dgmoby

Batiks are simply known to be difficult at times, depending upon the fabric, regardless of machine brand. It's just such a dense fabric. I don't tend to have as much problem, but I think I run my tensions (quilt and thread) pretty loose and don't hesitate to use Sewers Aide if I'm having any sort of problem.

Again, I'd recommend joinging the HQ16 Yahoo Group, if you haven't already. Great place for help from hundreds of HQ owners.

Debbie in Austin

dgmoby

The Towa allows you find a number associated with 'perfect tension' on your particular machine. Once you have it, you can easily and quickly adjust every single new bobbin to that same number, pop it in and go. Easy peasy :) No playing around or wondering if the tension is the issue or playing righty-tighty, lefty-loosey games. Just pull the thread, read the number, turn the screw to adjust to your correct number, and pop it in and quilt. Perfect everytime, regardless of thread, thread weight, thread content, fabric, etc.

I love mine.
Debbie in Austin

candlequilter

How do you know what the "perfect tension" is for your particular machine?
Thanks,
Sherryl

ckcowl

i totally agree with dgmoby above about the batik's i have an HQ 16 also and i sew with batik's all the time...a NEW needle the right size for your thread is definitly necessary. if you hear 'popping' when stitching on them your needle point is gone, you need a sharp needle, and i have found if i slow down a bit that helps. batiks are such wonderful fabrics i would hate for you to not use them because of this, takes a little practice to figure out the best speed/thread/needle/tension combinations but once you figure it out, it's well worth it.

cjtinkle

The Towa gauge is great, but have you tried the Magna Glide bobbins by Filtech? They are fantastic!
www.bobbincentral.com

misoop

Debbie in Austin.....I have done all that you mentioned. However, I might have had my quilt tension too tight...that's a possibility. I will probably get the Towa and the Sewers Aid...I haven't heard about this product. I did join the HQ group on Yahoo, early on getting my machine. I posted my question..only got a couple of replies, but they have always been most helpful with things I've questioned or had issues with.

paloma

i made a whole quilt with batiks and quilted it on my tin l adjusted tennsions no problems

dgmoby

I did try these, but found out they aren't needed if the bobbin is adjusted correctly. So, now I have a package that sites unused. I just make sure my bobbin backlash screw is adjusted correctly, and it takes care of everything. No backlash at all. I think these are one of those things sold that work if you don't know how to adjust the bobbin correctly, but no one really needs it - just learn about adjustments. At least that's what I found out works for me.

(The backlash screw is located on the FRONT of the bobbin case and is even tinier than the tension screw. Adjust it and test every turn - about 2 minutes worth, until your bobbin rides just right. Test using letters O, T, M, and S - if all look good, your set.)

Debbie in Austin

dgmoby

Do try the Sewer's Aide. I use it so much that I keep an extra full bottle always. It's simply a life saver. I use it regardless of thread type and fabric - it's usually one of the first things I try becuase it works so well.

On the HQ list, if you didn't get a response, sometimes things are simply overlooked, or people get busy like on many lists, but it's an extremely helpful list. You can alwasy repost stating you're still looking for help - I would. Also, follow up with any additional comments, such as 'That didn't work for me'? Otherwise, folks may think whatever was suggested did work and all is well. Anyway, it's just a thought. The list is ever so helpful for me, and especially when I first got my machine...now I'm one of the oldies :) In addition, you can always call HQ as well - goodness knows they are the most helpful bunch :)

Sometimes to fix a machine/locate a problem, requires much patience and a bunch of trial and error testing. There are sometimes just no quick magic fixes, and you have to keep working on it. I know I spent many months in intensive investigation EVERY time I had a tension issue, in order to learn the details about tensions. I now know more than some of the HQ folks and my rep, which is surpising, but I did study it hard. I do demand this expensive machine allow me to quilt the way it should, using 2 colors/weights of thread regardless of fabric, etc. with perfect stitches everytime, etc. It took a lot to learn the 'secrets' for my machine, but I did, through trail and error. (For example, I've never seen anywhere any discussion on how to adjust the bobbin case for backlashing, and I disovered it by accident, and folks were amazed it existed, me too! I was told it was a 'trade secret'...but not anymore - I tell everyone who needs it!) So don't give up, keep trying, and keep asking. You'll find the answer!

Hope you get the issue resolved,
Debbie in Austin (who is apparently WAY too wordy!)

dgmoby

You can start with a number or two that works for others with your type of machine. Then keep adjusting until you get good tension. When that happens, put it in the Towa and record the number and thread type. I keep a list on my wall because I have a brain tumor thus a terrible memory. Then with all new bobbins, I shoot for that number.

I have found, that with some specific thread combinations, top and bobbin, when I hit that number the tension is still just a tad off, so I'll adjust the bobbin, test again, and when it gets perfect, I record that new number below the first one, along with the top and bobbin thread info (brand & weight) and the batting info. This way, the next time I work with this combo, I know right off the bat that the 'adjusted' number works better for it than my original number. This simply happens once in awhile for specific combos, but even so, you're already starting almost right on the money and it only requires a tad of a tweak to get it perfect.

Hope this helps - but if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Debbie in Austin