Quiltingboard Forums - Longarm question

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I agree with feline fanatic. Check for lint, and check bobbin tension then if the eyelashes are on the bottom, tighten the top thread. I always sample a small area to the side of the quilt to check tension. I've found it varies depending on what thread I use on the top and in the bottom. I adjust accordingly each time I use the LA.

As I interpert this - flossing the thread in the tension is making sure it is between the two metal disks properly - much like floss is used between teeth!

I get eyelashing if I am moving too fast. I always stop, turn off the machine. Turn it on again, rethread, remind myself of how much I have used the needle, check my tension settings and go again. You might want to practice that motion on a small fabric sandwich until you get them right, then go back to your quilt

Quote:

Originally Posted by jude by the sea (Post 6834663)

OK here is my update: I changed bobbin cases, oiled machine, adjusted top tension, loosened quilt on frame and slowed down and the result was positive! My pebbles are not making the eyelashes on top, how ever the thread broke twice. I readjusted the tension just a smidge and all looks well. Thanks now I will go back and practice with anxiety that it will mess up again. Now to longarm it seems there are going to be those cases of repeated problems and new problems arising which puts me on guard just waiting for another hill to climb! When does it get easy? When will I be able to travel back and not fall off the track? Oh my maybe 64 years old is too old to start longarm quilting! We will see!

You are not too old! It is just a matter of practice and finding what threads your machine likes. Superior Threads has a thread chart on their website for free. Also, I believe there are probably some groups on Yahoo or another site for your LA machine - maybe even APQS, these are made up of other users and often have useful tips.

Also, see if you can find some LA classes near you. Did you buy from a dealer? See if there is a dealer near you that offers classes.

I have had my longarm for a couple years in Jan and I am 70 so no you are not too old to start. Hang in there

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prekteacher (Post 6834819)

Eyelashing in my case was caused because I did not floss my thread in the tension disks. Once I did this, it sorted it shelf out. BTW, my machine was a used longarm also. Good luck.

I find that when my tension goes wacko, this is usually the issue--and hitting a seam bump will sometimes pull it out.. I also have found that some of the finer,"slicker" threads, like Glide come off the thread spool faster and mess with tension--so those thread spools get a little stocking cap---you can buy net ones, but I use the toe of hosery with the tip cut off so thread can pull though. It does not have to be tight. Also the Towa gauge, used on every bobbin, sure has helped end the constant guess work on tension.