I have a Pfaff 7570. I'm trying to quilt with it. Stitch in the Ditch is fine, but when I try to do Free Motion Quilting, the bottom thread is loopy and easily pulls out.

When experiencing tension issues, especially "long eyelashes" on the back of your quilt while free motion quilting with your Pfaff 2036, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and improve the situation. Here are some suggestions:

1. Clean and lubricate your machine: Start by ensuring that your machine is clean and properly lubricated. Dust, lint, or debris can affect the tension and cause issues. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
2. Use the right thread and needle: Ensure that you are using a suitable thread for free motion quilting. Threads designed specifically for quilting tend to work well. Additionally, choose a needle appropriate for the thread weight and fabric type you're using. A needle that is too small or too large for your project can affect tension.
3. Check the bobbin tension: While the bobbin tension is usually factory-set and doesn't require frequent adjustment, it's worth checking to ensure it's not too tight or too loose. Make sure the bobbin is wound properly and inserted correctly. If necessary, consult your machine's manual for instructions on adjusting the bobbin tension.
4. Experiment with the top thread tension: While you mentioned keeping the tension around 1-2, it's worth experimenting with slightly higher or lower tension settings to find the sweet spot. Each machine and project can have different requirements, so don't hesitate to make minor adjustments to achieve balanced tension.
5. Test with scrap fabric: Before quilting on your actual project, it's a good practice to test the tension on a scrap piece of fabric sandwiched in a similar manner. This allows you to make adjustments and fine-tune the tension without affecting your main project.
6. Check the threading path: Double-check that the top thread is threaded correctly through all the necessary guides and tension discs. If the thread is not seated properly in the tension discs, it can cause tension issues. Consult your machine's manual for the correct threading path.
7. Slow down your stitching speed: Sometimes, excessive speed can contribute to tension problems. Try reducing your stitching speed and see if it makes a difference in the tension and stitch quality.
8. Consult a professional: If you have tried the above steps and are still experiencing tension issues, it might be beneficial to consult a professional technician or your local sewing machine dealer. They can examine your machine and provide more specific guidance or perform any necessary adjustments.

Remember that achieving the perfect tension can sometimes be a trial-and-error process. Take your time to experiment, make small adjustments, and practice on scrap fabric until you're satisfied with the results.

Tension for stitching a quilt sandwich is tricky. It helps if you use the same color for top and bobbin thread,. If your quilting thread is not the same weight (either heavier or lighter) than thread used for regular sewing, then the bobbin tension may need to be adjusted. My quilting thread is lighter weight so I have a separate bobbin case whos tension has been adjusted specifically for quilting. The goal is have both threads meet in the middle of the sandwich. If the top thread is showing under the sandwich, you probably need to tighten the top tension so it will pull the bobbin thread up into the sandwich. Do the reverse if the bobbin thread shows on top.

It may also make a difference by changing the type and size needle. I tend to prefer a top-stitch needle. An embroidery or microtex may also work for you.

Machine Quilting Thread and Tension

Tension troubles on your quilting machine Try these tricks

5 Free Motion Quilting Problems and How to Fix Them

Free motion quilting is a finicky function, much more than most other sewing. Since you are getting loops on the back of the fabric, try increasing the upper thread tension. Tension causes the top and bobbin threads to pull against each other. If the pull is not equal, the threads will be pulled to one side or the other.

If you continue to experience looping under the fabric, it could be that the top thread is not fully seated in the tension disk. Try this:

Remove the top thread completely from the machine.
Be sure to install a brand new sharp needle.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning.
Retest your machine.

However, if you don't find a fix, $25 for the special bobbin holder is probably a reasonable cost if it takes care of the problem. The reviews seem to be good:

http://www.sewvacdirect.com/janome-bobbin-case-for-free-motion-quilting-fits-models-mc14000-mc6500p-mc6600p-mc11000-mc7700-mc12000-and-more/

https://thequiltshow.com/forum/domestic-sewing-machines/120-janome-mc6600p
"Yesterday I bought a new free motion quilting foot and a bobbinholder (for free motion) for my MC Janome 6600P. I have been quilting all day, and belive you me it is a greate investment!!! :lol: :lol: Its like sewing on butter :lol: :shock:

Free motion Quilting Foot: part no.: 200-442-004 (MC6600P and MC11000)

Bobbin Holder (for free quilting and hand-look quiltstitch): part no.: 200-445-007 (MC 6600P, MC11000 and MC6500)

Bet you would love to have those too if you are doing a lot of free motion! The quiltfoot you can adjust so it works perfectly on your quilt!
:lol: :D :wink: I am sooooo happy!!!!"


https://www.getasquiltingstudio.com/2012/01/free-motion-quilting-tips-ii.html

LOOPS Tension or Speed

Free Motion Quilting Tension Problems

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You need a special foot for free motion quilting--it is slightly shorter in height than a regular presser foot, which essentially provides space between the presser foot and the needle plate to manually move the fabric. Sometimes machines came with a standard darning foot accessory. Your Pfaff dealer probably has at least one style in stock. But there are other specialty feet you can probably use, ie Big Foot, clear free motion foot, C-shaped, oval, etc. You can also purchase a shank adapter (verify it is the correct shank for your machine) and use it with a kit of snap-on presser feet so you can have a variety of presser feet for different functions.

Pfaff Presser Feet

Pfaff Big Foot Free Motion Quilting Foot

Pfaff Free Motion Guide Presser Foot

Pfaff Free Motion Open Toe Quilting Foot

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/snap-on-sewing-machine-presser-feet.aspx

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/snap-on-sewing-machine-presser-feet.aspx

Free Motion Quilting

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Sounds like the upper tension needs to be tightened, or the bobbin thread needs to be loosened. At any rate, the tension is correct when the two threads meet in the middle of the fabric for general sewing.

For free motion quilting, the tension should be adjusted so that the bobbin thread does not show on the top of the fabric, however, it should not lay in a straight line like it sounds like it may appear currently. What you are currently producing is a gathering stitch where the bobbin thread can be easily pulled.

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a quilting foot or buy one with a round hole in it great

here are some links for video's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Joc7YXh_4KU

http://www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk/video/pfaff-quilting-edge-guide.htm

http://www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk/video/pfaff-quilting-needle-plate.htm

http://www.quiltersclubofamerica.com/forums/t/7892.aspx

http://quiltingtutorials.com/

http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2011/06/simple-stripes-quilt-tutorial.html

http://anyonecanquilt.typepad.com/my_weblog/machine-quilting-tutorial/

http://www.sewhappy.me/tutorials/

try dropping the feed dogs, & reduce the top thread tension one number at a time till the stitches are normal

this is a known issue with the pfaff.....i have just bought the machine and it has thread uptake issues...thread tension issues and it comes unthreaded by itself often...leaving globs of thread on the bottom stuck in the feed dogs and under the throat plate.....then the stitches are not properly balanced because the tension gets too loose on the bobbin thread....very disappointed to find out it is a known issue with all the viking husqvarna made machines...which are pfaff, janome and viking.....sux.

Might be that you need to lower the tensions quite a bit, you'll have to juggle with top and bottom tensions though, and experiment for just this operation with the Sensormatic.