Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Inconsistent stitch length: help please >

Inconsistent stitch length: help please

Inconsistent stitch length: help please

Old 09-02-2018, 08:43 AM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 11
Default Inconsistent stitch length: help please

Hello Everyone,

I'm trying to do some straight line quilting on a king size quilt using my Pfaff QE4.2 machine. But my stitches are coming out inconsistent.

Here's my set up:

  • Fabrics are quilter's grade cotton bought a LQS
  • Thread is from Superior (50 wt in bobbin) and from Coats and Clarks Quilters from JoAnn's, cross-wound
  • Thread spool is horizontal
  • New topstitch needle 80/12
  • Stitch length to 3.5
  • Straight line quilting
  • IDT engaged
  • Open-toe applique presser foot

This is what I get:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]600396[/ATTACH]

FWIW, I am meticulous about cleaning my bobbin area with each new bobbin. I am sewing slowly but every once in a while I accidentally sew faster than intended. I don't know where to begin in fixing this issue. I spent three hours yesterday ripping out those tiny stitches and 15 minutes sewing before I realized it was all happening again. What am I missing or doing wrong, please?

TIA
Attached Thumbnails inconsistentstitchlength.jpg   inconsistentstitchlength_org_cropped75_75.jpg  
PumpkinHead is offline  
Old 09-02-2018, 09:08 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,419
Default

Is this a regular sewing machine or LA? If sewing, do you have a walking foot for this machine?

Next, is the quilt hanging off the edge of machine or is flat on an extension table?

You might try to go up a size with the needle to a 90/14 one.

Good luck!
Rhonda K is offline  
Old 09-02-2018, 09:30 AM
  #3  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 11
Default

Thank you, Rhonda. I had not thought of changing needle sizes. I will try that next.

Just for thoroughness --
It is not a long arm machine. Pfaff's answer to a walking foot is the IDT. So yes, I am using what is supposed to be a walking foot on my machine.
I have pushed three tables up next to my sewing table so the quilt is supported on all sides.
PumpkinHead is offline  
Old 09-02-2018, 09:30 AM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
dunster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,133
Default

My guess is that the fabric is not flowing evenly, possibly because the weight of the quilt is creating drag. Be sure the quilt is supported all around. Some people use an extra card table to their left to help support the quilt. Some people throw the quilt over their shoulder. Some use a pulley system.
dunster is offline  
Old 09-02-2018, 09:32 AM
  #5  
Power Poster
 
dunster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,133
Default

Another thought is that you may need to adjust the presser foot for the thickness of the quilt sandwich.
dunster is offline  
Old 09-02-2018, 09:41 AM
  #6  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
Default

Originally Posted by PumpkinHead View Post
I have pushed three tables up next to my sewing table so the quilt is supported on all sides.
Is your machine recessed down into your sewing table so the machine bed is even with all of the table surfaces? This really looks to me like drag created when the edges of the quilt hang over the sewing machine bed before it is reaching the needle (in cases where the machine is not recessed down into a sewing table)

If it is recessed, I still think it is a drag issue. Maybe the weight of the quilt dragging off the edge of the table directly in front of you?

If it isn't a recessed set up you could try piling up some phone books or something to have a larger surface area for the quilt to rest on as you are feeding it into the machine. A long time ago, someone posted a picture of their setup. They got some of the really thick foam insulation and built a surface all around their machine bed so everything was level with it. Another option is the one Dunster described building a system hanging from the ceiling to support the quilt's weight.
feline fanatic is offline  
Old 09-02-2018, 10:04 AM
  #7  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,445
Default

It is probably quilt drag. Using a walking foot could help.
Tartan is offline  
Old 09-02-2018, 10:11 AM
  #8  
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 76
Default

I have found that I have the same problem with my Pfaff. Now, I set the speed way down. That seems to help a bit. Even following all of these good suggestions, it is still aggravating to have inconsistent stitch length.
nannykins8 is offline  
Old 09-02-2018, 10:47 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
jokir44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 707
Default

Looks like you need to pool the fabric around your needle and keep it pooled. When the stitches start getting smaller there is pulling going on somewhere. Loosen it up and see what happens. I also wondered if your presser foot pressure needs to be adjusted.
jokir44 is offline  
Old 09-02-2018, 10:58 AM
  #10  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Default

I read an article awhile back that explained the difference between IDT and a walking foot. Although the end result when sewing two pieces of fabric together is similar, the mechanism by which it is done is completely different. If I can find the article again, I will link it. What I came away with from that article is that a walking foot is better for quilting than IDT. Does Pfaff sell a walking foot for their IDT machines? I don't know.
Prism99 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Beautiful_Sound
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
6
12-01-2015 11:07 AM
BirdyFeathers
Main
7
05-14-2013 01:42 PM
wannaquilt1
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
9
09-22-2011 05:26 PM
Ann K
Main
3
12-12-2010 03:18 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter