Need Advice from experienced frame quilters
 

I finally have my first quilt put on my new frame (that I got back in Nov). After many road blocks and a trip to get my machine fixed (one of the knobs popped off) I thought I was ready to get to it. Only problem is that the free motion presser foot mashes down on the fabric and pulls so that everything gets distorted. I have the Juki 2010 and it has a presser foot pressure knob that lets you lessen the pressure on the fabric but even at the lowest setting it doesn't seem much less. I have quilted three small quilts already (but none on the frame) and didn't have much trouble. I have gotten used to the fact that I will have a ton of road blocks on my way to using this thing but I have no solution for the present problem. So, I need some advice on how to make this work from some of you who might have encountered this problem or know how I can fix it. The only thing I was going to try next was to see if I could adjust the presser foot somehow (it has a screw in the top that I really want to turn but I don't have the right allen wrench!). I really want to get this started and feel like I do more "set-up" than actual quilting!

are you using the hopping/free motion foot? did you lower the feed dogs?

I'm not sure, because I don't have a Juki, but I am thinking you might want to order a hopping foot:
http://www.finishingtouchesquiltings...s/show/3134568

Before ordering, I would email the owner with your problem and ask if this foot is the solution.

On my Voyager, it's possible to adjust how high the presser foot rides by taking off the cover and making an internal adjustment. However, I suspect you do not have this option with the Juki.

If you haven't already, you may want to join the homequiltingsystems group at groups.yahoo.com . It is a very large, active and diverse group of frame quilters who may have a specific answer for this problem (as there is sure to be someone on that list who has found a solution).

Same thought I had!

The machine actually came with two hopping free motion feet that look similar to the one in the link. My feed dogs are down and the Juki does have an external adjustment knob for changing the height of the presser foot, it just doesn't seem to raise enough (actually it doesn't seem do a whole lot of anything from what I can tell)

It almost sounds like your machine is sitting too low and pushing down on your quilt instead of everything being even...???? Might need to adjust that????

How thick is your quilt sandwich? I have a different machine now, but too puffy of a batting would bog things down. Also, is your take up bar rubbing on the base of your machine? Don't worry about roadblocks. See them as ways to know your machine and frame. Its a PROCESS! (ask me how I know! When I got my 1st set up, there was NO one in the city of Phoenix, who had my frame. I was ON MY OWN. Many tears...and frustrations. BUT, when I worked them thru I truly became a long arm quilter. I came to see those roadblocks as learning to troubleshoot for myself.) Take a big deep breath...and maybe have a piece of chocolate..or if you are so inclined a glass of wine!

Is your frame set so that the fabric is level with the stitch plate? Or is it lower and the quilt is dragging?

Your pressure foot has to much pressure on it. Different machines have different ways of adjusting this. I think on most frame machines you would want your pressure foot the thickness of a credit card when it is the down position. Good luck on your new toy.