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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: sharsews
Date: 02-28-2005, 10:52 AM (1 of 15)
Has anyone done much free motion quilting on Janome? I am having tension problems on the back side of the quilt, despite adjusting tension, using quilting gloves, etc. I have had experience with free motion, just wondering if anyone has suggestions for this type of machine (4800).
User: sharsews
Member since: 02-25-2004
Total posts: 62
From: Llantrisant
Date: 02-28-2005, 02:33 PM (2 of 15)
I have a Janome machine 8000 model.It takes time to figure out the stitches etc,but what I found with this is to use the regular thread in bobbin as well as upper threads.loosen it a little in the bobbin and also the tension dog feeds.Hope this helps you .
If at first you don't suceed, try-try again!
User: Llantrisant
Member since: 06-02-2002
Total posts: 144
From: CraftyB
Date: 03-01-2005, 09:53 AM (3 of 15)
I also have a Janome and do free motion quilting with it. I make no tension adjustments when going from normal sewing to free motion. I do use machine quilting thread in the top. Also, I know I have had a problem when I had forgotten to lower the feed dogs. I always doulble check that now.
User: CraftyB
Member since: 12-13-2004
Total posts: 4
From: ndnqltr
Date: 08-16-2006, 01:58 AM (4 of 15)
Where you able to get your Janome bottom tension issue solved? I am having what seems to be the problem you described. I have taken it to my dealer and just am not getting any support on the issue. I am a bit frustrated and not sure where to go from here.
User: ndnqltr
Member since: 08-12-2006
Total posts: 4
From: Tom Land
Date: 08-16-2006, 07:26 PM (5 of 15)
No adjustment of either tension should have to be made unless you are using specialty thread (outside of 30 to 80). If you are moving the fabric too fast for the speed of the needle it can cause poor stitch quality as well as reduced control of the fabric. I always try to have the machine running as fast as I can and then move the fabric at the desired speed. If the needle is moving too slowly you will be trying to move the fabric with the needle still in it.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005
Total posts: 514
From: ndnqltr
Date: 08-16-2006, 09:11 PM (6 of 15)
Thanks for the response..

I spoke with a Janome person in NJ the last two days. They are stating that in fact you do have to set the tension between 6 1/2 and 8 to get the stitching to look good. I have moved mine there and do not really see any difference.

It definately could be my speed vs the speed I am sewing, but until I can find someone to test my machine that can do this, I am struggling. I have had two people test my machine that do machine quilting, just not on a Janome, and they can not get this to work either.

Janome rep said that Janome stores do not have to provide support, do not have to know the machines, do not even have to be a repair shop. I guess I find that strange that they would not want their product to be demonstrated properly and their machines to be working properly for the consumer, but guess that is the world we live in today.

If you have any other insight into my issues, I welcome your suggestions and will try them. I think I am about down to trading to another machine.
User: ndnqltr
Member since: 08-12-2006
Total posts: 4
From: Chrysantha
Date: 08-16-2006, 09:35 PM (7 of 15)
I free motion on all my Janome's....I buy a -2nd- bobbin case. Re-set the screw for a looser bobbin and away I go. I slow the speed down, use my gloves and make sure the stitch length is 3. (www.clubj.onlinesewing.com)
Jim Stutsman's Janome only club online. He gives advice for ALL Janome machines. (he and his wife are dealers/repair/fabric store owners in TX.)
You can also get advice on Janome machines on www.janome.com
and in Yahoo...there are PLENTY of clubs there.


Kath (owner of..11000, 10000/10001, 6500 QP, 300E and the Compulock.)
Chrys
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002
Total posts: 2414
From: catfrog
Date: 08-16-2006, 10:59 PM (8 of 15)
Hi.
I just wanted to add that I also do free motion quilting on my 6500 and I don't change my tension from when I sew. I just leave it the same. I've had your problem and it is always when I go too fast. It sure is frustrating to turn over your work and see that mess. :mad: :mad: just keep practicing on something small,and good luck. Connie
User: catfrog
Member since: 07-20-2006
Total posts: 7
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-17-2006, 08:10 PM (9 of 15)
Just a random thought.. You don't have it set on a slower speed do you??? you are supposed to go fast, you know...
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: Gaevren
Date: 08-18-2006, 09:06 AM (10 of 15)
I free motion on all my Janome's....I buy a -2nd- bobbin case. Re-set the screw for a looser bobbin and away I go. I slow the speed down, use my gloves and make sure the stitch length is 3. (www.clubj.onlinesewing.com)
Jim Stutsman's Janome only club online. He gives advice for ALL Janome machines. (he and his wife are dealers/repair/fabric store owners in TX.)
You can also get advice on Janome machines on www.janome.com
and in Yahoo...there are PLENTY of clubs there.


Kath (owner of..11000, 10000/10001, 6500 QP, 300E and the Compulock.)

Jim and Diane are GOOD, as well as the ladies (Jan, and I forget the other lady...just met her the other day) who work there with them. They are extremely knowledgeable about the machines, they also repair them, and treat people so very well in general. I am so lucky to be living one town over from where their shop is. I would highly recommend them for any questions you have about your machine http://media.ign.com/boardfaces/1.gif
User: Gaevren
Member since: 04-07-2006
Total posts: 9
From: Kylnne2
Date: 08-18-2006, 06:50 PM (11 of 15)
The Yahoo site for the Janome made Pfaff Hobby Grand Quilter and other quilting machines is a forum of well informed members on the use of the machines that might be able to give you some suggestions in regards to your problems. The Pfaff GQ and Viking Mega Quilter are Janome made also and much is discussed on the forum regarding tricks, hints, problems and technique etc. I hope your problems are resolved soon. I have a Janome made Kenmore and I have not experienced any problems as yet doing free motion. I find best results when maintaining a steady fast speed.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
From: ndnqltr
Date: 08-20-2006, 07:44 PM (12 of 15)
First, thanks a million for all the replies.

I have found that if I raise my top tension to around 8, it is getting better. I have slowed my machine speed down also to get it to look better. I think now it is practice and practice and practice. I am still having some issues but minor.

Thanks again to all of you for replying. I think I will join the Janome group.
User: ndnqltr
Member since: 08-12-2006
Total posts: 4
From: lamx
Date: 08-21-2006, 07:07 AM (13 of 15)
My wife does a lot of FMQ on her 6500P and had some problems in the beginning. The folks on the Yahoo Janome 6500 Group suggested she buy and use a straight stitch throat plate (needleplate). She did and it helped tremendously. If you are using the general purpose throat plate, you might look through your accessory box to see if you have a straight stitch plate and try that.

Ed
User: lamx
Member since: 05-04-2006
Total posts: 44
From: ndnqltr
Date: 08-21-2006, 08:28 PM (14 of 15)
thanks...no I don't have one but may need to get one.

And I did today...and wow what a difference. I can even leave the tension on the normal setting and the top and bottom tension are pretty evenly balance...even with 2 differnt colored threads. Now I do think it is practice, practice, practice.

Thanks again to all...what a wonderful group.
User: ndnqltr
Member since: 08-12-2006
Total posts: 4
From: lvquilts
Date: 09-23-2006, 05:36 AM (15 of 15)
Wait! You write "...and I did today...and wow what a difference." Did what??? I'm having the same problem with my Bernina. Drop the feed dogs and give it a whirl, the thread on from the bobbin is all loose. Maybe I just need to be moving the machine faster, was just curious what the fix is. I do have a straight stitch plate, so I can eliminate that as a potential problem. I suppose I'll try moving the upper tension up to 8.....
User: lvquilts
Member since: 07-16-2006
Total posts: 29
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