Viking mega quilter issues
 

I recently purchased a used viking mega quilter (it is like new) with inspira frame and cruise control. I am having all kinds of problems with the thread. I have changed the bobbin, adjusted the tension on top and bottom, changed the thread, re-threaded numerous times, changed the needle, readjusted the frame, everything i can think of. I will sew for 5-10 inches and the thread breaks. Sometimes it skips stitches, sometimes the stitches are large, sometimes they are small. I don't understand! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Which mega quilterdo you have? Just to make it confusing, the Viking with the 9" harp is called a mega quilter and the 8 X 18 long arm is also called the mega quilter. It will help with troubleshooting. To start, I would get the manual out and make sure that you are threading everything correctly. Which thread breaks? The top or the bobbin?

check that the machine is loaded correctly and you don't have it too taut. I also suggest looking into yahoo group for the megaquilter. I found it very helpful when I had that set up.

http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/P...ndQuilter/info

it's the 9 inch. I have everything threaded right.
Its the top thread

Have you watched the Jamie Wallen video on how to set tension? This works for all machines on a frame:
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...m+tension&sm=1

What thread are you using? What size needle? Typically a size 16 or 18 needle works best for frame quilting.

By cruise control, do you mean you have a stitch regulator? A stitch regulator works on making sure each stitch is the same length no matter how fast or slow you go, whereas I think a cruise control simply keeps the speed the same; regulation of stitch length is up to you.

The rule-of-thumb for the quilt is to be able to grab a finger that is pushed up from underneath. If you can't do that, the quilt is rolled too tightly.

I haven't watched the video, I will thanks. I am using a 16 needle and the thread is 30 wt. (wha the manual recommends)

I think 30wt is a pretty thick thread for a size 16 needle. On my midarm setup I typically use a size 18 needle with 40wt thread (Glide thread -- never shreds or breaks on me, unlike others I have tried).

I also agree that 30 wt is way thick. I would try dropping down to a 40 or 50. I use an 18 needle with the 40 wt, and a 16 with thinner threads.

Try another spool of thread. Sometimes they are wound wrong. Or try a different brand of thread. Some machines are fussy about the thread they use. I would use a larger needle for sure.

I have this mega quilter the viking rep recommended Aurifil thread. I never have a problem but you also need to remember to constantly oil it; very important for this machine.