I’ve got a stack of quilt sandwiches I’m working through at the moment.
They’re all straight-line quilting. And at least two more coming down the line are, too. So, naturally, I continue to have major issues with my walking foot. ARGH!
I’ve ironed and re-ironed to make sure the seams and sashing are as smooth and flat as possible. I’ve tried not making the backing quite so taut when I tape it down before basting, wondering if it’s the tension difference between that and the top that is the problem (my issues are all on the quilt top, not on the back). I’ve smoothed and smoothed and smoothed that quilt top as best as I can over the batting. I’ve used more safety pins. I’ve tried to keep it taut and help it through the machine.
And still, still I have distorting and puckering. It’s making me bonkers!
Any suggestions out there? Is it something as fundamental as not putting my tops together properly? Could there be something actually wrong with my walking foot? I can’t be the only one who has run into this problem, but has anyone had any luck actually fixing it?
Tags: problems, puckering, straight-line quilting, walking foot
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That is so frustrating! Have you tried basting spray? I use 505 basting spray adhesive, and it makes everything so much easier! No thread getting stuck in the pins, no shifting, just nice smooth fabric.
You might like to try it something small first to see if you like it, such as a doll quilt or tablerunner.
Good luck! -
I was just about to post about basting spray!!! I have never had puckering with that… I use spray and safety pins, because I’m obsessed.
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I have always heard that problems on the top of the fabric are related to the bobbin/underneath area (and vice versa) Could you have a problem with your bobbin or thread? (Like, does your bobbin winder wind the thread on too loosely?)
For me, I HATED machine quilting until I got my Bernina. It made all the difference in the world to have a good machine. I do notice even the Bernina will miss stitches if it’s dirty underneath or if I need a new needle. (Before I would only put a new needle in when the first one broke.)
And, I can throw in another vote for basting spray. I love the stuff!
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How fast are you going with the walking foot? I found that if I slowed down just a tad, the puckering was less. I saw someone on the Old Red Barn thread suggest that you cut your speed to 3/4 to 1/2 of what you normally do with your non-walking feet.
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I would second Lisa’s comment on your bobbin tension – sorry it’s rough going at the moment!
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