gable428 Posted April 12, 2009 Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 I have a question for all of you because I am curious. How tight do you make your quilt sandwich? I ask because a lady at one of the quilt shops loads everything really taut and quilts that way. Everything she does is computerized so I don't know if that makes a difference or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmcclannan Posted April 12, 2009 Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 I learned that it should only be tight enough that you can see the machine moving like a mole under your quilt. If the layers are bouncing, it is too tight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busy Quilting Posted April 12, 2009 Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 I load mine taut and then back off half a roll on the quilt back roller so it is a little looser before I start to stitch. Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 When I have had mine too tight, I break thread, have skipped stitche, throw my scissors it shouldn't be tight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspingler Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I tend to keep mine on the taut side. I tighten then loosen off just a hair. Never had any problems with thread breaking or tension issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I keep mine tighter too. I do it the same way as Sharon and Lyn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 Yep, I do that too, wind it up snug..then back it off. When I get it too tight I have major problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gable428 Posted April 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 Thanks for the replies. I load mine taut and then loosen enough to see the machine moving underneath, like a mole. I have a different machine than you guys do, but it sounds like the "mole thing" is pretty universal:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollyc Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I keep mine a bit tighter and it always loosens on it's own. Have to say, I love the Millie. So glad I own one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 As I roll the quilt, I tighten it and then release the tension on the backer roller so that my take up roller doesn't have any stress on it, and my backer fabric is not tight, but not loose, either...just release tension enough so it is relaxed. I use the side clamps for support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted June 12, 2009 Report Share Posted June 12, 2009 I roll pretty tight too. I don't like the way it feels or quilts when I get the mole effect. I try it every so often because people tell me I should, but it doesn't seem to be for me. Ferret Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarieBrewer Posted June 12, 2009 Report Share Posted June 12, 2009 It seems that when I make mine too tight, the middle of the quilt tends to make a slight hour glass figure. JoAnn told me a while ago that the sandwich is tighter when you are using a computer. I tend to go snug versus loose. I have more backing problems if it's too loose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkle Posted June 12, 2009 Report Share Posted June 12, 2009 I roll tight, then loosen a notch or two. I've never been able to use the "mole under the fabric" idea. For me that is too loose. You will eventually find the ideal taunt tension that works well for most quilts. I also keep the quilt height adjusted to just a "pinkie finger tip" off the bed of the machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wnott Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 I read an article in Unlimited Possibilities a few years back and I think it was Renee Haddendon (so sorry on the spelling) and she called it the 'sweet' area where it's not too tight & not too loose. Was a light bulb moment for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meg_marsh Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Just an added thought reply. I have made mine on the taunt side and then a tiny back off. I was told when I got my IQ that it is best to be taunt when using the computer - have found that you can be too taunt with the computer just as when in manual mode - also it sometimes depends on the thread and number of seams. Therefore I remain on the taunt side but not tight where the quilt is stretched - taunt & smooth / not tight and stretched. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyrw Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 I'm surprised and happy to see that I'm not alone. I quilt with mine pretty taut. Especially when I'm doing SID. I found that I couldn't get a nice straight line if the fabric was too loose. I haven't had and tension or thread breakage issues so I figured it must be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bekah Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 I get mine really tight and then back off a smidge. moles crawling under my fabric, Alice doesn't like too much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraC Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 I'm a mole! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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