sewmom

I haven't read all the posts in this thread, sonforgive me if I'm repeating. Have you tried starching the backing before you start pinning? That way it would lay flatter. I know there are people on this board that do that. Good luck with your quilts.

Greenheron

Some machines will NOT cooperate. :thumbdown:

I see good advice from previous posters. My 2 cents worth would be (for your NEXT quilt): go back to some of the older machine quilting methods. Make blocks, rows or quarters; machine quilt and then assemble.

Schoolmarm

Thanks for all the advise. I am going to keep trying. I'll let you know what works! :)

donnalynett

Don't use straight pins! Use safety pins and please try the darning foot. I can't machine quilt without it.

purplecrna

I agree that you need to tape the backing to the floor or other hard surface, not the carpet. Use quilter's safety pins and pin about every 4 inches. After you have it pinned, flip it over to check for any wrinkles before you start quilting. You may need to re-pin. Test your quilting stitch first on a test 'quilt sandwich' which is just 2 pieces of fabric and batting similar to the quilt on which you will be quilting. You may need to adjust your tensions if the stitches are off. What type of batting are you using?
I do donation quilts and have done about 2000 for various organizations. You can spray baste and then wash the quilt after you have finished quilting. Be aware that a lot of the basting sprays are temporary and only last a day or two. If using a basting spray, try to use the non-toxic ones.
Make certain there is no drag on your quilt when quilting. You may need to 'toss' it over your shoulder to take any weight off or it can affect your stitches.
I do mainly free motion quilting, but have stitched in the ditch on some of the quilts. I also like to use the 3 step zig zag on the binding. If you are doing a quilt for preemies, check with the organization. Some hospitals do not want any batting used and want those quilts backed with flannel and minimal if any quilting- just around the edge. Preemies skins are very fragile.
A walking foot helps in 'stitching' in the ditch to keep the layers even, although I like meandering (free motion quilting).
Also, what type of thread are you using? I use a bobbin weight thread mainly. The needle is important also. Here is a tip on needles from Superior Threads:
for 60 wt., monofilament, and #100 threads: use a #70/10 Topstitch needle
- for 50 wt. threads (piecing wt. threads): use a #80/12 Topstitch needle
- for 40 wt. threads (quilting and embroidery): use a #90/14 Topstitch needle
- for 30 wt. and heavier threads: use a #100/16 Topstitch needle
Here is another tip from them regarding thread type when quilting. Quilting King Tut (cotton), So Fine #30, So Fine #50 (poly), Rainbows (high sheen variegated), OMNI, Silk, Highlights, Art Studio Colors, Nature Colors, Living Colors, MonoPoly, Poly Quilter, Lava
Of course these are their threads. Some threads don't always work on all machines. Thus, it is important to test first. I do use a titanium needle and have used a variety of threads. How old are your threads? They do deteriorate over time and especially if exposed to dust.
Hopefully this is not TMI.
Good Luck

josie bass

I machine quilt only. You have to pin it with safety pins and I mean pin. My last quilt I used 300 pins, it was double bed size.
You have to use a walking foot as well. Make sure when you pin it your pins go all the way through. Make sure that your have the wrong side smooth before you start. It sounds like your bobbin might need some attention . Your thread should be machine quilting thread. When you put it under the machine keep it smooth. This should help if you have anymore problems just let me know and I will be glad to try to help you. Good luck and keep on going don't stop!

JJat2

I am a newbie so I will just suggest what I have done and what works for me.
I have no table and I wouod never get up after being on the floor even for one quilt. I also am like the person that says the safty pins get in the way. Soooo. If you have a wall large enough put newpaper or some type of quard. then with a stool I am very short (I need 2 stools) put your backing up from your quilt to where all edges of your wall are protectd. You can use whatever works to keep the quilt up patinters tape ect. this way you can see if you backing is strait and you can smooth out aa you go down. Gravity at this poiont is your friend.
You said you didn't want to use spray. This only stays on until washed. If you are giveng it to children etc. washing is very necessary
Spraaying the adhesive from the top down. Fold the quilt so it unfolds as you go down also the batting should unfold the same way.
When you are done have another pair of hands to help and at that time if you can roll the quilt up at least one way. Or howerer you are going to put it into your sewing machine. Alway start in the middle of the quilt. I have found the spray to hole much better than pins. Make sure you're feet are down or covered if your machine doesn't have the ablitly to drop them.
Hope this helps
Julie

josie bass

This is my second reply-always change your needle after every quilt. The pinning with safety pins is the most important thing.
Josie

Gerbie

I use two or three tables pushed together at our fellowship hall at Church. I tape, but not so tight that it stretches the backing, then smooth the batting on, then safety pin the top. I try and find a friend to help, so there is one on each side or end of the quilt. I tried on the carpet but that didn't work for me. I found that when I am quilting I have to start in the center of the quilt and go so far out in all four directions, then finish out on one side, or end etc. I learned that I must start in the center years ago when I did a king size quilt and started on one end, had to take everything out. and start over - experience is a good but sometimes mean teacher. I have never sent my quilts out to be quilted. I don't do fancy quilting like feathers, etc, but do use stencils a lot, or stitch in the ditch. I only machine quilt.
I also wear gloves when quilting and try and keep the underside as well as the top as smooth as possible with my hands.If I can I often hold my left hand on the underside of the quilt, which helps keep it smooth, sometimes I can't do this on diff. parts of the quilt. I check the backside often, so I can get any puckers that might occur smoothed out before I get too far along on the quilt. Hope this helps, good luck.

Amythyst02

This is a wealth of info, thanks everyone that has offered suggestions. I am sure this will be of great help to many.