CaleyH

Finally found something about both the Baby Lock Jazz and Jazz 2 at this URL https://www.generations-quilt-patter...lock-jazz.html

Apparently both versions have a bad record for thread tension problems. In one response to the disappointed owner, another person wrote about how they pretty much solved the tension problem. I will be going over these suggestions carefully, and try to implement them. Maybe I can get this machine to actually be used for free motion quilting, instead of just straight stitching.

One of the remedies was to use the darning foot with the feed dogs up. I also noted that it seems the tension problems subside when using the feed dogs up..

What a strangely engineered machine. Maybe Baby Lock will fix the tension problems in their 3rd version, if they do come out with a Jazz 3.

CaleyH

I just made the four main adjustments to my machine as suggested by the gentleman (a design engineer). It's really strange that you can do free motion quilting with the feed dogs up, but this machine can. I guess the problems with proper engineering and factory adjustment makes it possible. If I tried that on my Singer, it would just balk at me trying to move the fabric randomly. But the Jazz 2 doesn't seem to notice the raided feed dogs during FMQing. I just did one test, and will do several more before I expend a hard made quilt to it. Stitches had no problems, other than my need to practise with the machine as it is now. Hopefully I can use this machine for the purpose I purchased it for, FMQing.

CaleyH

I guess the Jazz 2 is destined for the trash dump. This machines factory set thread tension is totally out of whack. Now, even with the suggested fixes I mentioned earlier, it will not work at all. I am guessing that something inside is loose, and getting worse.

The machine, I think, is still OK for straight stitches, but that's not what I purchased it for. I guess I will invest a lot of money in a professional machine that can sit on a quilting frame. Guess that's my only recourse if I want to continue to try to do free motion quilting. I no longer can move the fabric sandwich on my Singer without extreme pain in my arthritic fingers. I need something that doesn't involve pressing down. I can lightly grip a handle, and I am guessing that is why I may opt for a quilting frame and professional machine.

Just to let you know, a lot of the original Jazz and what seems like, quite a few Jazz 2 machines come from the factory with the tension setting wrong. I am waiting right now on Baby Lock to let me know if they are going to pay to fix the problem. If not, I will never purchase another of their machines.

Stitchnripper

Honestly- many of us do FMQ on relatively nondescript machines. I learned on a dinky mechanical Brother. The feed dogs didn’t drop and I never covered them. I can successfully FMQ on a vintage machine. I like my relatively inexpensive Brother PQ1500 for FMQ. It is mostly mechanical. I’ve never had tension issues. It likes most threads even cheap serger thread. Once you get any machine that works you will still need to learn a it’s quirks and practice. A machine that works is step one but it isn’t the magic Bullet. There is a Baby Lock sister machine to the Brother. Maybe check it out.

CaleyH

My problem with my arthritis has gotten worse these past six months. I have much difficulty in moving the quilt sandwich around on my Singer Quantum Stylist 9960. Every time I press on the fabric to give my palms a grip, or even use the paddles I made, I get severe pain. Doctors said not to expect things to get better.


I basically have two three choices. Give up quilting entirely, go back to just doing straight stitch quilting with a walking foot, or spend big money on a machine that will work. For now, I am going back to straight stitch quilting with a bit of wavy borders that I can manage with a regular sewing foot with the feed dogs up. All I have to do is move the fabric tiny bits to get through shallow curves.

Just don't know what I will do with the Baby Lock. It's basically useless, and taking up space not being used.

Stitchnripper

I am sorry to hear about your physical problems that get in the way of you enjoying the FMQ. I just wanted to say again there are other choices between your Singer, the BabyLock jazz 2 and a very expensive machine. If it is a physical problem of moving the quilt, that will happen regardless of machines. The quilt will not move itself no matter the machine. If you are considering a frame then remember there is a big learning curve on that too. Maybe the handles will be too much for your joints. Different machines have different handle set ups.

CaleyH

Thought I was through with the machine, but my brain always likes a puzzle. So I got adventurous and opened up the top of the machine, following the instructions provided by the gentleman on the other website (generations). I adjusted the thumb screw to increase the tension about 1/2 a turn, and put things back together. Just finished testing the new tension. Still need the feed dogs up, but the top thread is no longer peeking through the bottom. Will need more testing and adjustment to make sure this wasn't just a lucky test. Will let you know.

By the way. If you follow the gentleman's instructions, it is actually very easy. I was expecting a complex mechanism, and it is just a big thick spring with a rod through it, and a few end caps to hold things sandwiched. Know it is more complex than that overall, but the part to adjust is simple, and anyone can do it, if I can.

Jerseyrayne

I have the BL Jazz and I am fmq with it. When you change the tension you need to have the presser foot bar up. I have watched videos using it for fmq, I put the feed dogs down, BUT you don't change anything else. You don't have to put the stitch length down to 0, I leave it on 2 or 3. The problem I had was shredding thread and breaking, so I went on line to try to get more info and found I should use a size 90/14 needle. So, I changed my needle and haven't had a problem again. I don't have but 2 needles of that size so I just ordered some online. Other than these problems I have had no other problems and I love this machine. I would have loved the Up/Down, bur I have found all I have to do is tap the foot 1 time when I stop and it goes down, sometimes I don't even have to do this. I hope this helps you, good luck

CaleyH

Well, it seems that even with my going inside the machine to adjust the tension spring, the machine has somehow gone back to lashing on the underside of the quilt, regards of what I do. I've retired the machine to regular sewing, which it does very well.

I am now looking for another sewing machine with a throat area of at least 10 inches to the right of the needle. My Singer only has 6 inches, which is adequate for piecing..

I have yet to find another machine with a 10 inch throat that isn't costing $1500 or more. Any suggestions. Seems I am starting all over on this.

mjpEncinitas

Consider looking online at sewing machines plus. They are local to me but are known for providing good support. I have a brother 1500 and my sewing partner has the equivalent Juki. We are both happy with them. I have upgraded from the brother so am not using it. If you’re near San Diego I’d be happy to lend it to you so you can try it out. I promised it to my son but he’s not ready for it yet