FMQ - skipped stitches then none at all - Help please

Did you change the needle? Try a needle specifically for quilting.

L>Hiall,

Possibly the needle size. It might have been OK for sewing everything, but when you started quilting, you were sewing through more thickness and the needle just wouldn't do it. Barbara in FL

You clever ladies, I will go and change the needle and give it another go.

I didn't know about the different machine needle for quilting.

Thanks.

Change to a new needle.

-Irene >Hiall,

I didn't touch this question since I'm not one bit familiar with the SM in use, and had no clue why a SM would do just fine straight stitching but would become contrary doing free-motion. Tell us, Di. Did a new needle and/or slowing down resolve the matter? Polly

Yeah for me.

Thank you to the magic people on this ng, a new needle and s l o w sewing did the trick.

Pics when it is finished.

I will also shouting my machine to a service after this quilt.

I am happy dancing at the moment.

Cheers, Di

I don't know about taking your SM for service. My 'Sunday best' SM is finally home and it took me *forever* to get it adjusted back to FM. The dealer had put in a needle that must have cost 49¢ for 100 - it was thick, blunt and rough - and they slammed down the pressure until nothing would move without fierce shoving. The bobbin case was adjusted so tightly that the bobbin was really struggling. The 'sample' of perfect stitching they left was on a fabric only fit for tent stakes. That 'service' cost me $100 and at least 30 minutes to clean up their sloth. Or incompetence. I just might take it back for service if it starts stitching ducks instead of zigzag . . . and I might just use it for a boat anchor and buy a new one. SM service here is mighty poor. If you have good service for your SM, do your best to support them. Sure is a misery to do without. Polly

I just bought the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports Magazine. They have a review of new sewing machines, divided into mechanical and computerized. It isn't a comprehensive list, but still, their test results & comments might be useful. Jane in NE Ohio- Where the snow has melted I can see daffodil shoots peeking up!