Need Help with FMQ
 

I have a Bernina 820 and was practicing my FMQ. My forward stitches are O.K. but when I move backwards, I get one long stitch. Can anyone out there help me and tell me what I might be doing wrong? Thanks very much.

I can't help you but if you have a Bernina then your local Bernina dealership should be able to help. Give them a call.

most machines stitch in a forward direction- unless the reverse feature is engaged- you need to turn the fabric to do in a different direction- not try to make it (go backwards)

Even for FMQ? I haven't had that experience with any of my machines. Just curious.

I have a Bernina 820 and haven't had a problem moving backwards when FMQ. It may be that your speed and hand movement aren't "synchronized", but that doesn't seem to be the problem since the stitches are okay when you're moving forward. Hopefully your Bernina dealer can help, but I discovered (too late) that my dealer knows little to nothing about solving the various problems encountered when piecing or quilting, so I've had to solve most of my problems with trial and error. Are you using the BSR? I used it a couple of times and wasn't at all happy with it, so it's been in its box for two years! There's a Bernina 800 series Yahoo group that you can join that may be able to help. Just google Bernina 800 series and it should get you there.

Thanks, everyone. There is an excellent teacher for the Bernina 820 at the quilt shop where I took lessons. I only had time for one lesson before we went to FL for the winter; and, since we've been back, our schedules have been crazy and I haven't had a chance to go back in yet. I should have some time after we get back from a California wedding next Monday or Tuesday.

I was having trouble with having big long stitches on some FMQ I was doing recently. I tried changing the needle & problem was solved!

I did change the needle to a longer one but there was no change. I will let you all know when I have a chance to go back to the quilt store.

Did you check to make sure you lowered the feed dogs? Or if that's not an option, set the stitch length to zero?

FMQ, by definition is moving the fabric any direction, forward, back, left or right, without turning it.

I believe when you're in BSR mode, the feed dogs are automatically lowered.