Prism99

Not sure I understand. Do you mean the Jamie Wallen video? Because it doesn't use magna bobbins. When I tested my bobbin case after watching the video, I could *not* get it as loose as he gets his; the screw in the bobbin case fell out first! Also, I think when I tested I started with the bobbin case in my hand with the bobbin facing up; that way the bobbin does not have a chance to fall out during testing. The bobbin case does need to stand on end while doing the test. It's been awhile since I have watched the video (haven't needed it since I adjusted with the video), so maybe I am missing something.

I love the Glide magna bobbins too, but I also have no problem winding my own bobbins with Glide and using them (except I had to rig a better way to feed the thread to my bobbin winder).

My rig (Voyager 17) does not have a stitch regulator, and I have noticed that if I vary my speed the tension is not as good on large stitches; however, it's just a matter of me regulating my speed to be more constant, which is not a big issue for me.

I have read that several people have needed to replace their upper tension spring, which is not a huge problem but does require taking apart the upper tension in order to replace the spring. It's that wire spring that the thread goes through after the tension discs. The wire can lose its "spring" (no pun intended!) with age and use.

Prism99

What setup do you have? What has helped me a *lot* is joining a group for my particular setup. Members who have encountered and solved problems have given very helpful tips.

ube quilting

Every once in a while I do a reset on my Nolting. There is a guide to follow that resets the timing.

Also is the needle in straight? and deep enough? Double check this.

I really feel your pain. There is no absolute solution, just trial & error. In my case it is mostly error.
peace

hopetoquilt

I don't have a LA but... my suggestion is also to keep a notebook/binder with list of thread types and batting types and fabric types and how you have adjusted tension for each item. Good reference for ending some frustration.

Machines confuse me a lot. When I use my walking foot on my DSM, I don't change the tension but when I FMQ on the same quilt, the tension needs significant adjustment. Go figure.

Also, take a break from it before you become too frustrated. Good luck

AudreyB

I feel your pain. I have had tension problems on my longarm and it is very frustrating. Once I started using the TOWA my problems almost disappeared. I highly recommend using one. I wind my bobbin as tightly as possible and set the tension at 200 (other machines may want a different number, but that is what works for me). I then adjust the top tension until I get a good stitch. The TOWA saved my sanity.

sandy l

What is a TOWA?

feline fanatic

It is a fairly expensive guage that gives you a numerical reading for what your tension is. They make them for bobbins and for top tension. Primarily used in LA machines

http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/...tension-gauge/

mighty

I have the towa but have not used it much.

#1piecemaker

My machine just does not like cotton thread. She is a prissy. She only likes the Glide. I put some on, made a couple of minor adjustments and she is quilting like a dream. Go figure! My dealer says she will buy all of my cotton thread back because that is what her machine likes. I was sure glad about that. No need to have it here if I can't use it. Now, what to do with some of my other "I don't ever use things". Thank you all for all the suggestions. I watched the videos and they didn't really help me cause I don't have the magna bobbins. Couldn't keep my bobbin in long enough to do the test. I guess what works for one doesn't always work for the other. I would have to buy a tempermental machine.

Tashana

On occasion I battled the tension on my LA and it all stopped after I watched the video called TNT (threads, needles, and tension) by Handi Quilter. You can find it on their web page or on the YouTube. It became my mantra, and my go to guide. Good luck!