Quilting with "fluffy" batting
 

Good morning. I am an experienced quilter. I am sewing on a Janome 6600, which I love.When I sew a sample sandwich of the quilting stitch I want to use the sample stitches come out beautifully, so I know its not the machine.but when I go to use the same stitch on the quilt itself, I am not happy with the stitch. I do sew a lot of charity quilts and sometimes they give us the thick polyester blend to use. Do you think it's the batting causing the problem? I think the accu feed should be able to handle that regardless. The quilts are generally no more than crib size and the machine is in an appropriate table so there is very little drag.
I'd appreciate any hints.

When you say .... "I am not happy with the stitch."
please tell us what is it that you are not happy with!

My first thoughts, without knowing the answer, would be ...
When quilting your sample sandwich was it the same
... batting?
...... fabrics (top/bottom)
......... thread,
as used in the quilt?

BTW ... can understand your 6600 love. A few years back, I traded my 6600 in an upgrade, but of all the machines I have had, the 6600 is still my all time favourite!!

I agree, we need more information.

Is it skipping?

Yes Peckish and QuiltE you are correct-that is precisely my question.Thread and fabrics the same but I only get stitches I consider "good" with the thin batt. With the thick batt the stitches are uneven, sometimes a little loose. Just not as uniform as I would like. and I should think this machine should be able to handle the thicker batt given to me to use by the charitable organization. I get a beautiful stitch with the thin batt.

First of all, Nesie, have no fear, your 6600 it can handle the thicker batts!
It's an amazing machine.

Some thoughts ....

Because you are talking stitch quality issues, one of my first thoughts is the needle.
Try different types of needles as well as sizes.
One of my favourites for FMQing (and even regular stitch quilting) is an embroidery needle.
Sizes 12 and 14 are usually my go to's for starters.
Though others will say their go to's are different for both type and size!

If FMQing, you may need to adjust the foot to have a bit more ease of movement between the FMQ foot and the machine bed.

While you don't think the crib quilt would cause much drag, it can cause some.
So definitely something to consider, as to how you have it in position/draped while you quilt.

Both of the above are the first things that I would consider based on your description of the stitches.

Tension is something else that could need to be changed when switching from one batt to another.

Peckish will probably have some other ideas too!

Nesie, Let us know! Please?

Sometimes 'fluffy' batting shifts while quilting.

I know nothing about Janomes - but sometimes presser foot pressure needs to be adjusted so the material con move through better. I don't remember which way one should go - if your machine has this feature, it should be in the instruction book/manual.

Also - a longer stitch will help accommodate some of that fluff.

Try practicing with the thick batting - if you have any extra. It makes a difference.

I agree with Bear, try adjusting the presser foot pressure, test out on scraps WITH that thicker batting before committing to the quilt itself. Do you have a walking foot or pin feed? That will help with thicker fabrics, also.

Thanks guys! I will report back. A lot of appointments this week so Friday we are getting bad weather. Guess where I will be? In the sewing room testing out all of your suggestions. I’ll report back over the weekend.

Fabric shifts more with thick batting and some thick battings are uneven in thickness. I am assuming you are quilting with straight stitching using the feed dogs up as you refer to accu feed. I would make sure I have basted well, and yep, I would try a walking foot if I had one. That would help compress the batting as you stitch. Good luck. I find thick batting is different when I long arm too.