I have eyelashes while quilting (free motion sewing). What tension setting would be helpful to avoid this?

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.

Can I Free Motion Quilt on a Regular Sewing Machine? By National Quilters Circle

Yes

https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/can-i-free-motion-quilt-on-a-regular-sewing-machine/

How to Stitch the Perfect Stitch Length for Quilting
JULY 28, 2020
Today’s Topic: How to Stitch the Perfect Stitch Length for Quilting

https://lorikennedyquilts.com/how-to-stitch-the-perfect-stitch-length-for-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.

A #16 needle seems pretty big for FMQ. Are you also getting pin holes in the fabric? Try using a top stitch, embroidery, or metallix needle.

Eyelashing is often a result of moving the fabric too quickly. Try speeding up your sewing speed or slow down the fabric movement. The object is to get the stitch speed equal to the fabric movement--and keeping it consistent. I tend to make swirls too fast which causes eyelashing.

It could also be tension. Be sure to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the top thread.

What causes thread eyelashes when sewing

LOOPS Tension or Speed

Perhaps this will help:

What causes thread eyelashes when sewing

Thread HELP eyelashes


http://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/sewing-machine-tension-troubleshooting.html

You need to drop the feed dogs, install a darning or free motion quilting foot (make sure the presser foot is lowered). Because you will not be using the machine to move the fabric, the stitch length selection is of no importance. Make sure the stitch width is set to zero. You should test FMQ on a scrap quilt sandwich of the same makeup of your project, ie quilt fabric with batting sandwiched between. The upper tension should be set so that both threads meet in the middle of the quilt sandwich. Because it is FMQ, some extra adjustment may be needed.

Once the tension is where you want it, you can practice FMQ until you can move it smoothly in conjunction with the machine speed.

Practicing on a white board with erasable markers is a handy way to learn to move smoothly. The most difficult part of free motion quilting is learning to move the fabric smoothly. Do NOT lack for practice as that is the only way to improve. Those people who make it look simple have been doing it for years!

How to Free Motion Quilt on Regular Sewing Machine

Free Motion Quilting for Beginners Part 1 Video from Sewing with Nancy

Free Motion Quilting

Learn How to Free Motion Quilt Stippling

....

Are you doing free motion quilting? You need to tighten the upper tension to eliminate those eyelashes. Also, if you are moving the fabric too fast for the machine to keep up, you will get the eyelash effect.

...Also, if eyelashes tend to occur more when turning curves or corners, slow down moving the fabric when doing those movements. The machine needs to keep up with your movements.


http://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/sewing-machine-tension-troubleshooting.html

http://www.quiltersclubofamerica.com/groups/fear-no-more_fmqers/pages/loops-eyelashes-and-birdsnests.aspx

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/help-eyelashes-t179288.html

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/help-eyelashes-t179288.html

http://www.superiorthreads.com/blog/2015/8/what-causes-eyelashes/

You don't tell us what happens when you try to FMQ. I'm assuming you get thread loops/mess under the fabric.

Be sure to install a brand new needle that is recommended for FMQ, ie top stitch, embroidery, microtex

Remove the top thread from the machine.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning.
Set the top tension to the midway point and retest your machine on a fabric sandwich just like your project.
Tweak the top tension until the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

This is the manual that comes up for your machine. Probably pretty similar to yours:

Singer 7466 Instruction Manual

If you are getting what is called "eyelashes," you need to match your sewing speed to the speed you move the fabric. Most often the machine needs to stitch faster to prevent eyelashing. Make sure your circles are moved at the same speed--do not speed up moving the fabric in a curve. AND-- Practice, practice, practice on scrap sandwiches, It's an acquired skill, like cursive writing. Only doing it will make you better. I like to practice on a small whiteboard when I'm watching TV. If I find a design I like, I take a photo of it before I erase the whiteboard.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/beginning-fmq-beginner-t189467.html

...

do you have this problem when doing regular sewing? if you do then the tension dial may be going bad & would have to be replaced

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.