At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.
- If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box above.
- Better answers use proper spelling and grammar.
- Provide details, support with references or personal experience.
Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.
Tip: The max point reward for answering a question is 15.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You will want to adjust the top tension for quilting like you do for other sewing. The tension is correct when the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric (or quilt). Be sure to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the top thread.
Loosen your top tension. But, I usually have to tighten the bobbin tension too for quilting. That's why I have 2 bobbin cases. One is set for standard sewing and the other has the tension set for quilting...
Your top tension is based on the fabric thickness.. not just a number. Make a test sandwich of all the materials you are quilting with, cotton top, batting, lining, etc. Test your tension on that until you get it right.
The skipping is a symptom of a bad needle or the presser foot not having enough pressure on it. I'm not familiar with your machine so I don't know if it has the ability to add more pressure to the presser foot.
I assume you are doing free motion quilting? Use the V Menu, choose the first stitch. If you are using the Q Sensor foot or the spring free motion foot, go into the Set menu, hit "More" twice then turn On for either the Q Foot or Free motion. Make sure you have Needle Down turned on (top right-hand button on the left side above the needle). You might need to loosen the top tension by one or two clicks - first screen of the Set menu, under the picture that looks like DNA. A Size 90 needle is probably best and if the quilt is difficult to move about you might like to either use the Sewing Advisor to set for Heavy fabric or lessen the upper presser foot pressure - Set menu once again, next picture after the DNA. I have never had to do this with my D1 but I know some other people have. Get back if things are not working well for you. Pam
It's possible that there is foreign debris in the top tension assembly ,thread the machine and lower the presser foot and ensure that there is tension on the top thread
×