BellaBoo

I have this machine and had a terrible time getting it to fmq. I now love it! I only thread the first hole in the bar. I turn the pressure knob to be low pressure and I set the upper tension to 0 and turn it up 1/2 at a time until the stitch looks good. I set the stitch length dial to 3 1/2. Feed dogs down which means switching the pin feed dial. I use the pin feed setting for all seaming and machine quilting but not for FMQ.

BellaBoo

My machine has a thread guide where you have your paper clip. I'll take a picture and post it. I got my machine in 2005.

Fabriholic

Kiffie2413 - I hope you're up and running with your Brother. My only machine is a Brother that I got about 6 or 7 years ago. If there's ever a problem it's the tension. And after I've messed with it for as long as I can stand, we both go to the repairman.

njcjd - Thanks for the visual post with the paper clip. I just knew they had other uses!

njcjd

I bought my machine in 2001. I'm glad to know they have added that thread guide. Maybe they should have put out a recall like the car manufacturers do.

I'll try putting the thread through less holes on that 3 hole bar. Claudia

BellaBoo

Sorry my mistake, my guide looks the same but the thread is accurately directed to the needle's left side.

I took a close up. Wow, I need to dust my foot. LOL. I've been sewing flannel.

Stitchnripper

I know this is an old thread but it popped up when I did a search. I looked at Leah Day's site and she recommends using Isacord 40 wt polyester in the top and also bobbin. She has a great explanation of how polyester threads today are different than the older ones. I tried it and it has been smooth sailing all afternoon. Beautiful stitch top and bottom. I am using a microtex 90 needle.