Frustrated with my FMQ
 

I finally finished the stacks quilt from MSQ but I'm having the hardest time doing the FMQ on it. I've changed bobbins, rewound new ones, rethreaded the machine multiple times, adjusted the tension and still I'm getting looks on the top of the quilt.

I'm wondering if the problem can be with the needle? I bought a few the other day to try but haven't gotten back to working on the project. Could it be the needle that's causing loops on the top of the quilt?

Of course I meant LOOPS and not looks but those will start if I don't figure this out.

I am sorry for your dilemma. I never have had any loops on top when doing FMQ. Have you rethreaded your top thread?? Sometimes I have had trouble with the spring catching the thread before you go up to the moving lever. Is straight normal stitch balance??? Is your machine due for servicing?? I hope you are able to resolve your problem.

It could be the needle. There are bad batches. Could also be the needle type, size or brand. At the very least I would try to buy a different brand to try.

If loops are on top the bobbin tension needs to be tightened. And, yes the needle can cause problems-- if I find my stitch quality has become bad quite often it is time for a new needle.

Sounds like you've tried everything else. Change the needle and see what happens. If that doesn't work, I find giving it a rest for a day or two clears my mind so I can solve the problem from a fresh perspective. Sometimes I think my machine appreciates the rest, too. It's been known to behave much better after a break. LOL

It could also be the thread. What thread are you using top and bottom?

Also, I agree with double-checking the bobbin area. Loops on top mean that the bobbin is not pulling on the top thread enough. If this is not a top-loading bobbin (I don't know how to adjust those), take out the bobbin case and make sure there is no lint under the spring on the bobbin. You can run a pin underneath that spring to clear out any lint. Also make sure there is no lint around the feed dogs or anywhere in the bobbin area.

Did you clean the machine? I used to have bad performance when I had lint build-up in the bobbin area and under the needle plate.

I agree with Prism. I'd also try changing the thread -- top & bobbin. And if you're using 2 different threads, try a test piece using the same thread (or at a minimum, the same weight & fiber content of thread).

Another thing I'd try, although I doubt it would cause loops, is making sure to give everything a good cleaning. Dust out your bobbin case & "floss" your machine by running the thread through to just before the needle & then pulling it out from by the needle. Sometimes the tiniest fuzzies can completely ruin a project.

Yes I would definitely change the needle, I would also clean and oil the machine.

Loops can drive one crazy. On my older machine, it meant that I needed to take it in for servicing.

Try a different thread in the bottom keeping top the same after cleaning and changing needle. If this doesn't work try different thread in top the one you want to use in base. If still not working try different thread top and bottom.
a few weeks ago I sorted a friend's singer. I did each step separately as so many things were wrong, plus a needle had been inserted (forced) into the wrong place. Finally after an hour got it going beautifully.

90/14 topstitch needle. Make sure your thread is in the take up lever. NEVER MESS WITH TENSION IF FMQ...until you sew feed dogs up, normal straight line of stitching...if your tension is ok, then it is probably ok with FMQ.50 WEIGHT THREAD...40 is ok too. Let us know if it was the needle.

Make sure your bobbin case is seated firmly in the machine. I had that problem on a Powerquilter 16.

This happened to me before, take everything off thread, bobbin and your machine plate off and clean your bobbin area out with your brush. Replace new needle, and re-thread, and see how things work. Make a sample sandwich quilt if you changed your stitch length start back at default stitch and try again then if the stitches are not what you want then adjust once you have the look you want write down the adjusted stitch and width. Hope this helps

This video from Man Sewing might help you with your thread problems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thQ7bSTqMFU

I have plastic bobbins for one of my machines. When my stitching creates loops, either top or bottom, I have been able to correct it by using a new plastic bobbin. I have been told by the Brother repairman that the plastic bobbins warp. Also, make sure you are using the correct product number for your bobbin, the one your manual specifies. It does make a difference for success. Please be sure to publish your "fix".