When you purchase fabric, it will always arrive feeling slightly stiff … On my machine, I reduce by 2 for monofilament and then Quality machine quilting threads are made with longer staple cotton. That being said, I have had two cheap (-$300) sewing machines and I could never get a perfect quilting stitch tension on them. When you reach the opposite end of the quilt, stitch off the edge of your quilt top and cut your threads. Adjust your It's not worth your time. Thicker threads or natural fibers tug harder on the needle, making it flex as you quilt. Be adventurous! Consequently, turn the tension dial to the left, lefty-loosey, so that the blue indicator line is between 1 and 2 on the dial. While tension is certainly affected by your machine’s tension settings, other factors in your quilt may also impact it. If you’ve tried adjusting the top and bobbin tension and still aren’t seeing the results you want, it’s time to look at these additional factors as possible culprits. Make free motion quilting easy and fun with JUKI's new Grip & Stitch™ quilting disks! “Pokies” on the quilt back (little loops of top thread that are pulled to the quilt back) “Flat-lining” or “railroad tracks” on the quilt back (the bobbin thread looks like it is simply laying on the quilt back and is not forming proper stitches) SPECIAL NOTE: Tension issues are rarely fixed by … Top tension adjustment on domestic sewing machines is accomplished by changing a dial or computer setting in small increments. You won't know for sure which action caused the change you see Use a larger needle with coarse cotton thread or strong polyester thread. Below is a question and corresponding answer from an exchange we had with a customer recently. However, the bobbin case is much more sensitive to changes. Therefore, be willing to adjust it more than you may think. Test another seam. Unwind several yards of thread off Compensate for the difference by tightening your top tension first. pulled to the backing by the bobbin thread. However, my longarm uses an industrial tensioner, so I turn the knob at least a half-turn when adjusting the top tension to see results. stitches Check- if it isn’t right move the tension up again and sew on the quilt sandwich. Good monofilament feels like hair, not fishing line, and is marked ‘.004’. Sometimes it is not tension at all. This thread has a glaze on it that isn't good (Here, we … Try a larger needle. It creates less lint in your sewing machine. Some things you can easily change (such as increasing your needle size) while you may be stuck with others (such as fabric type). (like metallic, rayon, hologram, etc.) If you want to keep your quilt at the proper tension, buy the Flynn Multi-Frame Quilting System. Those dreaded loops on the back of your quilt that seem to happen only when you start free motion quilting! Quilting the Quilt: Stop stressing over tension, SecureTrust Trusted Commerce - Click to Validate. my quilt features 8” finished blocks so I … Threading the Machine Handi Quilter recommends that you select and use only high-quality threads for your quilts. If you choose monofilament thread, I recommend either YLI or Sew Art brands which are made of nylon. If your machine is a push button, increasing The general adjustments to the needle tension are: If your bobbin thread shows on the quilt top, loosen your tension. thread do what you want it to do. leftovers...same thread, fabric, batting and backing. If your needle thread shows on the backing, tighten the It's easy to learn how to do stitch in the ditch quilting, a technique that places stitches within a seam or a hair's width away from the seams that separate the seams used in quilt blocks and when the blocks are sewn together. You can feel the stretch. 1 issue machine quilters struggle to correct. Try Stitch for about 30 seconds. really true? Be prepared to change plans. © 2016-2020 APQS. If you quilt at breakneck speeds, your needle is dancing wildly. Join the NSC community to access a huge library of instructional quilting videos: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/join/. Any of these laments sound familiar? top and no needle thread showing on the backing. The smaller your design is, the shorter your quilting stitches should be. Note: For free motion quilting, the stitch length may be set to zero, and the feed dogs dropped. The needle thread is too loose and is being Machine quilting threads are available in every color, size and texture imaginable! If the bobbin needs a little more pull, lower the needle thread's tension setting. For straight stitching, it is advised to set your machine's stitch length to 2.5 to 3.0 or about 8-12 stitches per inch. thread is concerned, I do have a few. another for the bobbin, or a heavier or lighter weight thread, Conversely, to hide the shine or sparkle, shorten your stitch length. Learning to loosen the top tension dial will solve the problem. understanding thread tension. If you experience skipped stitches or feel that your stitch quality is suffering even when your tension is set properly, try replacing your needle. Bobbin tension adjustments may be needed if you are using a particularly The length of the stitching is determined by moving the fabric under the needle by hand. It takes quite a few turns of the dial to move between the numbers. All rights reserved. To learn more or change your cookie settings, please read our cookie policy. The Elna company manufactures and distributes lightweight sewing machines in over 60 countries. Every time I begin quilting for the day, I break thread and pull the machine to the side. Return to the starting end of the quilt for your next row. Solution: Turn the top tension dial clockwise to tighten the top tension. With the darning foot on, try stitching. the tension number increases the tension. To maintain that balance of power, the formula is really quite simple—take away power from the side that is winning, and/or give more power to the losing side! Regardless of whether you are quilting on a Q-Series or domestic, remember to check your bobbin tension before you begin by putting a scrap of fabric on the batting along the edges of the quilt and running some test stitches. spools! off in the opposite direction. If it isn’t right move up the tension just a little and try again. Check the thread is correctly threaded through the tension disc and increase the tension. Click here to check out a cost comparison I did for another quilter. The light has no place to reflect off. The needle tension is too tight and is pulling the bobbin thread to the top. Turn it a bit to the left then do a bit of stitching to see how the adjustment is playing out. It is this depression that makes any quilting stitch beautiful. Sewing and quilting machines form stitches the same way. The best thing to do is build a habit for checking your tension often. Use the correct needle size for your thread type. Did you break out a new one for this project, or is this … Unequal thread tension in the top and bottom stitches can cause the material to pucker. It is easier to fine tune the tension this way. Then I switched all my sewing to solely vintage machines and I have never had that problem since. The formula is this: 25.4 divided by the metric length of the stitch such as 2.5 equals the number of stitches per inch. choices for a quilt for this very reason. Sometimes you just can’t make a one step. The first critical step in solving it is getting over the fear of actually changing the top or bobbin case tension. The industrial simple disk tensioner squeezes the thread between the disks, which makes it easier to use lots of different thread types. You will need to make few, if any, tension adjustments. it. Poor tension is the No. Get a New Needle. 2mm is the short stitch length that should be used for lightweight fabrics, for satin stitching, and decorative stitching. Note the angle of the slot on the screw and compare it to the hands on a clock. Experiment! Move the dial clockwise – This will increase tension. What’s a quilter to do? Don't use thread labeled ‘Hand Quilting’ for Virtually all of the tension adjustments you'll make as a Pay attention to the points and tighten your top tension by turning the tension knob to the right until you can see the bobbin thread peeping its head up to the top side of your quilt sandwich. Prepare Your Fabric Properly. If your needle thread shows on the backing, tighten the needle tension. These are excellent quality threads and a nice weight for your first quilting projects. It is very important to use the correct needle when machine quilting with decorative threads. Free Motion Quilting for beginners. 2.5 - 3mm is the average stitch length range that should be used for medium weight fabrics. How old is your needle? I’m not going to go into a big in depth discussion on thread tension, … beginning quilter are made with the needle tension dial or control. But remember, if adjusting the top or bobbin tension doesn’t work, look at those other factors to see what you can adapt for the best possible outcome: Calling all quilters: Now is our time to help our communities! Good thread just For threads with sparkle or shine, use a longer stitch length. Move the dial anticlockwise – This will decrease tension. Balanced tension should be tight enough to snugly hold the quilt layers together to form a depression on the quilting motifs. Monofilament stretches when you pull on it. About the time I learned to slow my sprint to a walk, I also learned how … fine tune on a practice sandwich. Quilt pattern: Square peg in a round hole [Free download]. Many of these sewing machines are multifunctional, providing basic and heirloom stitching capabilities, as well as embroidery and quilting. "Couching" secures fibers to the surface of the quilt that would not normally fit through the needle's eye. tension. A perfectly formed stitch has no bobbin thread showing on the quilt Reply. the layers of the quilt. As we approach our nation’s birthday you may be inspired to make a patriotic quilt - here are some quilting design ideas that you can incorporate. heavy or ultra fine machine quilting thread. adjustments to the tension are necessary. It is crucial to test your machine quilting thread Make sure that you choose the The recommended stitch length for machine quilting is 2.5 to 3.0 which is basically 8 – 12 stitches per inch. Turning your tension dial to the right tightens the tension. Coming up is a list of the some of the types of quilting stitches used by quilters around the world. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. when the same thread is used both needle and bobbin. Quilt in the Same Direction. When you pick up the bobbin case by the bobbin thread tail, sometimes the bobbin thread will peel out, and other times the bobbin case may hang in your hand like a dead mouse—yet still produce good tension! If your machine quilting thread has a shine, sparkle or luster to it Test your thread choices. Once you begin using a one machine quilting thread for the needle and Tightly woven fabric makes your quilting needle work harder to pierce it, which increases needle flex. LOOPS! something else. The thread must stay in the long groove down the front of the needle, and the needle eye must be large enough for the thread to easily pass through. That then leads to tension problems. isn’t that expensive when you compare per yard costs. Turning Since the top tension is easier to access, it’s simpler to adjust that first. However, you may need to also adjust the bobbin tension to achieve a balanced quilting stitch. They're made from short-staple fibers that will lint up your sewing machine. Start quilting. But pretest everything before using it in your quilt. If you’re making a ½-inch circle with stitches set at 8 per inch, your circle will look like a stop sign, and the tension will definitely pull around the edges! Make a small adjustment to the tension, then test. threads are found in your local quilt store. This post contains affiliate links for which I receive compensation. Do not change your needle AND change your tension in looks, especially around curves. Flip the spool so that the thread is flowing Keep on loosening the tension dial and checking the stitching until you have the perfect stitch. Then change it only “5 minutes” at a time, testing your tension between changes. Slow down and you’ll be surprised at how much better your tension Sometimes you just can't get Machine quilting a patriotic quilt - design ideas. Some machines seem to be allergic to certain threads. In the beginning you'll want to keep your choices simple. I resigned myself to thinking it wasn't possible on a domestic sewing machine. It is sold an Mono-poly by Superior Threads. This handy chart will help you remember what tension adjustment to make on your machine for common tension problems. whether or not I’ve used it before in another quilt. Moving too fast is a common cause for eyelashes! Many times one thread will be used in If you are have rethreaded your machine, put a new needle in, reduced your … use a longer stitch. If your bobbin thread shows on the quilt top, loosen your That makes it a moving target as your machine tries to form a lock stitch, pulling it out of alignment. It’s worth the time to get it right–you want the beauty of your thread to show. I do know that sometimes I come across a thread that I just can't bend to my will. On a longarm, stitches form best when moving the machine to the right (when viewed from the needle) or when pulling the machine toward you. Copyright © 2008-2020 Generation Quilt Patterns, LLC, Click here for wide quilt backing yardage, Click here for Kona Solids Yardage by Moda, Click here to check out a cost comparison I did for another quilter, Use Your Domestic Sewing Machine for Quilting. Try a different batting. For more information about about adjusting tension, go to Understanding Sewing Machine Tension. Remember to make just one change at a time so you know what made the difference. Try anything! Madeira and Sulky also make them. But we use our left, loosens the tension. a different brand or color. To thread the machine 1. Once you can see the bobbin peep its head up to the topside, loosen your top tension by turning the tension knob to the left until the bobbin drops down into the layers of the batting. This quilt was originally inspired by a family member who decided to step outside of her comfort zone and head off into the world to do what her heart told her to do. for your sewing machine. Take a look at the back. It is a 3-roll quilt frame with your sewing machine for no-baste free motion quilting. Try Thin, flimsy batting doesn’t leave much “middle” for your threads to lock between the quilt top and backing. The smaller your design is, the shorter your quilting stitches should be. Each pack comes with two different sized disks that provide outstanding support. Loose upper thread tension can cause uneven stitching. Try For the purposes of Beginning Quilting 101 use quality 50 wt, 100% cotton threads like Aurifil on the orange cone or Superior Threads' Masterpiece. inches. But with APQS Dealer Michelle Harris’s “Seaglass Mosaic” quilt pattern, you won’t have to comb the beaches for your booty! You may also want to try polyester monfilament. I place a small 2 inch precut square on the batting area of the quilt and stitch out a few simple wiggly U … The average machine quilting stitch length chosen is between 10 and 11 stitches per inch. ‘sewing’ machines for quilting. tension. doesn't have to be neat, just big enough to stitch on for several Place thread cone onto spool post on the thread tray, … The general adjustments to the needle tension are: Remember the words, “Righty tighty, lefty loosey’. What's a beginning quilter to do? Use a smaller needle to penetrate the fabric better, but not too small for the thread type you’re using. Quality thread just isn't that much more expensive. It takes decades of ocean churning to polish sea glass and wash it ashore. the effect you want. If it is still too tight, loosen it a bit more and try stitching again. If you can have only one  in your library...this is it! This simple stitching method involves inserting the needle through the front of the fabric and then catching a tiny piece of the back of the fabric. Once you train your eye to look for it, you’ll know that perfect stitch length. Increase your needle size with these threads. They're what I use. Beginning Quilting 101: Quilting Instructions for the Beginner. A sewing machine is designed to create nice even Make a straight stitching line – see if the bobbin thread is showing up on top or top thread is showing under the fabric. The longer Though it’s normally weaker thread, cotton thread tugs on the needle harder, affecting its performance. Change your needle. Refer to your manual to adjust the tension on your machine. And despite all your best efforts, you’ll still occasionally face that “perfect storm” quilt where, despite your valiant efforts, the tension isn’t quite perfect. Use batting with a little loft for greater success. stitch creates a longer surface for the light to reflect off. thread or metallic thread just doesn’t work in their machine. Adjust the tension as needed if the stitches are coming through either side. Admonishments of “never touch the tension” from a home ec teacher might still sting your ears, but it’s time to silence that inner voice and put on a brave “I can do this” attitude! Dawn Cavanaugh is Customer Service & Education Director at APQS. If you’re making a ½-inch circle with stitches set at 8 per inch, your circle will look like a stop sign, and the tension will definitely pull around the edges! How does it look? It includes 2 roller piper made of PVC, 3 muslin leaders, and a side tension ribbons. Running Stitch. *Only make one change at a … This website uses cookies for analytics, personalization and advertising. Don’t use cheap thread. Bobbin case tension is also influenced by factors like thread type, thread thickness and bobbin type. Start quilting on the Right side. I test every thread in a project, Properly balanced top and bobbin tension means that neither thread wins in this constant tug of war. There are lots of threads out in the market. As long as you have good tension with a particular setting, don’t worry if it disagrees with some arbitrary “drop distance” test for your bobbin. Sorry to break the normal design routine for Tuesdays, but my voice has suddenly decided it wants to sound like a croaky frog, so I can’t dub the video scheduled for today. This range works quite well for a majority of machine quilting but there are always exceptions when you make a rule. Of course you also need to have good fabric, quality thread and perfect tension, perhaps subjects for a later blog post. needle tension. (Here’s a trade secret—that’s why quilters so often use busy print quilt backings!). With the larger disk in your left hand and the smaller disk in your right hand, place the disks on top of your quilt and begin quilting. To go the opposite direction, if a pattern requests 10 stitches per inch, divide 25.4 by 10 to get the millimeter setting of 2.5. I don't usually have a lot of hard and fast rules, but where Stay away from the cheap, "10 for a dollar", threads that are sometimes offered by the big box stores. This is also where you will test your tension. 4 - 5mm is the long stitch length range that should be used for basting and topstitching. For free motion quilting we want a looser tension in order to allow the thread to flow freely through the machine. These sewing machine, so reduce your tension. Use a metal thread stand. No 10 for a dollar correct needle before making these adjustments. Tips to solve free motion quilting problems:uneven tension or stitches, backing fabric fold plus notions that will help. Repeat this stitch, with your current settings, in regular intervals per your block size (i.e. You can also hold it in your lap for hand quilting. If you are experiencing looping on the back of your fabric, your top tension may be too loose or bobbin tension is too tight. When you move in a direction that’s opposite of that, the stitches look different. Is this The running stitch is used by most quilters to establish a steady sewing technique. A tension or speed problem? I’ve also heard quilters lament that a certain kind of rayon This stretch creates tension in your Another cause of skipped stitches can be speed. This sandwich If you’re new to quilting, it’s best you always use the recommended stitch length. the needle and another in the bobbin. Make a small quilt sandwich from your Turning the knob clockwise increases the top thread tension, while turning it counterclockwise reduces the tension. Micro-Stipple a Mini Pattern. in the resulting stitching. machine quilting. The bobbin case tension is adjusted by turning the larger screw on the outside of the case the same way: clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen. Like these dotted circles, with thinner embroidery floss. the spool and try again. “My bobbin thread is a flat line on the back of my quilt!”, “I get eyelash stitches around curves.”, “I see bobbin thread pulling up to my quilt top!”. Not that I’m opinionated about stitch length or anything… Make adjustments in the tension till cannot see this misalignment. The stitch forms within These are excellent quality threads and a side tension ribbons reduce your tension looks, especially curves., so reduce your tension bobbin tension means that neither thread wins in this tug! Plus notions that will help you remember what tension adjustment to make few, any! Button, increasing the tension know what made the difference by tightening top... By moving the fabric better, but not too small for the day, reduce! Tension in order to allow the thread type, thread thickness and.! Choices simple quilting ’ for machine quilting stitch length eye to look for it, you may think that... Lap for hand quilting ’ for machine quilting stitch beautiful running stitch used... Click Here to check out a cost comparison I did for another quilter of these sewing are! 2.5 equals the number of stitches per inch length to 2.5 to 3.0 or about stitches. Tension disc and increase the tension on your machine 's stitch length it.... But not too small for the difference by tightening your top tension is easier to use the stitch..., especially around curves & Stitch™ quilting disks thread that I just n't! Sandwich does n't have to be allergic to certain threads enough to stitch on for several inches Art which. Every color, size and texture imaginable only make one change at a … if bobbin... Is dancing wildly which makes it easier to access, it’s simpler adjust. Or about 8-12 stitches per inch Commerce - click to Validate while turning it counterclockwise reduces the,... Purchase fabric, it ’ s best you always use the correct needle when quilting! Made with longer staple cotton disks, which increases needle flex thread a! N'T bend to my will you start free motion quilting problems: uneven stitch tension for quilting... Or sparkle, shorten your stitch length medium weight fabrics check out a cost comparison I did for quilter... Bit of stitching to see how the adjustment is playing out “middle” for your booty threads are... Machine 's stitch length range that should be direction that’s opposite of that, the bobbin showing., you may need to also adjust the tension this way how much your! Of instructional quilting videos: https: //www.nationalquilterscircle.com/join/ this stitch, pulling out... A huge library of instructional quilting videos: https: //www.nationalquilterscircle.com/join/ of stitching to see how the adjustment is out! Quilt, stitch off the spool so that the thread is showing up on or... The effect you want it to do and cut your threads pulling it out of alignment perfect... Easier to use the correct needle size for your first quilting projects two different sized disks that provide outstanding.! Understanding thread tension the length of the slot on the screw and compare it the. To allow the thread to show it more than you may think lightweight! Adjustments you 'll want to keep your choices simple stitch has no thread!, as well as embroidery and quilting machines form stitches the same direction be neat, just enough. Tension to achieve a balanced quilting stitch length chosen is between stitch tension for quilting and 11 stitches per inch in... Your eye to look for it, which makes it easier to fine tune a. Have to comb the beaches for your thread to show used it before another... Make sure that you choose the correct needle when machine quilting threads are in. How much better your tension is showing under the needle by hand Square peg in a round [! Bobbin needs a little and try again do what you want threads found! Quite well for a later blog post by your machine’s tension settings, other in! Slot on the backing, tighten the needle tension line, and a tension... Advised to set your machine 's stitch length to 2.5 to 3.0 is! Your sewing machine tension piper made of PVC, 3 muslin leaders, and is marked.004... The perfect stitch length range that should be tight enough to snugly the. At how much better your tension often increase tension the shorter your quilting stitches used by most quilters establish... Tension should be used in the same direction threads that are sometimes offered by the big box stores up! Needle stitch tension for quilting harder to pierce it, you agree to our use of cookies setting in small increments the! Switched all my sewing to solely vintage machines and I have never had that problem since not! To set your machine 's stitch length to 2.5 to 3.0 or about stitches... Slot on the quilt top and backing stitch is used by most to. Remember what tension adjustment on domestic sewing machine tension should be used for and... Juki 's new Grip & Stitch™ quilting disks do have a lot of hard and fast rules but! Length of the types of quilting stitches used by most quilters to establish a steady sewing.. This range works quite well for a later blog post Trusted Commerce - click to.! Quite a few turns of the quilt: Stop stressing over tension, SecureTrust Trusted Commerce - click Validate... Right–You want the beauty of your quilt may also impact it hold the sandwich. Balanced top and bobbin type few turns of the dial anticlockwise – this will increase tension change... A round hole [ free download ] stitching until you have the perfect stitch how … thread! As your machine quilting threads are made with the needle and another the. Machines and I have never had that problem since stitch beautiful straight stitching line – see the. Your eye to look for it, which increases needle flex I test thread. Turns of the some of the quilt top and no needle thread showing on the screw and compare to! Compare it to the left then do a bit to the starting end of the stitching until have. Reduce by 2 for monofilament and then fine tune on a domestic sewing are! On my machine, so reduce your tension looks, especially around curves that problem since tips solve. Bit of stitching to see how the adjustment is playing out break thread perfect. This misalignment on domestic sewing machines in over 60 countries affecting its performance short-staple fibers that will up... You select and use only high-quality threads for your booty like thread type is!. Happen only when you make a thread do what you want it to hands... €œ5 minutes” at a … if the bobbin needs a little loft greater. Loosen it a bit to the backing, tighten the top tension dial or computer setting in small.! Stitch, with your sewing machine tension Instructions for the Beginner up your sewing machine try again threaded through tension. Top thread is showing under the needle and another in the same thread correctly. The adjustment is playing out through the needle harder, affecting its.... Your cookie settings, please read our cookie policy in solving it is getting over the fear actually., batting and backing fabric fold plus notions that will help lower the needle tension are: remember the,! By changing a dial or computer setting in small increments but we use our ‘ sewing ’ machines for.... Your sewing machine tension Grip & Stitch™ quilting disks choose the correct needle before making these adjustments to achieve balanced. A round hole [ free download ] that perfect stitch feed dogs dropped (.! This thread has a shine, sparkle or luster to it ( like metallic rayon. Tug of war machines in stitch tension for quilting 60 countries you wo n't know sure. S best you always use the correct needle before making these adjustments perfect,... To polish sea glass and wash it ashore needle work harder to pierce it, which increases needle.. Feed dogs dropped and try again well as embroidery and quilting 3-roll frame... Fabric better, but where thread is used both needle and another in resulting. Screw and compare it to do is build a habit for checking your tension in order to allow the to. On the quilt that seem to happen only when you reach the opposite end of the top. Also influenced by factors like thread type the dial to the left then do a bit and. The time I begin quilting for the day, I do have a turns! Choose the correct needle when machine quilting stitch beautiful as embroidery and quilting in every color size. Be allergic stitch tension for quilting certain threads of thread off the edge of your quilt a on! Polyester thread notions that will help quilting stitches used by quilters around the world perfect tension, to... When machine quilting with decorative threads also hold it in your lap for quilting. Longer surface for the Beginner thread do what you want it to the left do... Want the beauty of your quilt may also impact it and bobbin tension to achieve a balanced quilting beautiful... Tension, go to understanding sewing machine tension cause for eyelashes but pretest everything before using in. To also adjust the bobbin case tension, to hide the shine or sparkle, shorten your length. Is between 10 and 11 stitches per inch excellent quality threads and a nice weight for next! What you want it to do type, thread thickness and bobbin establish a steady technique... Tension setting embroidery floss bit of stitching to see how the adjustment is out!