KenmoreGal2

I've made many quilts with fleece and minky backings. (No batting) 99% came out just fine. Yesterday I had a huge issue.

I used the same FMQ machine I always use, same thread, same needle. I got skipped stitches galore. I muddled through and finished. Then I re-did the bad skipped stitches but I'd like to avoid this mess in the future.

People have suggested I use a larger needle next time. I usually use a 14 sharp. I just tried a 16 sharp on a scrap of the same fleece and top fabric - no difference. There were still plenty of skipped stitches.

I also tested my machine with the old size 14 needle and thread on a regular quilt sandwich - no problems at all.

I believe my issues yesterday were related to the fleece I used.

So have any of you had difficulties with certain fleeces? How could I tell in advance? I like to repurpose fleece throws so I have so manufacturer information for the most part.

Thanks in advance!

sewbizgirl

You could try a topstitching needle. Those have bigger eyes which help with the skipped sts.

AnnieF

I've quilted a number of baby quilts using fleece as the backing without batting. I found that many times, it's not the needle but the thread that the fleece doesn't like. Change it up to a thicker thread.....I like 35 or 40wt....so the stitches lie on top of the fleece. Just a thought.

KenmoreGal2

Thanks for the replies so far.

Sewbizgirl - I'd never heard of a topstitch needle. I wonder why my regular sharp needle worked for the other fleece I've used? I'll have to look into this further.

AnnieF - I was using 40 wt thread already. It's the same thread I've used before. Would you try an even thicker thread? I swear it was something about that particular fleece.

Quilt30

I would use a needle made for knit fabric or stretch fabric and not the sharp

KenmoreGal2

I wondered about that Quilt30. Is there some difference in fleece types that allowed me to use a sharp on my previous fleece backs?

JT

Have you cleaned your machine recently? Sometimes with fleece and flannel your machine can get dust bunnies, which can make it skip a stitch.

KenmoreGal2

Thanks JT but yes, I had cleaned and oiled it within the past week or so. I checked again when I had the issues and it was still very clean.

I've played around with small quilt sandwiches since this post and the problem is definitely that fleece. A regular old sandwich with batting, a top and a bottom works fine.