not picking up bobbin thread
 

My machine decided it wasn't going to FMQ! When I move the fabric in any direction other than "away from me", it won't pick up the bobbin thread. I use the same kind of foot that Leah Day sells. The machine is a Janome that I didn't buy from a dealer.

I've done all the trouble shooting I can think of: new bobbin, new thread, new needle, made sure foot was down, feed dogs down (tried it up, too), stitch length, played with speed, cleaned bobbin area....

It sews just fine. It just won't let me do free-motion.

This is the only machine I've ever had that has the drop-in kind of bobbin. Is the bobbin case supposed to move? I can't hand-crank it in reverse. Well, I put a little felt circle under the basket and that solved that problem, but I don't want to do that if it's bad for the machine.

I can't afford to take it to the doctor, so I'm really counting on being able to fix this at home (or I just won't be able to FMQ on it!). Help!!

Are you having issues with your bobbins on all feet or just the FMQ foot?? I am not totally understanding what type of problem you are having. I have a 7700 if that is what you have I may be able to help you trouble shoot.

Just when I am doing free motion. I use a darning foot. It works fine with a standard pressure foot. I have a Janome 3022. I am adding a picture showing what it is doing.

When you are moving the material the thread is 'flexing' away from the bobbin hook and that is why it won't pick up the thread. Try a larger sized needle, you may have less problems with a size 18. Also, move your hands slower and speed up the machine. That way when you move the sandwich the needle isn't in the fabric when you move the sandwich. The bottom line is that the timing is slightly off and really needs to be checked. Good luck!

I will try a larger needle. Thank you. My husband is calling around to find out how much an adjustment costs.

Did you try a different foot, sometimes our machine doesn't like certain feet. Did it come with your machine, or is it generic

It is generic. It only has this problem when I'm moving it free-motion. If the dogs are feeding it, it's fine.

I had that problem once (on a different machine) but try loosening the needle & lowering it just a hair or two, then tighten it back in. Never hurts to try ;)

No, it doesn't! I'm always game for a free-fix!! I'll try it tonight! Thanks!

I would try changing the needle and also do not go to fast when moving fabric. I also find the Kenmore needles are the best one the Janome for quilting. The red tip one works great.

If your machine is under warranty you shouldn't have to pay to have it fixed. Good Luck figuring out your problem.

I changed the needle, thread and bobbin and the problem persisted. Thank you for the suggestions. I have the problem at all speeds, but I do not quilt very fast, but I did test it as fast as it would go. I like to go slow and watch each stitch!

Thank you. I wish it *was* under warranty but as I mentioned, I got it used. It's an older, retired Janome.

I'm curious as to what type of thread are using. I had a similar problem with my Viking when I used the 1200 yd. spool of Coats and Clark thread. The spool is a large cardboard tube. When the thread would come around it would get stuck between the rest of the thread and the machine. When I'd move the fabric, the extra tension would make it skip a few stitches. The owner of the LQS I took it to suggested the "deelybob." It's a machined piece of plastic that is inserted into the cardboard tube of the spool. This keeps the spool from drooping and causing extra tension.

I think I'm pleased to announce that I'm Not having this issue anymore!

I'll back up my saga a few weeks... I purchased a Janome darning foot and it "hops" around while quilting, so i wanted to get one of the plastic ones that you can modify. Well, the plastic one is the one I was using that was giving me fits! I drug out my Drimmel tool and filed away at the cut-away part of the foot, thinking it might be snagging the thread (because it worked fine in the direction that was cut away) and then I tried it, and it was better, but still not doing right. So I thought I'd try the metal one. Guess what...... It worked just fine!
One reason I don't like using the metal one is because I have to go so slow on it, or the needle hits it and breaks. OH well! Slow is better than none!!!

Thanks for all your help!

I know this post is super old, but I've been fighting with my machine for hours, and your suggestion fixed my problem. Thank you so much!!!