janedee

If you are not too worried about showing off the quilting on the back why not add a false backing - I have not done this myself but have heard of other people doing it, it would certainly save all that ripping out of the quilting.

ManiacQuilter2

I agree with Debra. If it was me, I would start taking the stitches out. You want it to be the best work you have done since this is a wedding present for your son. I quilt on my Bernina and you ALWAYS have to check when starting ANY quilt that everything is correct on the back especially when threads are changed.

thyme2quilt

I like the mirror idea. I'm usually on the floor, looking up at the bottom of my quilt with a flashlight checking the tension. With this quilt, I was using white thread on a light background - hard to see the stitches. Thus, the problem.

You all convinced me to start ripping. I was trying to avoid it but I'll feel better about it in the long run. Thanks for all the advice

Pam S

I bought a long mirror in a plastic frame meant for attaching to the back of a door and lay it on the bed of my LA. Then, with a flashlight, it's easy to check the tension on the back. Shine the light at the quilt back and look at the reflection in the mirror. Of course, if you're doing pantos you have to remove the mirror. It cost me less than $10 at a discount store.

selm

When you rip don't rip every stitch, break a top stitch every 5-6 stitches. Go along 12-24 inches this way then pull the bobbin thread and they will all come out. Then you can use a lint roller to get all the little thread pieces after you are all done. 5-6 stitches isn't much better than doing each stitch but it sure makes it go faster. It will still be time consuming though.
Good luck with it.

TexasSunshine

I agree with several of the other comments, you have to check frequently as you are quilting to see what is happening on the back of the quilt. Either with a mirror or feeling the stitching. I use a flashlight to check. Check particularly at the beginning of the row, when changing the bobbin or rethreading the machine. It is better to find the mistake after only a small area of stitching then the whole thing.

newbee3

I had to do that rip out but i was glad i did it the next time i quilted it looks great.

JustAbitCrazy

To look at the back, I use a large hand held mirror with a small flashlight duct taped overtop the handle. Turn on the light and aim it at the area you want to see, and look at the reflection in the mirror. Sometimes I'll temporarily raise up the pick up roller to see better if the area I want to see is closer to the belly bar (front).

JustAbitCrazy

I forgot to say that I put a cardboard wedge underneath the bottom part of the flashlight before taping it onto the mirror handle. That way it is tipped towards the mirror surface, and shines there. The mirror then reflects the light exactly onto the back of the quilt where you want to see.

QuiltingByFiona

I think you made the right decision. Best of luck!