I have been using the same thread in my bobbin and on top with my longarm so that any tension issues didn't show. It hides any pokies or at least makes them not noticable. I don't have bad tension problems, it just seems that I cannot completely get the pokies to disappear. They come and go depending on which direction I am quilting. Anyways, I would like to use some varigated thread on one of my quilts and don't know how to do that without going crazy trying to adjust the tension. Any suggestions?

I thought I was going to pull my hair out because of that same thing. Then I went to the Houston Quilt Show and discovered the TOWA bobbin gauge. It has helped me eliminate almost all of my tension problems. It was pricey but well worth the money to me. And, now Superior Threads has introduced a top tension gauge for long arm machines. I am ordering one this week! I can't wait to get it and try it out! Tension problems make me nuts! Good luck!

I have found that my machine it isn't so much the type of thread but the brand of thread. Also, I discovered that my machine does not like size 18 jeans needle. Talk about fussy!