FMQ help needed please
 

I decided to bite the bullet and learn to do FMQ on my 6600. I bought the three piece fmq feet. and the blue bobbin, but when I sew, after about 10 or so stitches, the top thread breaks. I am so frustrated, i don't know what I am doing wrong. Any advice ?

What size thread are you using, maybe you need a bigger needle. Also you might need to loosen your top tension and slow down a bit when pushing the fabric

I have a 6600 with the FMQ foot and blue dot casing. I too have been doing quite a bit of FMQ lately.

First thing I'd do is take the bobbin out and spool off and totally re-thread the machine. Try your FMQ again but just try moving in a forward straight line. If all is ok, then try left then right then backwards. Try some circles. In other words, gradually move towards full FMQ. Be sure that you put the presser foot down before you start sewing.

If still problems, then I'd switch the foot over to the Accu-Feed (leave in the blue dot) and do some practice quilting stitching. with it Is it stitching OK? If so, then go back to your FMQ foot and go thru the steps above. If prlblems with Accu-Feed, then you know it's not just the FMQ issues.

Top tension may need to be loosened off.

What kind of thread and needle are you using?

And if I get too stymied, I call my dealer and get superb help!

I had problems with thread breaking on one particular quilt I was quilting. Changed needle to larger size, tried keeping thread spool in a mug instead of on the thread holder. Contacted the thread company. Nothing worked. Almost gave up. Finally asked again for advice at LQS and found out it was the flannel backing I was using. Changed to cotton and thread stopped breaking! Guess my machine doesn't like flannel.

It takes a while to get everything *just right*. Thread type, needle type, tension, and most important - machine speed to hand speed ratio.

I bought my 6600 specifically for FMQ - with the idea that I'd leave my Husky set up for piecing and leave the 6600 set up for quilting. I started practice sandwiches and I HATED THAT MACHINE!! Oh the horrors! I just kept at it more and more - tried different thread, needles, tension .. and finally everything clicked. I suspect the problem was me all along - my machine/hand speed were not coordinated to each other. That's the hardest thing to get down pat.

BTW - I don't use the "blue" bobbin. Have you tried using your regular bobbin?

Blue bobbin helps with the eyelashes you should not get any if it work right

Check the threading of everything. You might try putting your thread on the table; sometimes that helps alot. Make sure you aren't pulling on the fabric to much so that it breaks the thread. Try using a regular bobbin and see if you still have a problem; try to eliminate things one at a time to see which one it is.

I'm having the same problem with my 7700. Bought it specifically to FMQ and am not having good results, despite practicing, practicing, practicing. I'm going to keep playing with it until I find out that I am not cut out for this. Which I really hope does NOT happen. Thanks for your post!!

I've had the 6600 and currently have the 7700. One suggestion I learned from the 6600 Yahoo group (really helpful, by the way) is sometimes threading the take up level from left to right instead of right to left makes a difference. Also, it can help to skip the last threading point just before the needle.

With the convertible quilting foot, because it's not a hopping foot it's important to get it in the proper position. The little screw adjustment on the foot will raise and lower the foot in tiny increments. It should be resting on the fabric, but not too tightly. You might even refer to it as skimming the fabric.

Hope this helps!

Try a larger needle, a thinner thread, no flannel backing, I started on doll quilts and worker up to larger quilts. I also start at the border and work around the square from right to left not in the middle I cannot FAQ starting in the middle. I use spray basting also. Good luck and practice, practice, practice!