stitching in the ditch

hmmmm, you're going thru many layers, did you adjust the tension a bit? j.

"Linda" wrote ... I am doing a small doll quilt as a practice piece before I try a larger quilt, as it has been a while since I have done any machine quilting. I stitched a center row horizontally and vertically, then continued with horizontal rows beginning at the center of the quilt, working from one edge to the other side. On the second or third row I noticed the fabric bunching as it neared the center vertical stitching. I am using a walking foot so was surprised when that happened. What would cause that? Fabric not pulled tightly enough when I basted maybe? I also am seeing stitches that are normal for a while then much smaller and closer together. What am I doing wrong? I am not happy at all with the results I am getting. Thanks for any suggestions. Linda

Just what I was going to say! It is always advisable to reduce the tension when quilting. I can't give you a number, as I don't know your scale; but at least two points I would say - whatever the scale. Perhaps there isn't enough basting rather than not 'pulling tightly enough'. The backing needs to be taut only - not pulled as tightly as you can. The batting and the top need to be just without any 'ruckles' before you start. If you are pin basting, the pins need to be a maximum of 4" apart. It sounds to me, also, as if there is some pulling going on (for the stitches to reduce in size). If reducing tension doesn't cure it, make sure you are not pulling the quilt (or pushing it, or even holding it so tightly to the table that it can't run freely) sufficiently for your holding to influence stitch length. Finally, it might be more laborious, but if you started sewing from these centre lines, out towards the edges, I don't think you would have any 'ruckling'. Even those first lines could be started at the centre. . In message , J* writes

Maybe you stretched the backing too tightly before layering and basting. If the back is tight, while the batting and top are simply smooth, the back will scrunch up a bit as soon as you take your clamps or tape off. This also could happen if the top is stretched somehow as you baste.

My other main suspect is maybe the batting -too thick? Failing that, we might have to get personal: are you a meticulous seam presser? I assemble a quilt every year made of other people's blocks, and the huge variation in pressing always amazes. Some of them are literally pleated along the seam, so what would happen if I tried to quilt like that? the pleated bit would try to smooth itself out, and I'd have extra fabric in that area.

Sometimes when you're do>I am doing a small doll quilt as a practice piece before I try a larger

Uneven stitches are usually caused because what is being sewing is catching on something. Are you using a walking/even-feed foot? If you are using a regular presser foot that would be the likely culprit. If you are using a walking foot you might need to adjust the foot pressure.

Or, could the quilt itself be pulling - like is it hanging off the table or is it catching on the edge of the sewing machine or extension table?

The bunching at intersections is really, really common. It's hard to baste a quilt so that it doesn't creep at all. A well basted quilt and walking foot should be enough but sometimes things happen. How did you do your basting?

marcella