In would appreciate some clarification regarding what washers are and how they are used, as well. I've never heard of this.

I've tried free-motion quilting on plain fabric but so far never dared to approach one of my quilts in this way.

I just bought some from my dealer. Can't wait to try them. Its only 7.00 for a pack. I have a link go to the one that says tools and notions. Leah explains it very well. http://www.thriftyideastoday.com/201...from-leah.html and here is another place to purchase them http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...bin+washers.do

They are thin teflon washers. I tried them and thought mine worked better without them. I've got a drop in bobbin.

I love the bobbin washers! Really helped with FMQ. I got mine 40% off at my LQS, so I went back and bought another package. I haven't got backlash since.

I have some ordered from Keepsake Quilting to use in my Brother machine. It sometimes gets cranky and makes a mess of the thread when FMQing...of course it could be operator error since I'm still in the learning phase. Since the machine has a drop in bobbin I thought I'd try them... I need all the help I can get for FMQ! Found out about the washers on this board...such informative people here!!

I bought them when I was having trouble with bird's nest on the back. They seemed to help, and since my machine seemed to like them, I just leave one in all the time. They each last a long time, so I figure they are worth the small investment. My machine is a Babylock Quest with a front loading bobbin.