Nolting funquilter
 

I Need Help!!! I purchased my nolting funquilter from a quilt show in July. I am ready to send it back! I have used about 30 yards of fabric for practice trying to adjust the stitches, the tension and just learn the feel of the machine. I have called and emailed the company, calling I get a better response. They say I need to adjust the tension with every quilt, different fabric and batting makes a big difference. Really? But the machine is still not what I expected to have in a long arm. The tension is not right. I can go straight and the tension is fine, but when I make a curve or a circle - anything but straight - the bobbin thread comes up and loops, and the top thread goes really tight. Obviously a tension issue, except why does it do fine if I go straight, why on curves? The nearest Nolting quilt instructor who has agreed to help me is five hours from where I live. It might be a great machine - but without support I can't see it as being my dream. Is this my problem because I don't make the machine go slow enough or fast enough? I am winding my bobbins on my Bernina - is that a problem? Am I not using the stitch regulator right? Biggest question of all - should I go back to hand quilting? Is this the learning curve? What can I do? Any advise is appreciated.

30 yards of fabric? IMO they certainly should have been able to figure out your problem by now.
Do you have Skype? Perhaps you can do a Skype call so you can actually show them what is happening in real time.
I'd certainly be unhappy if it wasn't working after all this time.
As for the tension, Jamie Wallen has a video on how to check the tension of your bobbin that people refer to all the time. Maybe have a look at that first off?
And no, it isn't time to go back to hand quilting, it's time for Nolting to get their act together and offer you some support to help you fix this.

Watson

I don't have that machine but it took me only one practice piece for my used HQ16. I can do a curve with no problem and I do not have a SR. Is there a Yahoo group for your machine? You may find someone quite local who could come over and help. I have a friend with one in Florida and she really likes it. She does lots of customer quilts. The Skype idea is a good one.

I stick with the same combo for my prewound bobbins and top thread. I use Superior prewounds and Connecting Threads Essential Pro. I never have to adjust the top thread but do tweak the bobbin every time I change to a new one. I quilt just for myself and a few friends so I do not need a huge amount of different thread.

I just sent you an email

Here's the link to the Jamie Wallen you tube on setting the tension. This is how I set mine, I don't have a Nolting, but it's a good place to start. You do have to check, and possibly adjust the tension with every quilt you load. Thread, batting, backing, amount of piecing can all have an impact.
If you are having tension issues on curves, you may need to slow down.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the tension on your frame. You can have thread tension issues if the sandwich is loaded too tightly. You should be able to poke your finger up from underneath the quilt and grab it with your other hand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1mRhcquZTM

I was wondering about that. I don't have a long arm, but I know when I FMQ on my DSM problems on the curves are usually a result of me moving too fast on them. If I slow down on the curves, I'm usually okay.

Not getting help with the tension after all this time does not sound good.

I learned on a Nolting hobby quilter..(store that I worked at).I just loved it, there was an issue with certain threads breaking but did not have problems with tension. We did not have stitch regulator but we were able to do a good job of keeping a good stitch. We had about three persons running the machine and did not have any problems. When did run into a problem we called Nolting and talked to their tech person and he was able to talk us through the repair.

I do know that most of the machines like a tightly woven bobbin..do know if that makes a difference of which machine you wind the bobbin with.

I now have a HQ16 and am very happy with it.

I don't have this machine...but know that when I had similar tension issues...I rewound a new bobbin (I usually use my sidekick winder.) used the long arm itself to wind...and solved the problem. Good luck...frustrating as all get out, I know from experience!

Thanks for the link Paper Princess!
Hang in there first sargeant's lady. The more you use that long arm, the more fun it will be!! (Although I still have bald patches from tearing my hair out at the start!!)

All good advice here. Have you researched long arm quilting on the internet or through your manufacturer. It always helps me to read all I can on methods. Do you have any opportunities to go to a quilt show with multiple
manufacters? Most tension issues are similar on all machines. Don't assume all problems are due to tension. As stated, go slow around curves. To get more mileage out of your practice pieces, use the same piece over again using a different color thread. And, try only one thing at a time to see if that is the issue before changing something else or it can get really confusing.
Maybe you can find a local longarm quilter who would walk you through all the steps and help resolve your issues.

I have a Nolting 24" Pro for 14 yrs and love it. email me and I will give you my cell nmbr and I can try to help you.

I don't have a Nolting but I do have a Gammill. It is a good idea to check the tension with every bobbin change. If they wind just a bit different each time it will change the tension; maybe a time consumer but better than having to unquilt. Ask me how I know this!

I have a Nolting and have had several models. Tension is a big thing. My dealer, Joyce, has written on it, http://delightful-qs.com/blog1/2017/...g-the-tension/. She is very helpful. I have tension issues at times. Here are some first things to do:
Buy a Towa gauge for your bobbin. It is worth it. Then you are just fiddling with the top thread.
Scrupulously check to see if your frame is 100% level.
Slow down on curves.
Contact Joyce.
Check how the bobbin winder is winding the thread-evenly, tight tension.
Make sure your thread is good. I use Glide on the top, Omni or PremoSoft in the bobbin.
Make sure your quilt is loose in frame and not drum tight. This helped me immensely. I float my top. If your quilt is too tight in the frame, the fabric has no give, especially on curves.

If you have questions, private message me.

Linda

I bought a used machine from Nolting and they were really good when I needed help. Even with a long arm there is a learning curve are you moving the machine yourself?? If so you are the stitch regulator you have to learn to move with the machine and the speed of the machine. Yes you will need to adjust the tension that is why they put the tension thing on the machine different thread different batting different fabric all makes a difference. Just like on a domestic machine you don't sew silk the same way you sew cotton. You need to practice and get to know your machine.

When I got my longarm machine, I was told to ALWAYS wind the bobbin on my machine, not on another machine because the tension used to wind the bobbin is stronger on the longarm than it is on a DSM.

I struggled with tension issues for quite some time. I have an HQ fusion, and a Bailey before that. Never had tension issues with the Bailey. I really struggled with the Fusion, and am finally feeling like I've got it worked out.

1. I have to make sure the sandwich is quite loose on the frame. I usually have it snug and then back off 2-3 notches. I have to make sure I don't have it super snug side to side, or I'll have tension issues in that direction.

2. Turns out the five bobbins that came with the machine did not move smoothly in the bobbin case. Found this out when I bought the Towa Gauge - when pulling out the thread, the tension would bounce around between 100 and 300 - no wonder I'd have good tension and then a spot of bad tension and then good again.

3. I'm not good at telling if I've got things adjusted correctly. Installed a digital readout on the machine tension and have the Towa Gauge, so now I'm not guessing at where the tension is. I also never get the "lefty loosey, righty tighty" think correct.

4. I've been having increased problems the last 3 months, and this weekend it was getting really bad. Discovered a wad of lint behind the shuttle that was in affect pushing the bobbin case out a fraction of an inch. Just enough so the top thread did not slide over it nicely, so I was increasing my top tension to overcome it. So now I know to watch for that if I start having tension issues.

I also learned I was winding my bobbins too tight on the winder. I was using my Singer 15 to wind bobbins with the Bailey, and went to the winder with the HQ and was getting them too tight, in effect stretching the bobbin thread so that also added to uneven tension.

Nolting has a companion bobbin winder. my Nolting is also picky as to what thread it likes, Superior and bottom line are its favs. Sounds like the bobbin needs to be tightened a bit. A quarter turn at a time till you start to see the loops disappear. Also, as others have said slow down on curves.

Watch the video too, great help.

Such great advice on this thread. I'm going to bookmark it since I'll be purchasing a long-arm when I move.

I have a Gammill but learned on a Nolting. One thing about long arm machines is you do need to get comfortable with making adjustments, cleaning, and doing mechanical work much more so than on any domestic machine I have (and I have 5). It does take some time and experience to get to that comfort level so don't despair. My experience with Nolting is they do have good tech support--you need to call with very specific question and be able to calmly give them the info needed to work you through the problem--that's true with all long arm set ups! Good luck. If you have a friend with a long arm you might ask if she would come over and help guide you.

you have gotten great advice here! I had no lessons with my first system, and cried many many tears! I had to change my attitude (I think that machine KNEW how frustrated I was! ) to thinking that each time I had an issue, and solved it, I was learning to trouble shoot. Also, as soon as I cried, I figured out a solution in about 15 mins. GRRR. That made me MAD...but I would try to make myself cry EARLIER! lolol I went thru a bad patch with tension. My bobbin winder died and when I got a diff one-POOF - end of tension issues. And that was after numerous calls to the tech guy. keep a notebook to jot down what you find out as you go along.

Beth (Soccertxi)--great advice about keeping a notebook of problems & fixes! I'm going to start doing that myself--I have a notebook with a manual from a repair class i took, with other hand-outs,etc--but so much is learned from having an actual problem.
I was frustrated last week and had finally decided to call a local tech to arrange a repair visit. His first words were, ok, have you walked away from the machine and caught your breathe? If not, do so now! " as it turned out, he walked me through it and I didn't spend any $$!

Arent' patient techs the best!?

Hi all! I've used this Funquilter before but it's been so long I can't remember what I did to slow the stitches down. When I press the red power button on the right handle it really takes off . anyone out there to help me out? I haven't called Nolting cuz it's Sunday and manana is Labor Day. Thanks.

I have a Nolting Funquilter and love it. I watched that Jamie Wallen video and screwed up my tension. I had to reset everything. Being that you're having tension problems, why don't you start using prewound bobbins. Buy thread and prewound bobbins together. It might be easier to get your tensions adjusted.
Cathy Adele, use the slider to select the length of your stitch - I usually have mine on the 4th from the right on the Equalizer. Also, on the Equalizer on the right there is a little knob. If it's up, the machine will stitch only when it's in motion. If it's down, the machine will stitch constantly. I only have it down when I warm up the machine.
Hope this helps.

Hi, First Sergeants Lady... no need to go back to hand quilting - it sounds like a call to Nolting Manufacturing (Iowa) is the best place to start before you get much more frustrated! I promise you that they dont want you to struggle any more than you want to struggle!

Some thoughts... i do not have the Fun Quilter, but i do have the Quilting Bee. I bought it last October and am very happy with it! I had no lessons, but was able to jump in and get going pretty quickly without trouble. However, my machine is their basic model - no rollers, stitch regulator, or computerized anything. I believe my machine is a couple steps below yours, but it appears that they have in common the same body and basic workings. My setup does not include rollers, computers, handles, etc - i move the fabric - not the machine. Mine machine is basically meant for free motion quilting and ruler work. Your machine has more in the way of moving parts and electronics, so its understandably more complicated (and a much bigger investment).

In consideration of all of the above and what i read in your first post, some questions come to mind. I am trying to be thoughtful here - when i do that, it might not mean brief!

1) you are winding your bobbins on another machine - you may or may not be aware that a bobbin winder is available for your machine. You may want to check with Nolting on this, but depending on your particular package - one should have been included. I got this quote from their website concerning your particular machine: “If you choose the full system with commercial frame the packages include: 12' table, bobbin winder, needles, bobbins, laser, cable chain, 4 pony clamps, 5 patterns” . you might want to call and talk to someone about that if you understood one to be included but it was not. Even my basic package included the Nolting bobbin winder. I sure would at least check to find out if a bobbin winder should have been included? If it were me considering all you have already invested, i would seriously consider buying one if it was not included in your package.

2) now might be a good time to “reboot” and start over by reducing all of your variables down to a single common denominator. You have established that you believe that you have tension issues.

I help many people with computer problems and the same principals can apply in this situation! There are things you can do to troubleshoot the situation yourself in preparation for a phone call to the manufacturer. I have made some suggestions below.

3) I dont believe you mentioned the brand/wt of thread you are using or whether you use the same type/weight both on top and in the bobbin. Maybe restart there? For the sake of simplicity and troubleshooting at this point maybe use the same thread top & bottom and experiment to get good top/bottom tension from that starting point.

Most of the time i use Aurifil 50wt cotton and/or Glide 40wt polyester. But i have used other threads with no trouble. Someone else mentioned matching thread and pre-wound bobbins might help - i have an order in to try some this week.

4) Are you using spools or cones? You can use either - if you are using spools just pay attention to how the thread is wound on the spool. This is important when considering your top thread - If it is stack wound (instead of spiral) you will likely need a horizontal spool holder to use it as your top thread.

To reassure you once you have resolved your expressed tension issues... I have found that I really dont have to use the same thread for both the top and bottom (in fact right now i am using YLI Variations/35wt-2 ply trilobal polyester on top and Aurifil 50wt cotton in the bobbin - quilting a batik lap quilt). To use the YLI I have mounted my top thread spool where cones are traditionally mounted, but covered the circumference of the spool itself with a thread sock to keep that thread a little more under control. It works great - i was not having trouble, but having done free motion quilting on my domestic machine for years that is something i definitely learned helps with shiny polyester thread

5) Try to work only with the top tension adjustments at first to get the results you are looking for. While i realize that there are times when you have no choice but to adjust the bobbin tension try to confine adjustments to the top only at this time. I was told by the Nolting guys who delivered my machine that it should be rare to have to adjust the bobbin tension - but keep in mind that i have a different machine than you do. If you start with adjusting top tension only and find that you still dont see what you expect, it might be possible that in your previous attempts to adjust everything simultaneously that maybe the bobbin tension is now way outta whack. It happens... we try to fix our own stuff as best we can. 🥴 We all do it!

6) to keep things simpler while you work things out - maybe turn off the stitch regulator (if you can)? I know many people who ordered one after never having used one - and had a hard time adjusting to it! Try turning it off if you can while you work on the tension issue.

7) i also wasnt sure from your post whether free motion quilting is new to you or not - or whether that was actually something you were trying to do when the tension issues started. If free motion quilting is new to you, dont worry... it takes time and practice! My thinking from what i believe you have said is that it would be best to work out the tension problem first and proceed from there?

8) does your machine have a speed control? If so, turn it down to mid-range and see how slowing down effects your quilting. Before i got my Nolting i did all of my free motion quilting on my Janome 6600. I was having trouble with stitch issues around the “arcs” as i was going too fast! I dialed down to mid-range, which gave me more time to think and anticipate changes in direction. After a while slowed down (which i hated) i was eventually able to resume full speed with much better control (bat-outta-hell-pedal-to-the-metal-gitter-done-mode)!

9) this might be a dumb question, but do you have a manual for your machine? Reason for asking - somehow mine was left out when my machine was delivered! All i had to do was call Nolting and Brenda emailed me a pdf copy within 5 minutes! Most of the time manuals really are helpful!

Sorry... i know this got long, but i was trying to thoughtfully consider anything that came to mind when i read and re-read your post. I know how frustrated and alone i would feel in your circumstance.

Its hard to be so excited having invested your hard-earned money and not get discouraged by the speed bumps that pop up along the way.

Although that hasnt been my experience with my Nolting, i have certainly gone through it with other purchases elsewhere and its hard to know where to turn for help. And when you finally do call someone its hard to know whether being a decent human being actually still works, or whether you gotta psyche-up to go nuclear outta the box! 🙈 i get it!!! But Nolting is a good company, i promise you - talk to Dan Terrell he wont steer you wrong (he is the owner).

Again, sorry so long... the end! 😊

Great post with lots of info, AprilM. Just be aware the OP Seargent's Lady posted her issues 2 years ago. Looks like this old thread got bumped by someone with a newer problem.

🤷*♀️ Oh, wonderful... that’s what i get for being such a newbie, right??? And here i thought everything out so carefully. Hope Sergeants Lady and whoever bumped the thread have satisfactorily resolved their issues. 😊

I have spent the last hour fixing a quilt i just finished quilting. Seems i had a few places where the backing turned under at the edge when i wasnt paying attention! I usually trim up pretty close but i was in such a hurry to get started on my 4 day weekend to quilt that i didnt do that! I think its going to be ok - backing goes to the edges but had to trim out the extra that got caught in the quilting! 😵

Actually, what you posted should help tons of folks! I thought it was awesome! I just didn't want you to wonder why the original poster never came back and let you know what ended up working for her :-)

Michelle

Thanks for looking out for the newbies, Michelle! You’re right - sooner or later i probably would have wondered! 😊 Although probably not today as i am too busy kicking myself for the little incident with the backing folding over and getting quilted that way. I think i have that worked out now in a way i can live with!