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-   -   So frustrated! Why wont my machine do freemotion correctly (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/so-frustrated-why-wont-my-machine-do-freemotion-correctly-t158645.html)

JARichardson 10-08-2011 07:30 AM

I have 3 Singers and one is on the quilt frame the other I use for piecing etc.

Make sure you machine switch is on fast and slow your motion down. You have a tendenticy to want to move your hands fast because the machine is running fast. If you'll do this I think you'll find the answer to your birdnesting.

mucky 10-08-2011 07:33 AM

Usually when the next is on the bottom it is something on the top. I would go to the dealer and have them figure it out.

irma tapia 10-08-2011 08:10 AM

Are you using a darning foot? I always use mine. Also do you lower your feed dog? Hope you can get the help you need soon, this would drive me crazy :cry:

JCL in FL 10-08-2011 09:27 AM


Originally Posted by Scissor Queen

Originally Posted by Nanasrcool
Yes, I could see me missing it once, maybe twice but I have so many practice sandwiches that have the same mess on them and I cant see me doing it every time.

I wish so much that someone had my model and could give me some direction on tension. It is working fine doing all other sewing and works fine with the walking foot. But the minute I go to freemotion it is the same story over and over.

If the tension is correct for regular sewing, there's nothing wrong with the tension.

The problem is something else. Make sure you are bringing the bobbin thread to the top when you start and hold your thread ends when you start. Make sure you put the presser foot down.

Then the key is fast machine, slow hands. The needle needs to go pretty fast compared to how fast you move the quilt.

Keep practicing. You wouldn't expect to pick up a paint brush and be Rembrandt in a week!!!

My top tension needs to change for FM if I don't change it to a very loose upper tension I have a whole host of issues.

QuilterToo 10-08-2011 09:33 AM

Where are your feeder dogs? Are u using a walking foot?

quiltbea 10-08-2011 10:16 AM

SHE SOLVED HER PROBLEM EVERYONE!

Sierra 10-08-2011 11:02 AM

1) check with you dealer to see if there is a special quilting bobbin case you should be using;
2) always bring your thread up before you start
3) get an extra sharp needle, at least size 90/14
4) if you have been quilting with your feet lowered, put them up, or if it hasn't worked with you feet up, put them down (my machine works best if I leave them up)
5) rethread, clean out bobbin case of lint, make sure enough thread is on your bobbin (low thread causes problems
6) sew slowly, practice basting with free motion before do real quilting (use white or contrast thread so you can get it out easily)
7) use an open toed darning foot, or if you are try
8) using the walking foot, with a little less pressure (dial back upper pressure)
9) have a small glass of wine, chat with a friend, check out all of the above and try again.

Good luck. I do my own fmq and I love doing it! Doesn't always look professional, but it's MINE.... the whole quilt..... and that matters to me and to my family.

smitty 10-08-2011 12:25 PM


Originally Posted by Cecejay
My experience has been that it helps to bring the bobbin thread up through the quilt by tuning the wheel by hand one rotation, hang on to both threads with your left hand, drop your pressure foot and then start sewing. But my first thought was maybe it is the brand of thread, or dull needle. My Janome embroidery machine is particularly fussy about that.

bringing the bobbin thread to the top each time---and holding on to both threads when you start may be just the "little" thing that is missing here.

ladyredhawk 10-08-2011 01:33 PM

my was doing that and my dad was a sewing machine repairman and he said you first start out by pulling your bobbin thread to top through the material, then make sure you have a large stich length, hold thread while it starts and you will see a big difference go slow if you have a mend tenison loosen it up go slow so the stiches will be uniform as much as posible and practice, practice, practice.

cavmom 10-08-2011 02:01 PM


Originally Posted by thepolyparrot
Are you sure you're putting the presser foot down? (I miss this occasionally and this is the symptom I get)

i agree - this has messed me up with the same problem. also make sure you are using the right foot attachment


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