Long arm quilting question
 

Hello everyone,
Looking for some help with a longarm issue - whenever I load a quilt, I baste a line along the batting/backing using the channel locks (so it's straight). Then I pin the top to this line and baste it so it's straight.
When I quilt I always float the top, and use a centering tape to ensure it stays straight. I use a computerized program to quilt a pantograph.
The issue - the bottom edge of the top always has more of the pantograph on the right bottom edge than on the left when I finish. The quilt is somehow shifting I believe but I'm not sure what to do about it. This happens no matter what quilt/backing I am doing so I believe it must be something to do with the frame?
Obviously, something is wrong but I can't figure out what. We have checked that the take up bars are level, that the machine is square on the trolley, the leaders are straight....We've run out of ideas of how to solve this issue...

Any ideas welcome!

Have you called the dealer?

I was floating my quilts also had the same problem so tried pinning the bottom of the quilt to roller and I was impressed with it once it is pinned top and bottom as advance quilt it stays where it is supposed to be.

I agree with newbee3, I also used to float my tops only to have them awkward when I get to the bottom so now I baste as well as attach it to the bottom bar.

I float my quilts but I also baste my quilts down the sides as I progress. I use a measuring tape to keep the center as well as each edge of the quilt in line. I use QCT software produced by the Grace Company. Their representatives have mentioned that a quilter gets better positioning using the four point locating rather than the one point. I don't know if this information is helpful for you, but it works for me. Good luck.

It might be helpful to watch some you-tube videos of Susan Smith (Stitches by Susan). She floats her quilt top, but she secures it in place on the belly bar with strong magnets so that the top cannot shift when she quilts.

I float my tops and have done this for 12 years. I have used a longarm measuring tape all this time to ensure the sides of the quilt stay where they should be and when I do this, if the quilt at the bottom is uneven then I know it was the quiltmaker's sewing and not me. You can see the pink measuring tape in this photo...

https://blogger.googleusercontent.co...70681436_n.jpg

The side the roller gears are on always seems to want to roll tighter than the far end, l've found...the longer the bars, the more this is evident. When l float, l left and floof the quilt top only with each advance, then smoothe out and baste sides from belly bar to where my previous basting begins. Next, l use clips on the belly bar, then attach side leads. If the backing is thick ( flannel, etc., l mount that on lower bar ( meant for the top) so the clips can secure the belly bar nicely. I keep a water bottle handy for easing fullness on any problem areas ( you should never try stretching what's next to a poufy area). Sometimes the can of starch comes out too, if need be. I'm a volunteer quilter for QOV, and have all types of skill levels sending me tops. I always get them off the frame squared/ even.

No Dealer, they went out of business shortly after I bought from them...

The quilt is staying where it's supposed to be as I have the centering tape aligning it, and I pin the edges to ensure it stays there when I quilt that pass. (I might have forgotten to put this in the original post).. Thanks for trying to help..