bobbin tension

I am often asked questions pertaining to home frame quilting.  Here are a few  that I thought would be of interest to many.  Remember if you have a question, I will bet that many others have the same question!  You are not alone in your endeavors.  Just ASK!

Carol writes:

“ I am going to make zippers leaders for my grace pro frame. I have a Janome 1600 that I will be getting stretched from Rick at WOWquilts.It looks like my frame can be adjusted to fit the 9″ extra I will be getting on the new throat. My question is – If the normal length of the backing leader is 24″ – would I be adding 9″ more inches to that so it will fit my frame after the machine is stretched? Seems logical but I am not experienced enough to know what I don’t know yet. I am thinking I should add 9″ to the length of the take up, quilt top and backing leader to make up the difference of the new throat size.

Love your book. It is my “reference” book and I keep rereading it and suddenly realize “oh, now I know what she is saying.” My lightbulb is just not as bright as it used to be 🙂 Thanks Carol LI,NY”

I said…

“Hi Carol!  You shouldn’t have to change the size of your leaders.  The poles of your frame are not changing, just the machine.  Make sure the leader that is on the lowest pole comes all the way up to the machine.  Imagine a quilt attached to this leader, will the machine needle be able to quilt every inch of this quilt?  Usually the size of the leader can remain the same.   Let me know how it works out!  Sounds like a fun adventure getting your machine “stretched”.

Happy Quilting!”

　

Anne from Canada asks:

“Hi Wenda,
I feel that I should be paying you a consult fee!!
Yesterday, I started a quilt using your thread prescription and was very happy with the day it was stitching. I had tested everything on a small swatch using the same fabrics and had decided that my tension should be set at 3 and that seemed to be working fine.
Today, I went in to continue working and ….( I’ve changed nothing on my machine settings) sometimes I’m getting what resemble eyelashes going out from some of my stitches….( this is the best description I can come up with). It’s happening on the backing side of the quilt and seems to be happening when I am completing a loop……Any suggestions as to what the problem//solution might be?
Also, when I adjust my upper tension, I do it with the presser foot raised…is this accurate?
Many thanks for your patience with my endless…( or so it seems!) questions.
Kind Regards,
Anne “

(The thread Prescripton Anne is talking about is 1 Spool of King Tut, 1 Spool of Bottom Line , 1 Organ needle.  If you are having issues with tension, try this!  It seems to work for many!)

I answered:

“Hi Anne!  How are you?  I am glad I can help!  I have had that same problem!  It doesn’t make any sense but I do think that sometimes it is the weather!  But make the necessary adjustments.  Sounds like the tension on the bobbin is a bit tight.  Loosen it a bit and try again.  

Sometimes when moving in circles the bobbin moves too slowly and you receive the “eyelashes” you described.  Slow down when moving in circles.  I know it is hard to remember but talk out loud to yourself when you do. (It helps!)  

Yes, you are right… anytime you are adjusting the upper tension RAISE the presser foot.  Also make sure the thread in sitting properly between the tension plates.  

Happy Quilting!”