I have a Viking Mega Quilter that I bought from a friend a couple months ago. She never used it so is no help. I am quilting a full size quilt, when I do a FM pattern, like meandering, I have no problem but when I do SITD which I have to use the FM method because it is just too hard to use the walking foot and turn the quilt in the middle, etc, the thread breaks all the time. I am using tried and true thread that I have used with my Bernina 440 but I have the stitch regulator with that. This is my first machine that is truly me doing the FMQ. I have tried everything, changing needles I know there is nothing wrong with, changing the needle size, adjusting the tension, cleaning, oiling, checking and rechecking the bobbing tension, looping through 2 and 3 of the upper bar. Adjusted the speed, mine and the machines. It lookes like a turkey quilted this quilt. It is for my neice's HS grad and I am not happy with the results. I am seriously thinking of taking it in for repairs when I am done with this. HELP!!!!

I am of no help, But I am so sorry you are having trouble. Have you checked the machines web site? Just a suggestion. :thumbdown:

I dont have a mega quilter but I do know that some threads work fine on some machine brands but not on others. I have viking machines and they do better with guttermann and sulky threads I can also use thread from Joanns but I tried some really expensive thread once and almost threw my machine out the window

I have alot of trouble doing SITD on my long arm. You might need a ruler to help guide your foot. Also, just because a thread works on your Bernina, does not mean that your Mega quilter will like it as well. I would suggest, trying a new thread, trying a long arm ruler (diff than your cutting one, the quilting ones are thicker to accomodate the hopping foot), or just not doing SITD till you have had a chance to practice it elsewhere. Its a learning process! Take a deep breath...you WILL figure this out... Probably nothing you wanted to hear! Sorry!

If you are FMing stitching in the seams then it's the thickness that is causing the breakage. At least that is what happens to me. I just finished FMing a quilt and every time I went down a seam line the thread would break. I have never SITD more then a few inches without a walking foot and using the feed dogs. I have to stop and turn a lot but that's just what I have to do.

I think you're correct about the thickness of the seams. I should have just used the walking foot. I am almost considering ripping out what I have done, it really looks that bad. Thanks for your help.

i know you said you are using "tried and tested" thread...but i would try changing to a different thread any way and see what happens-
i own 3 different machines- one of which is very picky! (being the long arm) i can buy thread and use it with my viking and do just fine- then try the same thread for quilting- go through tons of frustration (telling myself-it can't be the thread i used the thread and it was fine) then, as soon as i break down and change the thread-all the problems go away.

It could be the backing or the batting. Lots of different things. What kind of needle you are using. what kind of thread. Try a top stich needle and see how that works. What color thread are you using.? My machine never like black or red thread.

I also have the mega quilter and when I bought mine the store used Aurofil even for store demonstrations and she said that is what the viking dealer recommends in this machine. Now, no matter what machine I use 90% of the time I use Aurofil

I also have the mega quilter and I don't do SITD because of the thicknes and because I can't sew a straight line. Yesterday, I had breakage and I figured that the needle had gunk in it from the spray basting. I had to slow down and clean the needle with alcohol and I finally finished the quilt. It nearly drove me nuts! You have a walking foot?