge of your sewing table will create drag and create problems.
Honestly, though, my recommendation is not to do stitch in the ditch. It is my least favorite quilting method because it is so difficult to do well, even when you have a good machine. When I noticed my anxiety levels climbing when stitching in the ditch, I researched other ways to quilt that are much easier and faster. One of my favorites is gently curving lines that do not need to follow seams. If you Google "wavy line quilting" you can find a variety of images. Here are a few examples of what I am talking about:
http://betteroffthread.com/2013/03/0...ting-tutorial/
https://www.cloverandviolet.com/2017...-tutorial.html
https://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/...ch-finish.html
Honestly, though, my recommendation is not to do stitch in the ditch. It is my least favorite quilting method because it is so difficult to do well, even when you have a good machine. When I noticed my anxiety levels climbing when stitching in the ditch, I researched other ways to quilt that are much easier and faster. One of my favorites is gently curving lines that do not need to follow seams. If you Google "wavy line quilting" you can find a variety of images. Here are a few examples of what I am talking about:
http://betteroffthread.com/2013/03/0...ting-tutorial/
https://www.cloverandviolet.com/2017...-tutorial.html
https://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/...ch-finish.html
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Need help with totes made of plastic canvas(the kind u have on the table and just wipe off the mess,
sunnyhope
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08-22-2009 03:05 PM