PJK Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 I just finished a quilt with a muslin back and my stitches were perfect all the way through. Now I have started a quilt with a batik back and the stitching is not pretty on the back, I didn't even turn my machine off, even the same thread, do I have to change needles or tension for batik backing? Thank you Phyllis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeke Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 I've never changed anything when I do batiks I guess both my machine are not bias about batiks . Zeke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankiequilter Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 I quilt batik top and back without any trouble. Normally I use a 4.0 needle but sometimes a 3.5 works better. Never cotton or 80/20 batting, always Hobbs Polydown or wool, and always poly thread, often Glide. Sometimes I will wash the backing before loading it, especially if it feels stiff. Loosen the quilt sandwich a bit so it is not tight. Sometimes when quilting on batik I will change the needle when it seems to pop in and out of the fabric. And I do not think that batik requires different tension, but I may be wrong since I adjust mine until the stitches are pretty without thinking about why the adjustment is being made. Good luck, let us know what works for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zora Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 I had never had a problem with batik front and back..until the last quilt I did. Awful, and sounded like machine gun fire. Changed to a smaller needle and SoFine, washed the backing. Got it done, but it was not as nice as it would have been with a shiny thread. You never know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaR Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 Try some spray silicone on the back, and use the Sewers Aid (also silicone) to treat thick intersections, as you quilt ~! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 I ask my clients to wash batik backings, I wash mine all the time. That is to play safe & not to encounter these issues again. I use 4.00 needles & change to new needle if necessary as these batiks wear them out quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apylinski Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 I'm doing the same thing. I'm not happy with the stitching and tension. Using a variegated YLI thread via customer's request. Have never used it nor quilted a batik top and bottom before. I'm using a 3.5 needle, Tuscany cotton batting (provided by the customer). Doing some "frogging" today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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