LLJ Posted February 26, 2007 Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 OK, here is today's problem. I am quilting a batik top with batik backing - with superior variegated thread, bottom line on the bobbin. I was advised to use a titanium needle, which I do have. I seem to have the tension OK, but the top thread is skipping stitches, sometimes for an inch or so, then picks back up again. Shortly after this, the thread breaks. The thread spool is new. Any thoughts or suggestions? I am on a tight time table as this is Monday at 2PM and must be done by Thursday at MN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraC Posted February 26, 2007 Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 This is a problem that crops up with me, also, from time to time. Soooo frustrating. Try some sewer's aid if you have it. I wish I knew what the true answer is but I know that last time it was really bad we went thru' the timing procedure and this seems to have helped. Also, any itty bitty bit of lint in the bobbin area could be the culprit. I do find the problem worse with batiks, I've come to dread batik quilts that come my way although some quilt up like a dream. I don't think I've helped you much, sorry.....Sandra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramona-quilter Posted February 26, 2007 Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 Bobbin gremlins.... :mad: I have had that same problem before. Now, the first thing I do is pull the bobbin case out, pull the bobbin out and clean the daylights out of the bobbin case and the hook area. Sometimes tiny globs of thread get into the bobbin case and they seem to bounce around in there until it gets in the way of thread trying to make a stitch and then I get intermittent skipped or sloppy stitches. I stop, check the tension etc and the glob drops or lays down waiting for the bobbin to start to spin again. Try cleaning it thoroughly including the latch area on bobbin case. By the way, which Superior variegated thread are you using? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LLJ Posted February 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 Hi Ramona - I am using Poly Quilter #323 Aztec. LLJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnmach Posted February 26, 2007 Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 Have you tried going up one size in needle? The batik may be holding the thread too tight when it comes back up (not leaving a loop for the hook to catch) John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LLJ Posted February 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 Thanks for the help everyone! Linda (Ramona-quilter), you were so right! I cleaned the heck out of the bobbin case and the hook area. Then, just because I was doing three new things at once - sewing on batik, using a variegated thread, and using a titanium needle - decided to switch back to the 4.0 needle, and now everything is purring like a kitten. So far, so good, looks like I will make my deadline! This is a quilt that I am making for my daughter's bridal shower on Saturday and she is flying in Friday AM, so it has to be done by Thursday night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancingstitcher Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 Thank you all for this helpful information. I'm working on my first batik next and shall use the 4.0 needle. Also have Sewer's Aid standing by in the drawer. My threads are Superior. Good luck with your deadline LLJ. You're cutting it close. Congratulations on your daughter's pending wedding. How exciting. My daughter is 30 with no beau yet. Enjoy! Vicki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyLee Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 Reading this thread, I wonder where you find the industrial needles in Titanium finish? Good luck with your project, it's very frustrating when you have a deadline and things aren't working out. Judy Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clovismom Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 You can buy the titanium coated needles for the APQS from Superior Threads http://www.superiorthreads.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=29&option=com_phpshop&Itemid=88 Raquel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smicke Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Hi, Just a thought. Are the titanium neddles Gross Becket? Only because I have used them very early on, thinking they are great as they would last longer but found them to skip stitches and was having al sorts of problem. As my DH pointed out to me they are a little bit shorter than the Singer MR 4 recomended by APQS and it is possible the don't quite reach down into the bobbin area to make a full stitch. With batik fabric i found changing my needle more often as there is still residual in the fabric and this may cause the thread to break. I hope you have a great day! Simone:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LLJ Posted February 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Hi Simone, I spoke with Tina from APQS who says we don't need the titanium needles at all - just use the 4.0. I had gotten my titanium needles from the show in New Hampshire two years ago, thinking they would be great to have on hand. The quilt I am doing is throw size, and I have changed needles twice so far - as soon as I start hearing the "popping" noise, time to change! Since I removed the titanium needle, I have had no more skipped stitches! Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenscratch Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Linda, I just noticed that you are from Bowie, MD. I grew up in Annapolis and the surrouding area. My parents and sister still live in Maryland. Next time we go up for a visit I will have to call you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathymartinez Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 I think I might have the answer to titanium problems. I used to have a brand X machine. When I changed to a different brand of needles, the machine had to be either retimed or the needle bar had to be changed. Can't remember which one. If you go back to the Singer needle, the machine should run well. It's the different brand that requires the adjustment. If you stick to one brand of needles, you can change to different sizes and models. (I think I learned this at Innovations at a machine maintenance class.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catsigler Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Wow, LLJ, my son and his family are in Bowie! : Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smorris Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Good information Simone, you can't usually even see the small difference in length of needle and diameter and scarf but it makes a difference to how pretty the stitches are. Mike Moore suggests in the manual that we only use the needles that come with the machine Sue in australia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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