As you can probably see, to the left of my finger is a lopsided loop which I had sewn "loopy" and the straight part of the loop is one long stitch. You can also see the loop directly below my finger in the photo that the stitch length is really long (same goes for the loop below that one, also in the brown fabric strip). Finally, in the lower right corner, on the orange fabric, you can see where a quilted loop stops and starts- this is because I just ripped out the thread with my seam ripper. This isn't a matter of moving the quilt too fast, I have a new needle in, I only broke my thread once, and it only started happening today, after stitching my first 6 blocks a few days ago with no problems. I would LOVE any feedback or suggestions if any of my readers can figure out what might be wrong. Also, it's 100% cotton thread from Connecting Threads, if that's info that would be helpful.
Please help- I am in a very sour mood because this issue has surfaced as I am quilting the lightest block on my quilt with brown thread...booo!
have you changed your needle lately?
ReplyDeleteI have been using the same needle for the piecing and the first 6 blocks, then changed to a new needle last night, and that's when the trouble started.
ReplyDeleteI have those same problems too, and while I haven't completely fixed them, it helps if I slow down a bit.
ReplyDelete@Emma- slow down the pedal or slow down the quilt movement?
ReplyDeleteI think you might have changed to a heavier needle by mistake. Then the thread and needle don't work well together and the machine skips stitches. Either change to a heavier weight of thread or a finer needle. I know because my machine does this when I have a mismatch between needle size and thread weight
ReplyDeleteRosanne,
ReplyDeleteI did switch needles, but it was the same size needle from the same 5 pack I got the first one. I saved the old needle, though, and will try some stitching with the old needle and see if that helps. I replaced the needle thinking things could only improve...another proof for "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Thanks!
Rosanne,
ReplyDeleteSomehow it worked. I put the old needle back in and now my 301a is back to its old self. How and why the same size, brand, and model needle didn't work is puzzling, but I won't question it- happy to be back in the saddle!
Thanks!