Husqvarna MegaQuilter 1200 HELP!
 

I am purchasing a Husqvarna Mega Quilter 1200 on an Inspira frame(WooHoo) from a friend of mine, that is virtually new, as in only a couple of hours of use on it. Problem is she hasn't touched it since she bought it and now can't help as far as how any of the settings go. I have only played around with mid and longarms at quilt shows, that sums up my experience. The owners manual is geared for regular sewing and there isn't much on the web. I've read everything I can to learn but could use some help from someone that owns one of these machines.

I've got it sewing (after figuring out it won't budge without the pressure foot being down:Dwhich took about a half hour to figure out). At first I got the big loops on the back so I changed the top tension and that helped a bunch. But even though the back looks good it's still not quite right and now I'm getting some large stitches on the top (approx. 1/8 to 1/4" long) maybe every 8 or 10 stitches. I can take pictures but not until tomorrow when I go back over there if that would help. I played around with the top tension and stitch length and pressure foot tension but don't want to keep messing with it before I get some advice. Also I am using the same thread top and bottom.

I really like the feel of how it sews and can't wait to get the bugs worked out! And the frame(by the Grace Co.) is a dream to load! Thanks ahead of time for any help you can provide! Kelly

This Youtube video is very helpful in terms of getting your tensions right:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1mRh...664A7&index=13

What thread are you using? Do you have any idea what size needle is in the machine? You may want to join the homequiltingsystems group on groups.yahoo.com ; it is a large group and others are bound to have the setup you have.

The thread is 100% cotton but I'm not sure of the size or brand and I don't know what size needle either. I assumed since the machine hadn't been used since she got it that the needle and settings, etc. should be right since it was set up by the factory rep but......

I watched that youtube video and I will definitely sign up for that yahoo group. Thanks for the info Prism99!

the long stitches would be caused by you moving faster than the machine is going- it takes some practice to get consistent-even stitching. there are many u-tube videos & tutorials to watch for help- but practice is going to be the best (teacher) I wouldn't mess with the tension very much- use the same weight thread in the top & bobbin (while practicing-until you are more proficient) and practice, practice, practice.

That sounds about right, I was probably moving way to fast. Tomorrow I will slow down and see if I can match my speed to the speed of the machine better. I have the slide bar set at the slowest speed because the manual said that was optimal for FMQ. I neglected to clarify, the Mega Quilter isn't a longarm, it's considered a semi-industrial sewing machine that was made to go on a frame. That seems to be the best description I've found.

I will definitely pay attention to the thread and tomorrow starts my first full day of practice! I'm hoping to get the stitches worked out so I can actually just do some quilting. Thanks for your input ckcowl!

Another thing to check will be the height of the take-up rail. You should be able to slide your fingers between the rolled up quilt and the bed of the machine but touch both on the way through. I have the Pfaff version of this machine and had quite a learning curve. Consistent speed is a must as others have pointed out. Enjoy your new machine. If I can help send me a pm and I'll be glad to offer whatever knowledge I have picked up.

Darren

Laura, thanks so much for letting me know about that group! I've joined it and the one Prism99 suggested. I can't wait to get accepted and start reading!

Darren I will check the take-up rail today. Thank you so much for the offer of help, I really appreciate it! I've done alot of research but it sure is different when you start actually using the machine vs. just reading about it.

I have the same system and have been using it for about 4 years.....however, I do have the 'optional' cruise control.....it's pricey at $500, but it makes it all so much easier. Of course, keeping it oiled is critical. For the most part, it breezes right along. Then from time-to-time for not particular reason, there's a bit of thread breakage. Another point is to make sure that thread is inserted in the bobbin correctly...check the manual. Though you don't have the large quilting area of a long arm, I've amazed alot of people for the quality of my 'pantograph' quilting.....

I have the same machine and frame you do, so if I can answer any questions for you, please let me know.

dondixson - this one does have the cruise control I forgot to mention it. It's all so new to me! I will have to oil it because it probably needs it since it has been sitting for a few years unused.

Angel Bear - Thank you so much for the offer!