Thread tension when free motion quilting

The PC8500 does not do free motion well because of its tension design, it is not you.It was one of he earlier machines to set tension by the thickness of the fabric. If you really want to do free motion then it is time for a different machine.

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 can quilt with pretty much any sewing machine. But, are you asking about piecing quilts or free motion quilting? You should be able to do both but they are very different projects and require a lot of different settings and accessories. Tension is correct when the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric being sewn. Tightening or loosening the top tension should help achieve that.

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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Try tightening your bobbin tension a little, and then readjust your top tension again for consistant tension. Also if your not running the machine fast enough while your moving the fabric, you might have you bobbin thread looking like a taught thread on the bottom. Make sure you use a small needle, like a #11 or a #10. The smaller the hole the needle makes, the less of the thread you will see on the opposite side. Especially if you are using contrasting colors.

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.

It sounds like one of your clearances in the machine is off. When a machine skips stitches like yours is doing, it does so because the hook responsible for "catching" the thread from the needle is not close enough to the needle so it misses the loop of thread from the needle. If your machine was having a timing problem it wouldn't sew well on any fabric. A clearance problem shows up on certain fabrics at certain times. A few things you could do to try to compensate it would be to use a slightly larger needle and turn your top tension dial down to a lower setting. Move the machine a little slower on the frame or increase the speed of the machine. Either way a trip to your technician will be needed. Make sure you tell him to check the needle to hook clearance.

I need more info.
>Where is your presser fooot pressure set(1-9) it should be around 4?
>How fast are you free motioning (faster is better? from 1-10 10 being full speed.
>Is your bobbin threaded correctly (I need to cover the basics.)?
>Never never use a needle smaller than a 90/14 for free motion (I know everyone's an expert...but trust me)
After all this, it's OK to tighten your tension up on top a little when free motioning and getting eyelashes/spider webs on bottom. around 6 should do it though.

Usually dirt in the tension plates. Pull a short piece of heavy thread through them holding the thread tight between both hands, work it back and forth to clear out lint.