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-   -   ugh i'm so frustrated with my FMQ!!! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/ugh-im-so-frustrated-my-fmq-t155110.html)

deedum 09-23-2011 03:22 AM

I use the Genie Magic Bobbin washers, it really has pretty much elimated bird nesting for me. As far as the eyelashes that is a matter of practicing and get your speed right. It will happen, just be patience and one day it will just click.

Tinabodina 09-23-2011 03:27 AM

The top tenion is to loose. I have also found the horizontal bobbins are not the best when it comes to FMQ.

leatheflea 09-23-2011 03:29 AM

Eyelashing take that top thread all the way down to zero. On a couple of my machines that was the only way I could get it to work. I guess maybe I move to fast but it worked. Good luck! Oh and that glass of wine really does help. Wont even touch free motion with out it!

sewmary 09-23-2011 11:46 AM

I finally got free-motion looking good on my last quilt (with a horizontal bobbin) but found as soon as I forgot and starting pulling the quilt through instead of guiding it I had eyelashes and nasties. Going to remember the wine trick next time - I did have to say "Self, relax."

wannaquilt1 09-23-2011 12:27 PM

ok so i moved the needle over to the left position and for some reason that stopped the eyelashing. i don't know why but when it was in the center and i tried to turn it eyelashed no matter how slow i went.

right now I'm really frustrated because the thread keeps breaking. I've tried tension 0 (really bad loops underneath with that one) through 5 and the thread breaks after about 30 seconds. Do you think it's the batting? I got high loft poly and my quilt sandwich tester is low loft which is working fine but the quilt is giving me a terrible time.

Mitch's mom 09-23-2011 02:28 PM

Increase your needle size. What size needle are you using? Try a 90/14 quilting or a 100/16 top stitching needle. I know the 100/16 sounds like it is the size of a harpoon but it may well solve your problems.

suern3 09-23-2011 02:34 PM

When you do your sandwich tester piece, you might have better luck using the same batting as you have in your quilt. Hang in there! You have gotten some really good advice here!

nativetexan 09-23-2011 02:48 PM

if you are wanting a long arm quilting machine, go and take some quick lessons first. they cost a bundle!

PaperPrincess 09-23-2011 03:25 PM

How much practice did you do? I would say most people take at least a month of daily practice before trying a quilt.

labtechkty 09-23-2011 03:31 PM


Originally Posted by leatheflea
Eyelashing take that top thread all the way down to zero. On a couple of my machines that was the only way I could get it to work. I guess maybe I move to fast but it worked. Good luck! Oh and that glass of wine really does help. Wont even touch free motion with out it!

:D :-D


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