carol45

I'm free motion quilting a quilt sandwich using an 80/20 Superior Threads top stitch needle. It's going very smoothly except when I get to the slightly bulky corner seams where it skips stitches--it does this at almost every corner seam. Would you have any suggestions as to what I can do to prevent this? Do you think a larger needle would help?
I appreciate any suggestions you might have.

suern3

I'm no expert for sure, but my first thought is to slow down when getting into the bulky corner seams.

ManiacQuilter2

It is best to make sure that you don't have any bulky areas or try your best to avoid them. I agree with the quilter who said to maybe trying slowing down when you get to the bulky area. I use Mettler silk wrapped thread when I quilt with my Bernina 1530.

Tartan

The bulk can hold the needle up just long enough for the hook to miss the stitch. A larger needle might punch through faster.
I have done a hand fix for a few long stitches, not ideal but it works. I thread a needle with matching thread and couch over the thread on each side at the same length as the original stitching would have been. I then knot my thread and bury the ends. If you just have a few spot, it's do-able.

Wow I Like That

I have had it happen and I don't fret over it. I see it immediately when it happens and I just stitch back and go over it and then continue on my merry way. You don't notice it one bit once it is all said and done.

carol45

I do slow down almost completely, but it just doesn't pick up the bobbin thread. I'll try a bigger needle...are bigger needles longer?

sewwhat85

no you would not be able to use a longer needle

Prism99

What brand and model of sewing machine are you using? If the motor isn't strong enough, the problem with the needle punching fast enough shows up. A larger needle or a needle with a different type of tip can help. See this thread that recommends the Janome purple tip needle for this problem:
http://content.janome.com/fusetalk/f...&threadid=6485

Cari-in-Oly

Do you mean an 80/12 needle? You need to go up a size to a 14 for quilting. That should help with skipped stitches.

Cari

masufa

maybe try pressing your seams open so you don't have that bulk at the corners.