Does anyone have a suggestion for doing the starting reverse tack backs and ending tack backs? My fabric always bunches and the thread loops. And I try to go slow when I'm doing it.

Aarrrggg!

I use a scrap of fabric and stitch 3 or 4 stitches then begin on my quilt piece.

i dont back stitch when piecing quilt tops but do use the scrap to start and end rows

I'm just sewing a regular pillowcase right now. Think I'll just turn it around and double stitch it. But I'll keep watching this topic to see what everyone says.

You can just turn the fabric around. Stitch and inch to the end, turn the fabric, and start stitching normally. This is what people had to do when machines did not have a reverse lever. Another option is to sew with a very short stitch length at the beginning, change stitch length to normal, and change back to very short stitch length at the end. The short stitches are unlikely to unravel.

Is the hole in the throat plate too large? Maybe not use the one for zigzag?

Jan in VA

Start a bit in from the edge, stitch in reverse first then sew forward over the stitches. This also eliminates a little bit of bulk by only having two layers of stitching on the tack backs, not three. Hope this helps!

I had a friend whose machine did this no matter she did..she finally put tape on both sides and left just enough room for her needle to go down...worked!

I'm behind on reading my topics so playing catch up.

Great suggestions. Will give them a try.

Thanks, everyone!