Pulling Up Bobbin Thread More Than Once
 

Hi All,

I know I should know this, .... I am quilting my first quilt block and have been pulling up the bobbin thread to the top. However, I need to do this multiple times during each quilting session. My problem is that after I pull up the bobbin thread the first time, I can't sew, clip threads, and then move to another section and pull up the bobbin thread again. I have to pull the entire quilt out of the machine, remove the bobbin case, reinstall it, push the quilt under my BabyLock Soprano, and start again. (When I try to pull up the bobbin thread the second time, it never "connects" to the bobbin thread).

I have sewn garments and home decor for years, but never needed to pull up the bobbin threads multiple times. There is nothing in the manual about doing this more than once.

Is this normal? It seems like I'm probably missing something very obvious!

Thanks for any and all help!

Are you using pre-wound poly bobbins? I have this problem with them when they get to half full, using the auto cutter. The bobbins are wound tighter than we would manually and I find the thread will shrink back and not get picked up with the top thread when I start sewing again. That's when I rewind onto a normal bobbin. Perhaps you could cut with scissors and leave a longer thread.

You will have to re-pull the bobbin thread each time you start and stop.

You should be able to pull up the bobbin thread without removing the bobbin case. It's the needle down/up function that will pull the thread up through the quilt layers.

I pull out a length of "top" thread through the needle, hold it, and do the needle down/up function. You should see a short piece of thread. I use tweezers to grab that piece of bobbin thread and pull out about 4-5 inches. Then start sewing (or machine embroidery).

I do straighten the bobbin thread under the foot as it is usually over the foot after pulling.

Another tip.

Check to see what setting the auto cut function is set on. You may or may not have this feature. You may have to lengthen the setting or turn it off. The default setting may be too short.

Have you checked to make sure you have the latest update (not upgrade) for your machine? Each update is listed on the BL site and tells you about the feature it involves. Hope that helps!

I think the others have given good advice - and maybe what's needed is to have your technician set the cut length a bit longer. I think they can do this. I know for my Elna they can.

I agree with GEMRM...it is an easy adjustment for a tech to have the thread tail made longer.

Watson

When i read your post, i immediately wondered if you might be experiencing this problem after using the automatic thread cutter (ATC) on your machine. It sounds like others have experienced that as well - including me!

I used to do all my FMQ on my Janome 6600 and have experienced the problem only when using the ATC function. I wasnt aware that maybe this problem could be remedied, so that is good to know! I got so frustrated with it that i quit using ATC entirely when actually quilting although i do still use it for piecing (still a problem there but the area is a little more accessible when piecing). My sitdown longarm (Nolting Quilting Bee) doesnt have this function and i actually dont miss it because my only experience with ATC was so frustrating!!! Please let us know if you come up with a fix or a work-around. 😊

A quick tip..when you stop, lift your presser foot then push the quilt back a few inches..this will allow a few inches of thread to remain after cutting. Try not to pull the quilt toward you, this is a good way to bend your needle..push away from you.