Janome Horizon users...need some advice please.
 

I've had this machine since January 5th but so far I've only used it to piece...it's a 42" X 42" wallhanging...it's a rail quilt pattern from one of Alex Anderson's books. It has a 1" border around the rails and then a 5" wide border around that. It went together great so I used basting spray and got my "package" ready to do machine quilting. I drew a criss cross grid pattern...which took FOREVER...but that is what she suggested for it. I'm using the AcuFeed for the first time. I started in the center and noticed that every time I go over where the pieced seams are it makes a loud thumping noise. I cut back on my speed as I approached each seam because after about 3 rows of stitching my needle thread would break when it hit one of the seams. I checked the manual and it gave me all of the reasons needle thread breaks and the only one that "fit" was sewing too fast when quilting. I have the speed control now set at the first triangle where there are 2 triangles. Should I be going slower than that. I'm using cotton covered poly thread and a brand new quilting machine needle size 90/14. That's what the dealer recommended and said most machine quilters use that size or 80/12. Since I'm new at all of this I'm just using what he suggested. Fabric is all cotton from fabric.com.

Any ideas will be really appreciated. Actually this is my second quilting project...the Christmas table topper was my first but I did everything on my Elna which is now at home with my 17 year old grandaughter who is very anxious to begin her clothing sewing projects. Thanks.

It could be that you need to use a low tension bobbin case, which is especially made for free motion quilting. How do I know, I own the Elna Excellence and need to use the low tension bobbin case. My Elna and your Horizon are very similar in the making.

To me it's an inconvenience and would have not bought the Elna, would I have known this before. (Which the dealer didn't mention before).


I hope you find the solution for your problem and will be able to enjoy your sewing machine soon.

I'm sitting here thinking about your problem! I have the Horizon and am using the Acufeed on a quilt now. It works beautifully without any noises. Do you have the acufeed foot on correctly? You have pulled down the part from the back of the machine that fits under your acufeed foot? I have had thread break where it splits and bunches up in the needle hole on occasion-not sure why. I think it is more to do with the thread than the machine. I would try using the acufeed on a scrap piece of fabric that you sandwiched with batting and see if the same thing happens. I use similar needles and thread as you. You have the machine that will do the job!!

What specific type of needle are you using? Universal, topstitch or something else? If you're not using a topstitch needle switch to one. They have a bigger hole for the thread so the thread doesn't shred as bad going thru those thick areas.

Thanks for your replies.

loving mama: I've never heard of a low tension bobbin case...lol. I won't be sewing for a few days since hubby is going to paint my sewing room...it needs it BAD. When it's done...probably over the weekend since he's taking off to start tomorrow...I can begin to set up this room the way I want it. On Monday I will call the Janome dealer and ask about this and tell them what is happening.

jillnjo: Yes...the foot is on correctly and I pulled down the part that goes into the foot. I will try a small sandwich since I have a lot of the fabric I used for this project. It sews perfect over the wide border and in between all of the pieced seams.

Scissor Queen: I am using Klasse (German Steel Machine needles)that says Quilting on the front of the package. On the back it says...The tapered point penetrates the fine fabrics used in quilting. The strengthened shaft helps to reduce needle deflection as it penetrates multiple layers of fabric. Then it says...best for machine quilting, patchwork and projects with thick layers and CROSSING SEAMS. Use with cotton, poly, rayon or blended quilting thread. As I said...the dealer told me to buy these particular needles over universal needles...and said they sell a lot of them for quilting. I'll check for Topstitch needles too then I guess. He wanted me to buy the thread that they sell and when I went for my free instruction class...dumb me forgot to buy it. They sell Madeira and Mettler. HE said that the Madeira is most popular with quilters while the woman who did my free class said she prefers Mettler. LOL

I have a horizon and do not have a problem with my tension using the walking foot. I do not use a special needle or special thread, or a different bobbin case. It does sound a little louder at times going over a thicker part but always sews OK.

I too have the horizon, and I've not experience what you are. It does get a little louder when it is "pounding" through really thick seams, but with the Accufeed it goes over everything so nicely. I've had thread problems at times while FMQ, and have found the height at which you have the foot makes a huge difference, but you are not FMQing...hmmm.

First I would try changing the needle, making sure I have a new sharp one. I don't think the bobbin case makes a big difference - maybe at times for FMQing, but I've used both cases successfully for quilting and piecing. Might try easing up just a bit on your presser foot pressure. I'll think about it and if I come up with any other suggestions I'll post. You may end up lugging it into the shop where you bought it to see what they think.

Same here. I noticed that when you use any zig zag type stitch it makes some noise too but all my machines do.

I have that machine and sometimes have had the thump when going over thick seams. As suggested, I would try a different needle. Although they're called quilting needles, my understanding is that the eye isn't all that big and that might be causing the thread breakage. I've seen many suggestions elsewhere to use a topstitch needle so maybe try that. I don't know how sharp a tip the quilting needles have....are they as sharp as a 'sharp' needle? Just some thoughts.

Incidentally, the blue dot bobbin case is mainly for FMQ, which it sounds like you aren't doing. I have it and mostly forget to use it when FMQ and I don't have any problems with using the red dot one that came with the machine. The only difference is the blue one has a looser tension, which you can achieve by adjusting the screw on the red one as well...if you are so inclined.