I've got 2 quilts on the go right now.

My son's is quilted and binding started, just the hand sewing left to do. Went along beautifully!

The quilt for my parents...not so well. I used the same pattern for both. Different fabrics of course! The big difference is the batting. DS's was the White and Warm brand off the bolt. My parents, I went with a thicker batt. I did try a sample when I got it home to be sure it fit under my foot, no problem right?! I started to quilt my parent's sandwich today and frustration set in. I have no control of the quilt/machine due to the thickness. Now picking stitches because I'm not happy(thank goodness it was only the first line of stitching!)

Any suggestions on how to deal with this? Should I just go and get different batt? I'm already using grip gloves....ugh :-(

Ayla

Thicker battings are always harder to machine quilt.

If you do change the batting, I would recommend heavily starching the backing fabric (and spray starching the top) before layering again; it helps a lot to prevent tucks and puckers. If you stay with this batting, spray starching both top and bottom may help.

You could try ironing the quilt sandwich to flatten the batting (unless it is all polyester, in which case it could melt!). Someone posted about doing this to reduce bulk under the arm of the machine.

What batting specifically is it that you are using? I assume you are FMQing?

If you are doing straight stitch, you'll need to increase the stitch size. Good luck.

I would change the batting. You will just not be happy with the end product if you have to fit and rip. Would love to see pics of the finished quilts. Thank you for sharing.

I too would change batting. I've been using Warm and White or Warm and Natural for years and tried to go back to a heavier thicker polyester and just could not FMQ it. Puckers everywhere, etc. I gave up and luckily it was very inexpensive baby quilt that will never be finished.....

Thanks to all who replied. I liked the warm and white batting. The quilt is meant for both of them in different ways. The beauty of it for Mom and the warmth for my Dad. That is why I went with the thicker batt. Dad is always cold and I thought he would enjoy it (but I'm not) Think I will change the batting and put it away for smaller projects.

Would I have the same problem with the Warm and White doubled instead?

I'd say try it on a small piece just to see how the machine handles it. I'd be interested to know because I am planning to double up on one soon.

I did that with the other stuff and thought it would be fine. It didn't work in the long run...I'm afraid to do it again! Not to mention all the time crawling around on the floor pining it again and then the possiblity of a third time if the double is too much. Oh.....what to do :roll:

I agree with the starch, starch & more starch. Also lengthening your stitches. Also, if you can adjust the pressure on your presser foot all the way up to 0. If that fails, just machine tack it or tie it.

I like puffy battings but my quilting machine absolutely refuses to work with them. It just doesn't have enough clearance and tries to bulldoze through. I have to cover the quilt with tissue paper and quilt through the paper.

I have doubled the batting on a couple of quilts for DGDs, and it quilts up pretty much the same way as a single layer, except I lengthened the stitch by two notches, otherwise turned out great. Good Luck!