Janome 6600, Bottom Line, Connecting Threads and FMQ
 

I've reached a very frustrated stand still on my quilt project this afternoon. I'm free motion quilting on my Janome 6600 (with the blue dot bobbin case) using Bottom Line thread in the bobbin and Connecting Threads cotton on top. The culprit seems to be the Connecting Threads as just prior to this I had Aurifil on top and everything was fine. Since I switched to Connecting Threads I'm getting awful blobs of top thread showing on the back and a good bit of eyelashing as well. It doesn't seem to make any difference where I set the tension or whether I have the feed dogs up or down. Any advice or ideas for me? The Connecting Threads was just the color I needed for one area!

What weight is the Connecting Threads thread on the top? Even their 50wt is a heavier (3 ply) thread than the Aurifil 50wt (which is a 2 ply). I suspect your problem is with the balance between the top and bottom thread weights (or thickness).

You can try using a heavier weight thread than the Bottom Line (which I think is a 60wt?) in the bobbin, something closer to the Connecting Threads.

I also need to use a larger needle when I used Connecting Threads 50wt. I can use an 80/12 with Aurifil, but not with Connecting Threads.

I have a 6600 and I have FMQ'd with CT thread - I had it both top and in the bobbin and I don't have the blue dot bobbin case so I was just using the regular case; I think I did adjust my top tension though. (Sorry, I can't remember if I had to loosen or tighten; I think I loosened.)

My FMQ skills are pretty bad so my lines went all over the place, but I didn't have eyelashing or blobs. I've only ever gotten eyelashing on curves; now I set my stitch speed to about 2/3rds speed when doing FMQ and that fixed that.

You might want to try a Topstitch needle. I use Connecting Thread almost exclusively on my
Janome 6600 and ever since I started using the Topstitch needle I haven't gone back to
Quilting needles (even for piecing). Ok, disclaimer...I don't FMQ but do straight line quilting.
I know there are other quilters here who also use Topstitch needles.

I have done very little of the FMQ - just learning now, but when I do have that kind of a problem with my Janome 6600P it is because I have put the bobbin thread in going the wrong direction.

I have a Janome 4120 and a Janome 11000 and connecting threads does that in both my machines. I now only use Aurifil with no problems

Thanks for your replies! I'll try the different needles but the more I think about it, the more I figure it's the difference in the two threads. The Bottom Line is so thin and the Connecting Threads is very thick by comparison. It just may not be possible to even things out with those differences. Now I'll have to suspend my quilting while I order either the right color thread in the Bottom Line or maybe Aurifil. As far as I know, Bottom Line can't be found locally and Aurifil is only available in white or beige, no colors.

wishfulthinking, I agree with all the responses. I love connecting threads because of the colors, but I also go to a heavier bobbin thread and topstitch needle. Aurifull comes in many, many colors, and it works beautifully on my Janome. I have also used bottom line on the top and bobbin for more dense FMQ. Sometimes it feels like I do more practice finding the right balance than I do on my quilts. Good Luck

Thanks Luana. I know what you mean about practicing....when all I want to do is get on the machine & get going! I have to admit, as much as I like my 6600, my trusty old Kenmore never gave me a bit of tension troubles. But it didn't have needle down & lots of other good stuff.

Aurfil comes in LOTS of colors...I have several spools! What CT color are you trying to match? Maybe I or someone else here will happen to have that CT color and a similar Aurifil color and can help you figure out a good potential match.