stitch length
 

In normal, walking foot quilting, I want my machine to be consistent with stitch length disregardless of speed. I am consistent in quilting, stitch-in-the ditch or echo quilting but must slow down to avoid mistakes and my stitches shrink from 3.00 (ish) to 1.5-2 or so. Is it the operator? Or would a more sophisticated machine solve this? I'm thinking of the Singer Quantum 9960 - good for a decent quilter like myself and online for $320.00 -- all the features I could want. But I must understand about my problem - thanks.

Mine does not do that without adjusting my length. But, I am not an expert, are you sure you aren't holding the material back somehow?

could also be a problem with your feed dogs. They are the stitch regulators of the DSM. The faster they move, the smaller the stitch and the slower they move the longer the stitch.

Mine does it too! I was wondering also if it's me or the machine; a Baby Lock Quilter's Dream.

Is your walking foot a brand same as your machine or a generic foot. Also be sure you don't pull as indicated above. Let the foot do the walking... Don't drag the quilt behind the bus....or try to outrun the bus.

Does that only happen with your walking foot? Could your walking foot be the problem?

It seems to me when I find that happening I'm not supporting the quilt well or it is near a seam or other especially thick area.

Agreed - walking foot not installed properly and/or drag is what usually messes with my stitch length.

I had the same problem with my Viking. When I took it in (thinking it could be repaired), I was told the problem was the feed dog. Unfortunately, it could not be repaired and I ended up having to get a different machine.