stillclock

hi!

in this neverending adventure called a t-shirt quilt there have been several obstacles.

the one i am fighting with right now is that my machine is skipping stitches when i try to quilt the tshirt sections. i feel like it's a combination of the spray adhesive i used for the basting and the interfacing used to stabilize the cut out motifs. i had a similar problem with a different project in which used heat and bond for applique. the zigzag would skip occasionally but this is worse.

any tips for convincing my machine to just get on with it? i was thinking of really clamping down the presser foot pressure (i am using a darning foot)but that creates issues with the ease of actually moving the quilt under the needle.

i tell you what though....this is my one and only tshirt quilt!

thanks!

aileen

Tartan

I might try laying a sheet of tissue paper over the quilt top and quilt through it to see if that helps. Are you using a knit ballpoint needle? I might also try quilting from the back if possible.

stillclock

this machine takes organ needles and it's new. i need to find out where i can buy a variety of needles. i'll start the hunt tomorrow.

tissue paper would make it a little trickier to see the motifs.

aileen

romanojg

Very easy, change your needle to a ball point, or stretch needle when sewing on knits

ManiacQuilter2

Are you doing FMQ?? Try to do as much straight stitching as possible.

MadQuilter

Have you thought of going to a larger needle? I would try this with a 90/14.

PenniF

2 things....sometimes you need to use ball point needles with knits.....and the last time my machine did this - the bobbin housing needed to be seriously "de-fluzzed".

luana

My lifesaver is Sewers Aid. I pull a small drop across the width of the spool of thread. But I agree, that if you are sewing knit t shirts, you need a ball point needle.
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quiltedsunshine

When you're skipping on knits, try moving your needle bar position one bump to the right or left. It actually changes the timing just enough to make a difference. Bigger needle is always good, and make sure it's pushed all the way up.

Melanie Rudy

I always change to a new needle when I start quilting. It makes a big difference.