Hitomi Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 I was told when I first started quilting, to have my quilt top loose enough that when you stick your finger underneath the backing and poke upward, you will be able to grab the tips of your finger. So I have been quilting with a loose top. When Linda S. was here, she said she makes her tops really tight if I have an IQ. So, what is everyone else doing? Any tips on how tight you should have your quilt top on your machine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue E. Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 I have my top real tight when using my CompuQuilter. If the top is too loose, I will not get get registration and backtracking. I want a real tight top - as tight as I can get it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitomi Posted January 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 I thought the thread breaks if you get it too tight? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meg Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 Someone told me that since the computer moves the machine at a steady pace and with no jerking, it breaks less. Of course, I am not computerized so I'm just repeating what I was told. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 I'm not computerized but I keep my top pretty tight. You can't bounce a quarter off of it but it isn't so loose as I've seen some demo's done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iquiltit Posted January 27, 2013 Report Share Posted January 27, 2013 I keep my sandwich tight as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHuffman Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 I keep my quilt sandwich tighter when doing computerized work. My IQ moves the machine at a steady pace so needle flex isn't as big a deal as it is when I'm doing freehand work. I loosen my sandwich up when doing freehand work. You should be able to see the machine moving under the quilt when doing freehand work. It typically surprises people at how loose our machines like to run in freehand mode. When I flip over to computerized mode I tighten' her up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlnewell Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 I always have my backing tight (to avoid tucks) and the top fairly tight too, but I would say slightly looser than the back. My machine in not computerized either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie H Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 I've always wondered this myself. So glad you asked. I like mine a little on the tighter side too. Sometimes i get away without side clamping, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaC Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 Mine is slightly loose; like Angela says: I can see the machine under my quilt; I don't have problems with tucks on the back; I freehand everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamu Posted January 28, 2013 Report Share Posted January 28, 2013 I find this interesting, something that I had wondered about as well. Some like it tight, some like it loose..personal preference I think. When I went to Barb's Longarm Retreat I was surprised at how loose the samples were to practice on. I asked about that as I had always made mine pretty tight. I was told that lots of people like the quilts to be very loose. When I went home I tried it that way and my way...found out that with different thread types I get better stitch with loose or tight. I am making my quilts looser than I had in the past but not so loose that it is 'sloppy' on the frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeke Posted January 29, 2013 Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 I don't have it too tight or too loose. Just snug. I do that way with the computer and Freeland. Zeke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark Posted January 29, 2013 Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 It can really depend on the type of fabric...if it is a tight fabric weave or dense fabric then you don't want to pull the fabric real tight or else the needle will struggle to get through the fabric and can cause problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitomi Posted January 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2013 Thanks, very helpful info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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