Help needed: can I switch machines to finish quilt?
 

I am having problems with my main machine. I only own vintage ones and the 301 has thread stuck in the bobbin case and I can't get it out. My repair man is away and I really want to finish a scrappy quilt top. Would it mess things up if I switch to my 99K? I read somewhere you should always use the same machine for a quilt and I always have. I have only been quilting for about 9 months and have never encountered this problem. Any advice would be helpful. I love these board, everyone is so knowledgeable and I have learned so much.

I just finished a top that I started on my feather weight and finished it on my new Pfaff embroidery machine. Didn't seem to make a difference. Just be sure your seam width is the same and I think you will be ok. Good luck.

Lorraine is right. I recently started a new quilt on my Singer Genie which I use for classes and retreats and I'm finishing it on my big machine. Bonnie Hunter did a blog post on how she switches between MULTIPLE machines in a single project. In this blog post she explains how she's able to do it: http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/...-mi-amore.html

You can switch , but double check your 1/4 inch . I know when I switch machines , i can be off just a bit , if I don't re-guage my 1/4 inch.

I switch between my Bernina and Janome machines all the time, depending on whether or not I have the Janome set on my quilting frame. As long as you keep a consistent seam width, there's no problem.

yep, seam width is the only thing I see as a consideration. Honestly, when did we become so specialized? ;-)

I've switched machines in the middle of a quilting project, and I can tell where I switched (subtle difference in the stitch formation). But this was for quilting- for piecing, it shouldn't make any difference at all, as long as a quarter-inch is a quarter-inch!

I've been known to switch thread too when FMQing (I do it all the time when piecing...as long as the weight is close to the same it is fine) When I've done that, even "lay eyes" can tell the difference, as a thicker thread stands out more, but I don't really care.

If you're quilting, it doesn't matter. If you're piecing, it really is good advice to not switch machines. Especially if the project is pieced in a complicated manner. But, if you have to, you have to. Just triple check that your 1/4" is exactly the same as your other machine. All my machines have different 1/4" feet and may be a hair or so different from the needle to the edge of the foot. Which adds up over time if I were to bounce between machines.

The only reason 'they' say don't switch machines is because like everyone has said the 1/4 inch foot, or needle position is usually different on most machines take a scrap and stitch a seam and compare to what you've already done and make adjustment. Have fun and get er done!