bobbi Posted September 8, 2011 Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Ok, so that's not totally true, I love batiks for their wide range of colors. What I don't like very much is that they don't quilt well in my machine! I need help! The quilt is batik top and bottom. It's beautiflul! Here's what's happening: I'm getting about 6 perfect stitches and then long gaps, then maybe more nice stitches. Here's what I've tried: Loosened my quilt sandwich, tried Omni, Permacore, Maxi lock, Toldilock, all on top, am using So Fine in the bobbin - haven't changed that... I've changed needles. I'm using a 4.0. I've sprayed with silicone spray. I've stood on my head and prayed, I'm mortified! This is a customer quilt and I have two more to get finished for her by next Weds. Anyone have an idea? Anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbi Posted September 8, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 AND, Oh Lord! It's kingsized! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tamarack Posted September 8, 2011 Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Sorry your having trouble. How about trying So Fine on top and bottom and use a 3.5 needle. That usually works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbi Posted September 8, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Thanks Kathy! I may have to do that... The thread for the bottom is a bit different color which is why I've hesitated to do that. Next i have to find my 3.5's. LOL Better use my "Mommy" eyes. !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyLake Posted September 8, 2011 Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Bobbi, Sometimes when that happens to me, I increase the stitch length setting to 11-15. I think with smaller stitches, the rotary hook is better able to catch the thread. I'm also wondering if the batting is thin; between two sheets of thin batik and thin batting, the machine/stitch regulator may not be able to sense the presence of the quilt sandwich. Going slower will help, too. Let us know how it is going. The quilt looks beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katydids Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I quilt Batik front and back all the time with no issues. Are you going to fast in manual?? Have you done anything to affect your timing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegmtq Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Bobbi, I recently did a pieced batik top and batik pieced back. I used Omni and lava on top and so-fine in bobbin. I was having problems because of so many seams front and back. I changed to a number 5 needle. I know that is big, but it worked. I think my stitch length was about 10. The batting was very thin. JoAnn special:( I was pleasantly surprised how well it turned out. Good luck. Hope you find what works. Peggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiltsinmotion Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Sherry Rogers advise to me when quilting with batiks was to use a 2.5 needle works for me , so fine top bottom line ...... instead of a larger needle size go smaller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I usually discourage my customers to use batik for backing, and if they want to, I ask that that pre wash and press the baking. I do quilt a lot of batik quilts with no problem. I use filtec and magna glide. I use 4.0 needle and have to change needles more frequently than regular fabrics. I was told that Cotton quilting threads works better also. Corey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I too have never had problems. I use a 3.5 for everything. Are you sure you don't have some thread wrapped around your encoder wheels or something? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay Anderson Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Check you hopping foot height. If it is to high for the materials used your machine will not hold the sandwitch down firmly enough for a good stitch. It's a pain to do, but may help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Bobbi, I usually use SoFine top and bottomline in the bobbin. I use wool or Hobb's 80/20. I set the stitch length to 11 for the SR. I use a 3.5. Normally I don't have any issues. I do run my bobbin pretty loose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandmaLKB Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I quilted my Bali Wedding Ring with glide thread on top and magna glide delights in the bobbin. I used a 4.0 needle and got along just fine. I did have to change needles a couple time because the batik dulls them faster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Wren Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 The only time I ever have problems with batiks is when I don't use a wool wadding! My recipe is: Rainbows on top, bottom line in bobbin, 3.5 needle & wool wadding. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbi Posted September 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Thanks to all of you for your help! I can't find my 3.5 needles so now I have to wait till I go to Zanesville next week. I don't have zippers so I'm not taking it off the machine it'll just have to wait. I have an Ultimate 1, without a SR, so I can try a slower speed with slower movements. I wanted to an all over feather with feathers in the "border" triangles. It does have Quilters Dream cotton batting - she provided. I don't think she washed the fabrics as they seem "hard"(?). Ah well, Thanks again! I'll show pics when I'm done... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbi Posted September 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 BTW, You guys are the best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbi Posted September 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2011 GOOD NEWS! The "5's" have it!!! I purchased some size 5 Groz-Beckart (130/21) needles at A Touch of Thread in Zanesville and they're working!!!! I'm doing an all over feather meander and not one skipped stitch. AND my stitches look fabulous! (That's kinda hard sometimes as my Ultimate 1 does not have a stitch regulator - well it kinda does - ME!) I'm thrilled with how it's coming out! One more day and it'll be done!!! YAY! Thanks for all your help! I did purchase one pack of every size they had! I want to be prepared! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 Bobbi I'm glad it is working for you. I have a package of 5's but I've never used them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyLake Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 Congratulations, Bobbette -- have will, will conquer!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoAnnHoffman Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 So Fine top and bottom for batiks works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegmtq Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 Bobbi, So glad the 5's worked for you. I know I was shocked that the 5 worked for me. I only had 1 so I really stressed about it not breaking. Sometimes we have to break the rules to find what works. I am with you, have some of all sizes!! Peggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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