Has anyone used a stitch length regulator for FMQ
 

I have a Janome 6600p and a Grace quilting frame and I wanted know if purchasing a stitch regulator would give me better control and less tension problems when quilting.

a stitch regulator doesn't have much to do with your tension problems- you still need to have correct tension- but they do help keep the stitches consistantly sized- so you are less apt to have a stitch 1/4" long followed by ones so tiny you can't see them- a stitch regulator allows you to speed up-slow down with out the length of your stitches changine- tension is a whole different issue.

I think you will find the "control" better ... you no longer need to worry about the speed you are moving the machine, so you can focus on the path. Fix then tension problems first, though. probably a Towa gauge to adjust the bobbin. http://columbiariverquilting.com/tow...ion_guage.html

We have found that the thread has a lot to do with tension being off. Find one your machine likes and stick with it - top and bobbin.

I too was wondering about a stitch regulator like the Quilter's Cruise Control or the Sure Stitch Stitch Regulator. When I looked at a video by Leah Day (free motion quilting whiz) she didn't recommend using one, she recommended practice, practice, practice!
But it sounds appealing that the gizmo would help with stitch length, so any comments from those who know, have tried or found out it wasn't helpful would be appreciated by me and maybe some others.
As for tension, I just read somewhere that too much pressure on the sandwich can create problems - I never thought of that as a possible cause.

Stitch regulators are training wheels.

i got a stitch regulator with my 1600p janome when
i bought that and the gracie frame. i have never been
with out it. but i think it would help. i also use 50 weight
superior thread that was recommended for the fmq .

As others said, SR won't help with tension problems.

Tension problems:

1) Make sure your needle is correct and is installed correctly
2) Make sure you don't have the backing on so tight that you can bounce an elephant on it.
3) Be sure to clean ALL lint out of the bobbin case area and make sure there is NO little itsy bitsy tiny bit of lint under the spring on the bobbin --- amazing how that itsy bitsy bit can screw up tension
4) If all else fails, buy a new bobbin case. I had my longarm in for 2 repair calls and STILL it wouldn't work right. Finally bought a new bobbin case and now it works beautifully!!!

So, from the perspective of stitch length only (not tension, which I think has been answered as a separate issue) - can we have some feedback on the value of a stitch regulator, from anyone who has something to offer?
It is so great to have feedback from everyone, I feel lucky to be part of this group!

Quilting police alert :)