Does anyone have the secret to free motion quilting? Many times I have no trouble doing it, but sometimes the top thread shows on the back. I have adjusted the tension and tried all the tricks I know, but I can't seem to avoid this problem. Any suggestions?

I have only recently been trying my hand at free motion and I don't have a for sure answer for you but in talking with other quilters, my guess is that it could be the speed? If it isn't constant along with the movement I think thats when this type of thing happens.... but I would wait for others with more experience to answer!! LOL Sorry I can't be of more help but I am sure someone will come along that can help you better! Good luck!

Dear Frustrated,
There are lots of reasons why this is becoming a prob for you. The fabric type, thread, tension, whether your machine likes it, and so on. You need to use the right thread for the job. Talk with your local quilting shop. Tell her what you want to accomplish. Go to the experts in your area. Maybe a stablizer and hoop. So many ideas. Go on some sites that you search for on the web and read their ideas on free-motion. Once you get the right combo you will be okay. It is hard for us here to advise when we do not know what you have to sew on or what your fabric is like or your thread. It is a very open question but a good one. Someone may just have the right answer and you will be on your way. Do you use an open toe foot? Good luck and keep us posted as maybe we can learn from you. GB :D

I use a Bernina 440E with the BSR foot, which I bought especially to fre motion quilt. I generally have thin cotton batting and either cotton or multi purpose thread. My frustration comes from the fact that sometimes it is perfect and sometimes the problem occurs with the top thread showing through. It may well be the speed of movement. I have used different needles and different threads and tension adjustment to try to find the root of the problem. Thanks for your suggestions.

I found that whenI get too comfortable with the free motion I start moving faster than the machine is quilting thats when I've noticed the same problem. So I've leaned to slowed down alittle and haven't had that problem since. Hope your problem is as easy to slove

I know that thread, needle size and thread tension all have a lot to do with a free motion quilting success. I've just been reading Diane Gaydynski's new book "Machine Quilting Guidebook" and she specifically talks about these topics. From my experience (prior to getting the Viking Fabric Mover) that I had to have a rhythm to machine quilting: faster speed and slow motion and very slow when coming to a point where I need to think about which way to go. Best wishes. PS: Check out some of the thread websites, they're very helpful in deciding what to use for what. Search for YLI and you'll see the sites.

Hi I am new to quilting but when I freemotion quilt I use scraps from the quilt top, binding and backing and make a sandwich. I use it set up and make any adjustments for tention to the maching. This way I can see how it all works together. I hope this helps

I am right in the middle of trying this myself and am the same frustrated. Has anyone find a real solution? I also have the Bernine 440 with BSR which I thought was going to be the answer. It definitely is not and I'm very disappointed about all the money I spent. I am not sure if my profile includes my e-mail address, but if anyone is interested in telling me how they solved this problem; i.e., type of thred, weight, type of fabric, batting, etc. that contributed to it working, please e-mail me at [email protected]

Thanking anyone in advance for a reply.

Well, I've been trying to convince my hubby that I needed a Bernina so I could have a stitch regulator because I too thought it would solve that problem. Glad I haven't spent the money yet. I just use a Singer and when I'm going in a straight line it comes out real good, it's usually when I go sideways or circular that my tension gets off but I think it's because I move faster for some reason. I think something like cruise control on my car would help. Then I could concentrate more on moving the quilt at a steady speed. I've done a couple of twin size and it was difinetly best at the end, so I guess practice truly is the answer.
kathy

I agree with you Kathy...a cruise control would be the best! I did one wallhanging free motion and it turned out okay. Yesterday I started to quilt another one. and my top thread came out in big loops on the back...any idea what I did wrong? Since the last wall hanging I did not change tension just color in bobbin. Hope you have a good idea.
Thanks! Peg (I too have a singer...have for over 28 years and love mine.

Loops on the back of free motion quilting do have to do with coordinating your speed moving the quilt with the speed of the machine. Sometimes I get it right and sometimes not. My Bernina withBSR has virtually eliminated the loops except I still see just a touch of the top thread on the bottom (noticeable if different colors are used). Haven't really had the big loop problem with the BSR.

I'm convinced that it is my speed--when I receive inconsistent results in my free-motion quilting. Yesterday, I was practicing on my new frame so was working on a 2-yard size quilt sandwich. There was no purpose to this, except to practice on my new set-up and make sure I am comfortable with it before loading a real quilt top. I could easily see that when I stitched too fast, my tension wasn't perfect. If I stitched too slow, my tension wasn't good. When I stitched just right, my tenson was perfect. I was amazed. I have a quilter's cruise control and it hasn't entirely eliminated my problem because, when I get going, I can sew too fast for the cruise control to keep up. I suggest that you listen to your machine while you are quilting--mine seems to make a good 'humming' sound when its at a good speed--kind of like its in the zone with me.

With a new project, I ALWAYS do a test sample to make sure the needle, thread, and quilt sandwich are working well together. With those issues addressed BEFORE I start quilting, I know that its my technique that's the problem.

Each session, before quilting on my quilt top, I do a practice piece--a fat quarter sandwich practice piece before beginning maching quilting. This gets my mind and fingers all working together. I'm not getting the kinks out on my quilt top. I learned this habit when I was hand-quilting a queen size quilt. When I first started each session, I was always unhappy with the result; like I need to get warmed up first.

Wondering what to do with all of those quilted test samples? I use mine for making small, zipper bags like those in Mary Mulari's "Made for Travel" book. I give them to all my friends and they love them. SLOW DOWN and enjoy the smooth, meditative process of free-motion quilting.

I hope you find this helpful. Happy quilting!
Darla

This site may be helpful. I learned a few things from it that I will try. Good luck!!! http://mccallsquilting.com/lessons/804_machinequilting/

Susan

Thank you all so much for all your feedback on my problem of loops on free motion quilting. Thank each and every one of you for a response. I am going to try it again tomorrow...see if I can do better. Thanks again!

Every machine I've ever had came with a darning foot recommended for freemotion quilting and embroidery. Yeegads!!! Am I awful at both!!! If you said my freemotion quilting was horrible, you'd be praising it too much. So, this particular 2-cents may only be worth a plug nickel. But I discovered something by accident yesterday that has given me my first ray of hope.

I bought a new machine over the weekend. It came with one of the fancy-shmancy darning/quilting/embroidery feet. The kind with a spring and a circle that rests lightly on the surface of the quilt while you're working. Much nicer than any of the others I have.

Being as easily distracted by shiny objects as I am, I put everything else aside to play with it. The difference is amazing!!! I wouldn't say I'm putting a "professional machine quilter" sign on my mailbox ... but ... for the first time ever I didn't hate my little sample. As soon as I finish my most pressing "gotta finishit" project, I am going to practice, practice, practice. It finally feels like it'll be worth the effort.
:-)

Thank you so much for your reply. If I can't get the idea of free motion quiliting, I make try and see if an embrodery hoop would work, what do you think? Thanks again.

Has anyone tried one of the new frames for free motion quilting, like the one John Flynn sells? I will be stating on a king size qult this summer and my hands wouldn't hold up to hand quilting nor would my regular frame hold it. His ad says that it will work with a regular sewing machine. I was curious to see if anyone else has vr used one before I spend the money. I can't afford one of those new quilting machines that costs thousand so I was thinking about trying this.

I haven't used a frame, only seen them at quilt shows. I think it would work fine, and the beauty is that you can use your own machine. However, it wouldn't be foolproof-- you still have to learn to manipulate the quilt to get the effect you want. I tried an embroidery frame once at the suggestion of a friend, but it didn't suit me. The area that you can work at one time is very limited, so you're constantly having to re-position the hoop.
For your king sized quilt, I strongly suggest you look at one of the methods for doing it in sections. That really has helped me to do the large ones without just wearing out. and I find that the section is of a size that I can quilt the design I want rather than just what I can do with the huge bulk (if you understand what I'm trying tosay). Get a book, go to the library, before you do the quilt to see if it will work for you.

I don't know if you could see my intro but in essence, free-motion really is about your speed & rhythm. Once you get that goin', you're in! I find that free motion is easier on a big quilt than on a little sandwich pad. You don't have to struggle with the whole quilt at once. I decided to do it on a quilt I made for myself & it was great fun!!! I couldn't wait to do some more! When you work on a quilt, you have certain areas to do stitches in, so you have to plan a bit more but that's part of the learning experience too!

Thanks for the tips. I still have to get the fabric and the courage to start cutting. I don't usally do pieced quilts let alone paper pieced ones so it will take lots of courage and pep talks for me to do this one. Normally I do applique because it is more forgiving and I need all the help I can get!

I saw a guy on the quilting net demonstrate a frame for machine quilting. It looked like two long poles . quilt was rolled from one to the other. he was using a tiny quilt. If you sat at the side of your machine might work.; could devise your own. sorry not more clear :?

I will be going to the quilt show in Hampton Va in a few weeks. John Flynn is usually there demonstrating his frame so this time I will pay closer attentiion to what he is doing. Thanks for all the tips.

Big loops on the back happened to me when I was doing a quilt on my frame. Guess what? :lol: I forgot to put my presserfoot down. How dumb did I feel! It's easy to do when you're using a hopping foot. Just check each time you start up, and it won't happen again. Hope this helps.
Happy quilting in this -0 northern Michigan weather, or where-ever you are.

Well, Yeah!! I've never done that before. NOT. Is that what the presserfoot is for??? :roll:

Naw ... the presser foot is for ironing the really teeny tiny paperpieced patches.

and for getting your top thread tangled in or wrapped around when you aren't paying attention.

and for playing hide and seek when you need one of the special ones in a hurry for a specific task.

and for stepping on to help you find it.

8)

isn't it?

Been there! Loops, loops, loops everywhere! And they weren't at all neat either. It only takes a few times cleaning up that mess to start remembering the presser foot... well ususally! :lol: That and are the feed dogs up or down? Ha! :wink:

There are a lot of great ideas here. I always check my tension on a sample sandwich every time I change my bobbin. That way I don't start on my quilt and have to go back and pick out nasty stitches. I was having a lot of trouble with stitches being loose on the backside and was also very frustrated. One day I saw a sewing show and the hostess said "Remember to back off your tension (top) one number and sew fast while moving the quilt slow." That was the best advice I have ever got for free motion quilting. You have to concentrate on what you are doing and modify the speed of your machine and the speed that you move the material but it's worth the effort.
Hope this helps some.
Ruthie

PatriceJ, What kind of machine did you get? I'm not sure which foot you're describing. Thanks.

The machine is a Singer Ingenuity 7436. I got mine at WalMart, but did see 2 on ebay for a lot less. Couldn't tell, though, whether those came with the bonus pack of specialty feet (which is worth at least another $150). Oddly ... the free motion foot in the bonus pack is not the one Singer sells from its web site. It's better. In fact I have yet to find any like it anywhere. Similar, yes, but none as good. I've seen this type before, just can't find them again. I sent Singer an email hoping they can tell me where to get them. I'd like a spare and a few to give as gifts to fellow quilters.

If I hear anything, I'll post whatever I find out.

sometimes its listed as a darning foot

Dang, Minda, for a minute there I thought you were talking about that magic foot above that gets lost and acts up. Back to reality. I got a darning foot for Christmas and I love it. It goes to older machines, too. Got it from Discount Sewing Machine online for about $20.00.

I found a pair of gloves that have rubber dots on them this also helps you to move fabric more easily. Also practice every day.

I've tried all kinds of gloves and such but what I found works best is a couple of pieces of foam rubber, just big enough to fit in your palm.
kathy

[b]I have a Designer Se by Viking but I know there are other machines that have a fabric Mover that you can purchase separately. They are a huge success and you can move your fabric with your fingers. I was not able to do a large quilt with it but then I always use my short arm for anything over a crib quilt. This might or might not help but you have my sympathy. So far it has been worth the cost.

This might be a tip to try. Instead of lowering the feed dogs leave them up. If you are herky jerky this may help to steady your work and help with the thread problem. I also have bought the new Bernina 640E with the BSR and so far I'm not impressed with it. I have tried in in BSR1 and 2 and neither given me the results I want. I think the real key is to pratice and relax and enjoy. I have a problem with that, but am working on it. Good Luck!

The day after I sent this message I sat down and tried everything anyone suggested including a really nice e-mail from one of you. My biggest problem was the tension and I had to set it down to 1 vs. the normal 3. Don't know if this is where it should be or not because the Bernina book didn't even mention thread tension when using the BSR. Then, like a few of you, I discovered I was going too fast. The BSR does have a "cruise control" - it beeps when you go too fast. I have never had loops referred to by some of you. I think it is because of the Bernina BSR. Since I have never tried to free motion quilt before the BSR I have nothing to compare to. But, am thinking it was a good idea to get it after reading the problems some are having without it. Still not as good as I would like, but believe it is called practice, practice, practice.

Which Bernina do you have? Mine is a 1080--and I don't have it. How far up the ladder in cost is it to get this feature? I want to learn free motion and so far the results have been terrible. I know I need to practice, but with so little time to sew anyway, how do you squeeze in practice time and and still have tim left for making quilts? I haven't figured out whether I should give up eating or sleeping or going to work. Know which I'd like it to be, but can't afford that one yet, eventually, but not yet. :)

Less than a year ago I bought the Bernina 440QE (quilter's edition). You should go to Bernina website to find out which models you can get with the BSR as part of it or as an add-on. All of them are very expensive. If you can find a quilt shop that is also a Bernina representative, that would be the best because they also offer classes on how to use the machine and for $$ quilt classes. I took beginning quilting and machine quilting classes and am very glad I did. Good luck - BTW, I am retired but I also knit, crochet, hook rugs, and on and on, so have to make time to quilt because I find it very time consuming if done right.

Thanks for the advice. I'll certainly try to get to the dealer. We have one in town and I'll check it out.

well I'm using a singer ingenuity, pretty plain, I have a real problem keeping a steady speed, just about the time I get it all together and looking good it's time to stop and reposition the quilt. Last nite I unthreaded the needle and held the foot pedal in my hand and squeezed till it got to the exact speed I like and made a mark on it. My hubby super glued a small piece of wood so it will not go any faster than that so now all I have to do is "put the pedal to the metal" ( or wood rather lol) I have learned that faster is better than slower and my stitches are well regulated, they're a little smaller than I'd like but that's better than too big, I'm trying to get my movement down now to make them a tiny bit bigger but the quality is good. I still can't follow lines though, I think that is going to take a lot of practice.