BL Espire struggling when piecing
 

Ugggh. I was in the market for a newer machine and purchased a Babylock Espire from a LQS. I really like it for the most part; however, when piecing and sewing over seams, it gets stuck. I mean stuck, as in wont move forward. I've adjusted the pressed foot pressure, used the fabric sensor on and off....still gets stuck. I'm so disappointed.

i then see here that others have had this problem. Any solutions? I'm using a 90/14 needle, do I need a differs size?

I'm so bummed, I had been saving for quite some time. Now I wish is gone with the Janome or Pfaff.

Mry Ann

Sorry, I can't help you but I know others will be able too. Hope you find a solution quickly!

Since it is a new machine return it. They may need to make an adjustment. When I purchased a machine that broke 1 month after I had it. The company took it back and sent me a new machine. Don't ever think it is you. My machine had a known problem and was a silent recall. Sort of a if it ain't broken we don't fix it. I have had the replacement machine for several years and never had another issue. The machine should be able to go over the seams. First thing I would do. Put in a fresh needle. Second I would readjust the pressure foot. I would also see if I had setting that can be changed to a medium pressure as that is where mine sits. I have 3 setting lite medium and heavy. Also read the manual that comes with the machine. I hope this helps. Luann

I would also take it back, with a sample of the seams that it won't sew over. Keep insisting that they look at it. My Janome and I had some issues at the start but we have really bonded now and I love it. Don't give up just yet :)

That seems like a large needle for piecing. What kind of thread are you using?

I'm sorry, when I said newer, I meant newer than my benina Aurora. But it is used,the predecessor to the Babylock Symphony now on the market. I'm using Gutterman cotton thread. I won't give up yet, but am discouraged.

Thank you for the suggestions so far.

I had an espire for 3 years and never had that problem, mine sewed like butter over seams. Your dealer needs to repair it. That machine can sew through layers of denim with no problem so thin quilters cotton should be easy

Thank you, I will take it back to them and I will take some of the material as well that it gets stuck on. My 401 and Bernina sew thru quilting cotton like butter, so I am a bit flummoxed.

What size and type of needles are people using for the best results?

I normally use Organ size 12. I'm not sure that a size 14 would make that big of a difference, however.

Do you have another foot pedal you could try using? Or maybe a friend with a BabyLock pedal you could borrow? I had almost the same issue last week with my Brother. It would stop sewing completely and I'd have to turn it off, then turn it back on again. Someone told me it might be the pedal. Fortunately, I have 2 Brothers and the pedals are interchangeable, so I tried that and the machine worked perfectly!! I think my old foot pedal simply got gummed up with hair and lint.