Tension problem I think?
 

I have been trying to quilt using my old Singer 201, 301 and 15-91. I have the proper walking foot for these machines but when I get ready to quilt it seems like after sewing a block or so the walking begins to push the top layer forward and eventually causes a pucker in the line of quilting. This also causes the lines in the top to be skewed somewhat. When I turn the quilt over it seems like the stitch on the back of the quilt is kind of gathered like. I don't know if this is a tension problem in the bobbin or not. The stitches are perfect so I hesitate to bother the tensions. I have included a picture of this problem along with a picture of where I have the top pressure bar set. I really want to be able to quilt on these machines but I can't seem to find out what the problem is so I can correct it.

Elaine and I conspired ...... 'er conferred about this.

First the bottom puckering is caused by the top thread tension being too loose. I'd also suggest opening up the stitch length a bit.

The walking foot tension may be too tight. Rather than pulling the fabric through in sync with the feed dogs it's pushing it ahead of itself.
There is also a possibility the quilt sandwich is too thick for the distance between the walking foot and bed.

Another thing to do, ( I've done this on my quilted treadle cover ) is to keep the material gently taught with your fingers as it's feeding through the machine.

Joe

Is the walking foot tension the top thread tension. I am using WN for my batting so I wouldn't think it would be too thick. I really haven't adjusted the thread tension because the stitches are so good and I don't want to mess that up. I guess I really need to know what the walking foot tension is

No the presser foot tension and top thread tension is too different things.

Puckering on the top or bottom is a sign of thread tension problems. The stitches can look good, but if it puckers or curls there's an imbalance.

The walking foot tension is adjusted by the presser foot tension adjuster that you showed in the third picture.

Joe

There were lots of good suggestions on the thread you started previously about this. http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...ml#post5910933