Operator Error
 

Hi, I'm new here. I have been machine quilting for about 8 years.

I got a new machine (Juki F600) with the auto thread cutter. I do not raise the bobbin thread (supposedly not required), and it creates a snarl at the very beginning of the seam every time. Any ideas on how to resolve this issue? I have rethreaded, reset the bobbin, and changed the thread spool.

Thanks for ANY ideas! I was really looking forward to using this machine!

Raising the bobbin thread isn't *required* on my machine either, but it is recommended to avoid birds nests.

Go ahead and raise that bobbin thread, bring it through and hold on for the first 2 stitches.

I always pull my bobbin thread "up and away".

Agree with DogHouseMom. Bring the bobbin thread to the top. I hate to hear when customers are misled by a sewing machine dealer or manufacturer. So sorry you had troubles...

i had a juki, too. i'd keep tweezers by the machine to pull that bobbin thread up. it just gets to be a habit. welcome to the board.

I've had my Juki F600 for about a year and a half and I still love it. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

I am not sure if this will help or not since I have a Bernina. I use little leftover scraps at the start of stitching and then when I am at the end of my stitching. I think they are called "enders". After they have too much stitching, I throw them into a bag with all my little cut pieces of fabric for a friend who uses it to stuff dog pillows for the local shelters.

I have a machine that has a fix button so it takes a few stitches in place and then goes on to sew. Same at the other end with a stop or a cut feature that ties off the thread and then cuts it. I don't know anything about your machine but my previous one didn't have those features and I just sewed a few stitches in place. Worked fine for me. I have pulled the threads to the top when quilting but this is so much easier.

I don't have a Juki, but wanted to welcome you to the board.

Hi and welcome to QB!
I have a few different machines including a Juki HZL-400, and I have the same issue as you on all of them if I don't pull up the bobbin thread and or use a lil scrap of fabric at the beginning of sewing.
My Juki is fairly new, but so far I love how it sews! Honestly except for the 11" bed on my Janome Horizon 7700, I actually prefer my Juki. I just got a Bernina, and am excited to see how it sews.
Your title of "Operator Error" had me chuckling, as I've had that issue a few times :o
Kif

Thanks for all the advice and welcomes! Good to know I'm not the only one!

Leaders and enders should solve that problem.

Welcome to the board from Arizona. I use the leaders and enders.

Welcome from Northern California. BrendaK

My Bernina has a thread cutter to cut the bobbin thread at just the right length to start sewing. It works! BUT - - I am a thread bringer upper from way back, so I usually do that.

Also the tip about leaders and enders is good. They work every time.

I used to do the pull up bottom thread but started using doing leaders & enders after doing more serger work. Now it is a habit.

Welcome! You'll meet lots of lovely people here. We love to help newbies. :)
Bringing up the bobbin thread isn't required with my Viking Sapphire 875 either, but I prefer to bring it up. I learned to sew on old machines and its needed, I mostly sew with antique machines. I use a scrap of fabric at the beginning and end of every seam, unless I'm chain piecing.

I, too, use leaders & enders. The only different is, I use the triangles I have cut off of blocks. they range from all different sizes. Once I get a stack of them sewn, I will then use them again as leaders & enders to make different block patterns. That way, I waste very little for scraps or thread & end up with bonus blocks to use in another project. I also do this with different size square blocks to make 9P & 4P blocks. I use all size extra blocks for this.

Halo, that's such a great idea. I watched a youtube video about that yesterday (was that you?!). Are the seams reliable on the leaders and enders you use for new blocks? I thought the purpose of the leaders and enders was to put the bad part of your seam on a scrap?

I usually bring my bobbin thread up and pull the threads out a bit and hold them taut. I've used leaders, but never the enders. Can someone explain the use of the enders? I call my leaders, each one a "mouse."
Welcome to the Board. You'll find a wealth of help and friendliness here.
Blessings from the beautiful mid section of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

That does sound like a terrific idea!
I was wondering the same thing about the seams, etc...

Holding the thread snugly everytime you start out helps too.

This is what I thought also. Don't all the leaders have a birdnest on the bottom?

have a Janome 6600 and it works beautifully. I think maybe a dealer can straighten the problem.