free motion quilting with the viking #1+
 

I am new to the board. Thanks for accepting me. I am trying to learn free motion quilting and live in a rural area where there are no classes. I am spending a fortune on free motion feet with no good results. I bought the viking darning foot for my viking #1+ but am having no success using it. Today the spring thingy that fits over the needle screw popped off and I can't get it back on. Wasn't having any success with it there either. When I finally got a stitch I couldn't stop the quilt from bunching up. I have watched tutorials, followed instructions to not avail. Anyone out there with this machine who can help or should I just give it up? I have been sewing for many years--learned to sew using books--but this has me stumped. I am 80 so investing in a new machine seems to be overkill. Thanks Anne

I am at a sewing/quilting expo in Florida. I will try and remember to go by the Viking Booth and describe your problem and see if they have any suggestions. Is there a number on the foot you are using? That might be helpful. If the foot is faulty the company should replace it.

Did you drop the feed dogs or cover them? Did you decrease stitch length to zero? Can you try a couple different brands of threads? Are you sure you are using machine quilting thread or all purpose thread, not the hand quilting type? I really like the craftsy classes for learning. I would work on a very small quilt sandwich to practice and get used to it. I also have to dramatically change the tension on my machine when I go to do FMQing. I don't have to change the tension when I use the walking foot

I did some on my #1+ with the feed dogs down, stitch length at 0 and just stitched that way and it came out ok. I did go and by the foot (jumping) have not used it yet. I would try this and see if you can make it work.

The # is 411-73-90-45

I appreciate the help Holice

I've done it all LOL. The instructions in the book, tutorials, you name it. When I changed to a polyester thread I got a decent stitch but the quilt just keeps bunching up. I guess I am going to drive 60 miles and take it to the shop for help. I've been sewing most of my life. You'd think I could do this. I taught myself to sew using books but the books are not helping so I'm thinking something must be off with my machine. Thanks everyone for the help.

Have you read your machine manual? some of the Vikings there is a setting on the machine in the menu for free motion. On my Sapphire I also had to manually adjust my tension.

Dont' get discouraged! Free motion is VERY different from sewing! Its a spatial thing and kind of like playing a musical instrument. You have to match the tempo of the machine with the speed of your hands. maybe speed up your hands a bit. Machine quilting has a higher learning curve..but oh so worth it!~ Did you check out Leah Day?

www.daystyledesigns.com LOTS of great info here for quilting on a DSM. Hang in there!

I took a Free Motion quilting class about a month ago at my Viking dealer, using my Sapphire. I have the springy foot and bought a "Sew Slip" mat to help the quilt glide. After the class I wondered why I had not wanted to do my own quilting (on smaller items). Maybe this would help. Also having a large flat area so the weight of the quilt doesn't get hung up. Good luck.

Linda in Missouri

Dear Annel, first, welcome to the board. The information here is endless and there is always someone who can answer your questions. I don't have a Viking, so I,m no help there, but PLEASE, do not give up. Hang in there and I,m sure you will find the answer to your problem, SOON. Again, Welcome.