suddenly loops appear on top
 

I need help. What am I doing wrong? I free motioned (all over meandering) the flannel top with flannel backing with off white thread all of the off white parts of the quilt. While I am not great, it came out okay. Now I am trying to do the colored parts with same type of thread (wt and manufacture) and I am getting eyelashes on the top. I cleaned the machine, changed needles, re-threaded and put in a new bobbin. I have a QCP 9400 so I don't know how to adjust the tension.
Any suggestions? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

loops on the top mean a problem on the bottom. you mentioned cleaning the machine... did you check to see if there is a thread caught in the bobbin case spring? or some extra fluff? I sometimes take a thin pin and run it through there and sometimes find 'stuff'

Eye lashes on the top are usually an indication your top tension is too tight (or your bobbin is too loose). They can also happen when you make that swoop too fast. Flannel is notorious for making a lot of lint but you indicated you cleaned the machine. Is it possible your top thread is hanging up on something somewhere along the thread path?

Maybe this you tube video will help you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx0Z...ature=youtu.be

clean bobbin area and rethread top. i got eyelashes on bottom first starting today. I think I forgot to put the pressure foot down even though FMQing. makes a difference. Good luck!

Thanks so much everyone. I did what you said QuiltnNan and sure enough there was some thread caught below the bobbin case. I was only to get it out with the little brush and then pulling with a tweezers. Amazing how I had missed it after going over it with the brush several times. My quilting is working again. Oh my this machine is so touchy. Thanks again for your quick responses I greatly appreciate it. This board is truly the best.

That was my thought

I've started using a little LED flashlight when I clean. It's amazing how the tiniest thread can mess up your stitches.

FYI your 9400 has auto tension and should not need any changing while you are sewing. Glad you found the issue.
Happy sewing on that beautiful machine!

Thanks again for all of your suggestions and comments. I will keep all of your sage advice in mind for the next time when I will have issues. Thanks everyone!

Bibi,

are you using the purple tip needle when you are fmqing? I have the 9400 and I find using the purple tip makes a difference for fmq. I also use the blue dot bobbin case for fmq