RunningThreads

Darlene You need to confirm it is a stitch regulator or skipped stitch problem. Are there holes in the fabric where the stitches look long, if so that is a skipped stitch problem. Stitch regulator is usually one direction only left-right or front-back, highly unlikely both at the same time. The likely problem for the stitch regulator is a sensor wheel out of adjustment or a cable not properly plugged in. We had a wire break in a cable right at the connector for one of the regulators years ago but I don’t think that is common. We found it by wiggling the wires to the regulator while trying to sew in that direction. Also which handles do you have mushroom buttons or single? Let us know what you find. Nigel

Which machine do you have and how old is it?

Bliss is a newer rail and carriage system that makes the machine move with less effort. I think it has been available for about ten years and came after the led light. Add a picture of your carriage and rails and we can tell you. If you don’t know what it is I doubt you have it. Nigel

https://kawarthaquiltingandsewing.com/ is one. I used to order mine from https://www.habanddash.com in the U.S. and their shipping was usually pretty quick and reasonable but it’s been a couple of years since I last ordered. Nigel

Superior has them and at a better price as well.

What Connie said but leave out the word red. Nigel

Thanks for jumping in Jim. I had suspected the foot was different on the U2 and that would also contribute. Nigel

Welcome to the forum. I think T-shirt material tends to be stretchy and that is the root of your problem. If the fabric stretches downwards as the needle enters the fabric it will drag the top thread as the needle start to come up and can reduce or eliminate that loop of thread needed for the hook to catch and make a stitch. I think raising the foot would make the problem worse. On a domestic machine you normally use a ball point needle for stretchy fabric so maybe that would help. Here is a quick description of some of the needles that are readily available. https://www.apqs.com/a-guide-to-needles-for-longarm-quilting-machines/ The other idea would be to use stabilizer on the back of the T-shirt fabric. https://newquilters.com/t-shirt-quilts-stabilizing-shirts/ Hopefully some others will have more ideas Nigel

First of all fill in your profile and let us know where you are? You might have a fellow quilter nearby that might help. Is your bobbin thread breaking while quilting or when you stop. If it is when you stop ask APQS to give you instructions mag collar adjustment. Going by memory the tip of the hook needs to stop just to the right of vertical (maybe about one o’clock) for the thread to release. Next is it the top or bobbin thread that is shredding. Most common issue for top thread shredding is one of the two pigtail guides having a groove worn into it. Hold the thread above and below the guide and drag the thread in a circle around the inside. If it catches you have a groove. Loosen the guide and turn it upside down until you get replacements. Hope this helps Nigel

This question has come up before. I forgot I had been one of the people that had answered it. https://forum.apqs.com/topic/37063-on-board-bobbin-winder/ Nigel

Jane Contact APQS service. It sounds like you have a different problem than needle positioning speed. You may need to make an adjustment to the magnetic collar. I had to do it once years ago after one of us jammed a rag in the hook and the belt jumped a tooth. I’ve also heard of one or two people have had the collar come loose. APQS will email you excellent directions with pictures and get you fixed up quickly. Nigel

I’m not much help as I used Intelliquilter but a google search turned up this. https://youtu.be/PrLDf7IEGAw Hope it helps Nigel

Sounds like needle flex could be a big part of your problem. A larger needle and a shorter stitch length will reduce flex and should help. How old is the machine? If it is a little old I would be checking for worn bushings in the needle bar. I had this happen to me with one of our APQS machines years ago with a new shipment of needles, same brand and size. The cure was to redo the timing and all was good. Let us know what you find. Nigel

Which computer quilting system are you using? Nigel

Good morning Amanda Going by memory as we sold our machines and retired. The needle screws are 4-40 and available at your local hardware store. They will be a little longer and may have a different head. The screw can be installed on the opposite side of the needle bar if the threads are messed up. Also the needle bar can be rotated to get the other hole to the right side if needed but you will have to check the needle bar height before and after. See the timing instructions. Nigel