MommaDorian

Here is an update. I made a sample block this time, rather than just working on a plain piece of fabric. Any better?

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MartiMorga

same thing is happening with me, usually when I am doing a curve, and I am sure it is because I am going too fast. Of course mine is all still in practice mode.

kathymarie

When the thread lays straight like that on the bottom means that the tension is too tight. Most of the time you never want to "mess" with bobbin tension but if it's too tight on the bottom that means it's too loose on top-----so you tighten you top tension. Conversely, if the thread "lays" on top then loosen the top tension since it's too tight.

homecaregiver

I am going to teach myself to FMQ so I can do my own quilting so all of these tips will surely help me out.
Thanks to everyone that responded even though I did not ask the question. The members on this quilt board are so generous with their help on most anything that is asked. Thanks everyone.
Pat

pumpkinpatchquilter

I try to remember it this way -

Poor tension on the TOP it's the BOTTOM that's the problem. (Loosen top tension to match the BOTTOM)

Poor tension on the BOTTOM it's the TOP that's the problem. (Tighten top tension to match TOP)

- most tension issues can be resolved from tightening or loosening the top alone.

Edited to add: Your update pictures look great!! Here's a tip - practice pebbling. It doesn't have to look perfect, don't be afraid to make something ugly. It's the motions you want to practice...to achieve a little muscle memory...and pebbling I find is the fastest way to gain control of your quilt sandwich...allowing you to create more detailed work the next time you quilt.

KittyKate

When I first started to FMQ I had so many tension problems I nearly gave up.
I wish I had this site back then.
What I did to stop those eyelashes was to
Buy a second bobbin case that I marked with nail polish that I could adjust and play with.
I found using a straight stitch foot plate helped.
Using the correct thread and needle combination also improved things.
(I still only use the threads my machines like and there was a lots of trial and error here and note taking of what worked and what didn't.)
Made sure the bobbin was wound and inserted correctly.
Cleaned and oiled the machine often.
More recently thanks to Leah Day I use a bobbin geni and supreme slider.
Then practice practice practice!!!
A test run always before I work on a quilt just to be sure.....
because you never know.....