long arm quilting with skipped stitches
 

I am using a janome 1600P on a long arm frame and can't seem to get rid of skipped stitches. Sometimes it works ok and other times not. I have tried everything and think it might be the thread. What kind of thread is the best to use? I have cotton quilt fabric and warm and natural batting. All suggestions welcome!

if your quilt (back) is too tight on the frame it will cause skipped stitches, I think a thread you usually use in that machine should work well.

When did you last change your needle? Make sure your tension is correct also.

I don't know about long arms but with my Bernina, that is telling me to check the tension because it may just be off enough to do straight stitching properly but not FMQ. Also a good time to check that you have the right size needle in your machine. Sewing machines are sewing machines. Good Luck

Try relaxing the quilt top a little in the frame. I use Aurifil 50 wt. on my Janome 6500 that I use as a sit down to quilt on. I found setting my machine to mode two and not dropping the feed dogs works better then dropping the feed dogs. I use a top stitch needle 90/14 Schmetz. From what I understand the 1600p is the same as the 6500 only without the bells and whistles.

As the other posters stated, check your needle and quilt tension on the frame.

i have that machine and when i bought it the sewing store told me to use superior thread. if i go
to fast mine will skip a thread i change needle every couple of quilts. i usually don't have any trouble
with mine.

Make sure you have a fresh needle and that it has been inserted properly. Sometimes just a little twist in the needle will cause this. I have learned that from experience.

...slow down a bit..maybe going too fast ....machine not able to make the stitch.

Skipped stitches check list
1. tension of quilt
2. needle position(installed incorrectly)
3. old needle
4. needle to small

If all else fails it could be the machine
5. machine timing
6. needle bar alignment(mine somehow shifted on me once, and was touching the plate as it passed through to the bobbin area)

When I quilt batiks I use a product called Sewers Aid on the thread. It lubricates the thread allowing to pass through the layers easier, but doesn't stain. I know some quilters will say don't use this but I think if Sharon Schambers can dip all her thread in mineral oil, its safe. I do this with all my thread and it has helped considerably with alot of issues. Here's a link to Sharon doing this. http://westmichquilter.blogspot.com/...-schamber.html