FMQ on a Singer 403..Help
 

I need all the tips and help you have.. Tried it yesterday. Tried it with just plate up"...Tried a business card with the hole made for needle. Broke a couple of needles..had just a mess on my little sandwich...Is it worth it? This machine has the nicest straight stitch out there. So much different than my low-end (2007le) Janome, that I love for her modern convenience's , but not a great straight stitch..... I read on here that a Bernina Record is a nice FMQ machine...Any other suggestions...Would like a Janome 6300, but no $ for that yet...I have ordered some 403 Singer parts that might help me..
Thanks for your reply..berni

I've never tried to FMQ on a 403 so I won't be very much help. I had always assumed that the slanted needle could be a problem with moving the material in a free motion fashion. I did talk to a lady who had put a 301 (it also has a slanted needle) on her machine quilting frame and she said that the slanted needle didn't cause her any problems at all.

The 400 and 500 series are notorious for not being the best machines for FMQing. They have a horizontal bobbin (less desirable for FMQ) and the raised plate isn't great for smooth movement. I love my 401, but not for free motion quilting. I use other machines for that.

Thanks Kapatt and Candace (Less desirable for FMQ) tells me to quit trying..Not experienced enough anyway....I shall enjoy my new gauge when it comes and just use the lovely straight stitch on it for cross hatch....Thanks..berni