Muv

Glad to see this topic. I've recently done my first ever free motion quilting, using my 15K treadle. The feed dogs don't drop, so I set the stitch length to zero, then there is no need to cover them. I use a hopping foot. I'm very impressed with Vintagemotif's technical info on needles and thread. I'm far more slapdash. If the needle isn't blunt, I use it. If it's blunt, I chuck it in the tin with all the others. Then when I get a needle out I haven't a clue whether it's blunt or sharp so I have to jab one into my fingertip to find out. The louder the yelp the sharper the needle.

I have some pics of a doll quilt I have done with FMQ but I can't show you yet because it is in the post to my partner.....

ADKSusie

VickyS Thanks for the tips. My thread is all new thread. I usually use a 14 needle and I just bought these. That's not to say that I can't have a bad new needle. I will switch it out again. I try to keep the speed of my machine about the same as when I sew regularly. It seems happier at that speed. LOL! I can relate to the wanting to scream days! I just have to step away from it for a while. I will definitely keep practicing and if I ever master it so I can finish my wallhanging, I will post it. Sue

tropit

I'm almost done FMQing my first, full-sized quilt on a vintage Singer 403A. It's been a total headache for me. Some of the stitching looks OK, some looks terrible. I can't tell you how many feet of stitching I've had to tear out. I've watched Leah's videos and at this point, I think I've had a good amount of practicing, but I still have, "bad stitching sessions." I'm with Sue, if you have any more tips, please share.

vintagemotif

Practice, practice and practice!!!
Start with a small size 25x25 inch and increase from there.
If quilt is hanging off the table or cabinet, then it will pull on fabric which will cause issues.
Spray basting will cause skipped stitching. Has happen to me on Janome TB30 as well as my Singer 15-90.
I do NOT use spray basting now because of that-plus bad for your lungs.
Re-read Leah Day's tips.
Read Diane Gaudynski "Guide to Machine Quilting".
Adjust your tension dial to make the stitching look nice and pretty.
Keep bobbin area clean of threads and lint.
Play with speed of machine while moving fabric in straight line and curves; take note of where issues occur and make adjustment by either speeding up or slowing down.
RE Watch Leah Day's tutorials.
Practice, Practice, and Practice!!

vintagemotif

Your Singer 403a is a class 66 machine, which means it has the drop in bobbin.
As I stated, the better machine to FMQ with are the class 15s.
Singer 15-89, 15-90, 15-91
Necchi Supernova or Necchi Bu

So, If you can find another machine that is a class 15 for a steal-get it!

Muv

Vintagemotif is right, Singer 15s are great fun. Here is the first FMQ I have done on a quilt, and I used my 15K treadle. I did the first try out on a Friday, did three big practice pieces over the weekend, each big enough to cut up to make six potholders, then did the first little quilt on the Tuesday.

FMQ on a treadle is hot work - you really have to keep the speed up!

deedum

I have a 15 that is all I do with it, FM! I love it! So much so, all this talk makes me want to buy another one! Which will be my third 15 when I find it! I am so excited! My second one I piece with, and my newer machines, eh....are my spares!

irishrose

My Singer 301 does a great job as long as I don't fill the bobbin too full. I use a Singer size 11 needle, feeddogs either up or down, a hopping foot, gloves and a piece of plastic. If I fill the bobbin past 2/3 full, then the thread jumps out. It doesn't with piecing but does with FMQ. She didn't like a Schmretz needle to FMQ the first time I tried, so I just keep Singers for her. It is another machine with a vertical bobbin. Sometimes I have to adjust the tension slightly for a really fine rayon embroidery thread, but rarely. I haven't tried with the 15 yet.

Muv, your FMQ looks good. You have my admiration using a treadle.

ro

so excuse my ingnorance as i am new to featherweights having gotten one in a garge sale for $25. right now it is being cleaned. can you please tell me who is leah day and where are her videos. a gentlemen at the quilt show told me to just put the machine on zero and i dont have to worry about the plate. is that correct. thank you for your help

vintagemotif

I know some say that they use their FW for FMQ, but I wouldn't since the harp space is so small. I'm not saying it can't be done. FMQ can be done in small sections or blocks as a quilt as your go method, which could be done on a FW-just that I wouldn't because of the harp space.
Here is the link to Leah Day:http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.c...tart-here.html

Congrats on your $25 FW! That's a very nice find!