American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine had this tip Dec/2008.

Sloppy machine stitches making you crazy?

There could be a simple fix. Before trying anything else, rethread your sewing machine with the presser foot RAISED.

You might be in the habit of lowering the presser foot when threading the needle (the better to see the tiny needle eye!), but if the foot is DOWN when you thread the machine, the thread probably won't be flossed properly through the machine's tension discs.

Won't be the answer to all our problems, but who knew such a small thing could make a difference?

I learned a new tension trick too...last night. But I'm such a beginner I'm sure everybody knows already.

When switching to a walking foot from a regular, open toed, or 1/4" foot, leave the foot attached to the ankle/shank area. That way you don't lose that tiny ankle piece. Also, when using a walking foot on thick stuff, like your whole quilt sandwich, it can be helpful with the even feeding to make your stitch length a bit longer.

I piece at 2 or 2.5. Raised it to just over 3 last night and it worked great.

Just a thought!

Thanks to you both!!---I'm always looking for tips that help!

In my HS Home Ec class the teacher stressed that always raise the pressure foot and needle when doing any adjustment to your stitches or tension. And always lower the foot and needle when machine is put away or moved.

I didn't know til I saw it here. I learn something new every day.