How to attach free motion foot

Loop and nesting on bottom side is usually top thread tension too loose (no tension) but can be bobbin thread tension issue. Be sure to thread per machine instructions.

See following Singer video... testing top thread tension.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7N4XaIV6ms
Test tension of top thread.
With needle up, presser foot up, and tension select = 4, thread machine. Then make a long slow steady pull of top thread. The thread should advance smoothly through needle eye without snagging from top spool. Now lower foot and make another long slow steady pull of thread. Again it should advance smoothly through the needle eye. Note difference no tension (foot up) and selected tension (foot down).


If no difference in foot up/down tension then something wrong with the tension selector or not threaded properly, consult machine manual.


You can do a similar test of bobbin thread tension. Make a slow steady pull of bobbin thread. It should advance smoothly from bobbin with tension similar to top thread with tension =4. If bobbin tension is similar to top thread foot up, then likely bobbin thread has escaped bobbin tension spring... reload bobbin per machine instructions.

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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Typically, when there are loops on the bottom of the fabric, there is something missed in the upper threading. Make sure when threading:
- the presser foot is in the up position to open the tension disks
- make sure the thread is well "seated" in the tension disks before continuing to the take up bar.
- using the manual follow the thread path carefully
- check to make sure the thread flows smoothly from the spool
- use the correct size spool caps to help the thread flow easily

Yes, the tension setting for 'free motion' and for 'sewing' is the same AND there must be tension; otherwise the top thread will form huge loops on the underside and eventually totally jam. Also make sure that the presser foot is down ... it is often easily left up as the 'free motion foot' disguises it.
The stitch length is irrelevant in free motion as the stitch length is determined by how fast the fabric is moved by the operator while maintaining constant speed (or close to constant).
A couple more items to check: make sure that the 'feed dogs' are either lowered or covered (depending on your machine model) AND that the 'free motion foot' is installed correctly.
Enjoy free motioning.

YOur top thread is looping, right? Re-thread your top thread, making sure you floss it into the tension system. When you drop the pressed foot it should offer tension to the thread. Right? When you have underside loops it would indicate too much thread, right? So either the tension is too low OR something is jerking on the top thread causing a loop.

no, more likely your top tension is too loose causing the loops on the underside of your fabric, loops on top would be bobbin too loose. raise presser foot and rethread top thdead pulling thread into tension fully. set top tension dial to 5 and test sew. if still looping underneath try tightening top tension by turning dial up to 6. but usually top tension should only need minor adjustment tweeks. you can test top tension by lowering pressure foot to engage tension and holding thread just above needle thread guide, pulling thread downwards . there should be resistence on it to your pull. if you cant feel any then tension device may be faulty, and require service.

Make sure your are lowering the pressure foot first before you start sewing. With the free motion foot, you still have to lower the pressure foot, this allows tension to be put on the top thread and allows the foot to work properly (when the needle goes down so should the foot and when the needle comes up it should lift the foot up.)

Also make sure your tensions are in a middle setting and that you are threading the machine with the pressure foot up.

The way to insure you will not get your problem is with the foot up, you should be able to pull the thread easily right before the eye of the needle and when you put the foot down you should then feel a fair bit of tension on the top thread.

hope that helps :)
chris

If the machine is now threaded, lift the presser foot.

Now, pull about 10" of thread through the needle.

The next time you thread the machine, lift the presser foot first.

When the presser foot is up, the tension control opens and allows the thread to "seat" into the control, then when the foot is down the control closes to the indicated setting.

When threading the machine with the foot is down, thread does not enter the tension control and when you start to sew, there is no tension on the thread.

No tension = loosey, goosey, loopy stitches underneath.

Because the lack of tension on the top thread, the bobbin thread cannot lock a proper stitch.

Try rethreading the top of the machine making sure you get it thru the tension wheel correctly.. General rule of thumb.
If it loops on the bottom, the problem in on the top.. Loops on the top, problem is with the bobbin.

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.