Free Motion Machine Quilting Troubleshooting - Sew Well with Rob Appell

Join Rob Appell and learn a few easy tricks for troubleshooting your issues when Free Motion Machine Quilting. This Video will share a few ideas and products that should help keep your machine quilting humming along.
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[@pamphillips5207]

You are so passionate about what you do and when you talk, you never skip a beat or have to think about what to say next. I love that. I’ve learned a lot from you, BUT, the biggest thing I learned is that the thread is NOT supposed to move. Before, if the thread spool wasn’t rotating, I’d think I had it on too tight and loosen it (or not use spool caps) til it spun! Since I’ve leaned it’s not supposed to spin, I’ve had such better luck! Such a simple thing, but what a game changer! 🤦‍♀️

[@karenbauman171]

This is the video I needed 6 years ago. I have been slowly working things out but I really appreciate you for putting this out there.

[@dcwatashi]

One thing that he did not mention which was told to me by several people, is to set your sewing speed either slow or medium and that way you can put your pedal to the metal and have consistent speed instead of trying to regulate it with your foot. One less thing to worry about/focus on

[@jenihansen7201]

WE LOVE ROB. THANK YOU SO MUCH ROB FOR THESE TIPS.

[@conniesoares157]

Thank you for all those tips! Will be watching this again when I quilt my next one that the top is being made currently.

[@judithp6257]

You have a wonderful turn of phrase. Rob 😆. I think you’ve solved my problem - my new ruler foot! Thank you for all your great videos over the years.

[@helenwilliams7112]

Blessings to you, Rob! I'm going to try the different size needle you suggested. Currently I work with a 90/14. I will give the 80/12 a try. What I have been able to accomplish, I have you to thank for! Your patience, and your suggestions, along with your reminding me things will not be perfect, having encouraged me to do my best. I also rely on the saying, "Once the binding is on, no one will notice." That mantra has carried me through many projects!

[@TheHawkeyeQuilter]

80/12 does really make a difference for FMQ. Also, personally, I use an 80/12 Topstitch (Superior Threads' Titanium Topstich to be exact -- not affiliated with the company, fyi).

[@maryannecadd796]

Ive been sewing for years, but I find this video really helpful. I've never been as successful as I want to be. Thanks for sharing this great information.

[@katherinef4291]

I got a Juki several months ago and went thru all the issues you described. I finally concluded that it was the ruler foot. I can only use Glide with the ruler foot. I have decided to stick to the hopping foot and pass on the ruler foot and doing ruler work. This video has validated my thinking. Thanks!

[@sophiastamatis9235]

Excellent! I’ve been sewing for years but learned a lot of specific details….especially the HL needles. Thank you.

[@cherylwilkerson150]

This was incredibly one of the most informative for trouble shooting my issue with free motion quilting. My thread breaks and shreds. You are a great enthusiastic educator. Really know what to do!

[@terrijones3386]

Thanks for all the help you are one of my favorites,

[@karenhodgson7880]

Thank you Rob, really helpful. As a side note, love the quilt behind you x

[@kimilocke2745]

I learned alot from this video. I bought a baby loc allegro . My stitching looks awful with free hand quilting. I'm getting alot of eye lashing (loops). And then it's trying to nest while I'm sewing. I'm going to change things up and hopefully things will change. Thanks again.

[@karenseverson8650]

Thank you, Rob. This information is most helpful, more than I’ve received at in person classes. Your info is clear, and I’m encouraged to try again!

[@lesleymeyers962]

I just watched this again!! The wealth of hindsight, knowledge!!! I can't thank you enough. I will probably watch a 3rd time. Bc 3X's seems to be my fault. I have torn out stitches 3 different times now!!! Hours. My beautiful quilt. I'm afraid to try again. But I will. Bc of you, thank you.

[@barbarapatterson8679]

This was loaded with useful information. I'll probably have to come back and review as I start experimenting.

[@TheHawkeyeQuilter]

Great tips and appreciate that you presented "why" each tip was being offered so we understood the reasoning behind them. And yes, one time I forgot to put my presser foot down!

[@ncboot5014]

WOW... THIS is what I needed to hear!! THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH for all your explanations of the different things that can cause problems!! You're the BEST, Rob!! :)

[@chrisdollery5166]

Great tutorial Rob I didn't know that the spool wasn't suppose to spin, I might give free motion another try.

[@therotundhound2354]

Shredded thread! I hear you, Rob!

[@lindawhitver4740]

Oh my goodness. I wasn’t going to watch this because I send my quilts out to be quilted. In one video you answered 98% of my issues. Thank you! Thank you! Can you do one on the easiest way to baste a quilt? Thank you again

[@TheHawkeyeQuilter]

The easiest basting method I've tried is with fusible powder; many like to use sprays but I don't use aerosol sprays. I tried the powder 2x on twin size quilts; I used approx. 1 container (2 - 4 oz) per quilt (used between top and batting and back and batting); just sprinkle between top and batting, then iron the top into place and repeat to iron backing into place). I found that it squished fabrics together so much (which means the fusing worked) that I lost some of that nice quilting "poof". There is also fusible batting, but I have not yet tried it.

[@helenhooper8441]

excellent little tutorial

[@marionosborne939]

Great info Rob! First time I have heard of a high speed needle and I have that Juki machine. I have been having trouble with skipped stitches when quilting soft and stable with free motion. I am going to order some needles right away! Thank you!

[@marionosborne939]

Update: the hlx5 needle didn’t make a difference but I used my independent thread stand and that solved my problem! Thank you so much Rob!

[@karin0963]

I was meant to watch this today. I changed my needle on a Juki to a standard. The thread kept breaking. You explained what kind I need and to look for the label on my machine. Sure enough, it says what to use. Thank you.

[@hdavis304]

FMQ has been the enemy! I got. Juki TL and love it! However, I’m very new to quilting and have only been able to do straight line quilting. I seem to struggle with tension and not sure if the bobbin tension is off? I’m also struggling with speed. Thanks for the tips on ruler feet, needle size, and thread. I’ll give those a try next!

[@lindakochis5476]

Thanks for all your tips Rob. I have 2machines I can freemotion on both but I love my Bernina 770QE. I did start and learn on the other machine. I recently bought a glove for cutting with the rotary cutter that works great for quilting I use it on my non dominate hand with the machiner ( tips cut off of thumb and first finger). The best tip is to relax and not expect perfection cause when all is done no one is going to give you back the quilt for skipped stitches or cross over one’s have fun. Bill is also a friend of mine so thanks for your sharing keep up the wonderful work a day at a time.

[@TheJAG1357]

Excellent video. I needed these tips. Appreciate all your videos.

[@lesleymeyers962]

Fabulous tutorial!!! Thank you

[@Aljobritt]

Thank you for such an informative video.

[@karin0963]

Thank you Rob. I didn't know about the needle size or using spring foot. I am looking at buying a Juki so these are helpful tips. And being new to FMQ, you gave me inspiration and confidence.

[@mirtaPR]

Thank u Rob for all ur tips I have Brother PQ1500 SL n have has soooo much skipped stitches 😖it’s sooo frustrating . Will try new needles thread rethreaded n all you said, hopefully it all will straighten out. You explain it all awesomely well 👍👍👍👏🏼

[@dcwatashi]

Rumor has it that the Brother 1500 has tension issues, so it might not be you

[@karenmcmullan]

G'day Rob. My added advise is take notes!!! Write down what worked and what didn't. Staple on samples. I still go back and see what I did previously. Helps me lots. God bless.

[@dorothytackett9943]

So helpful. Enjoy all your tutorials.

[@joysmith2322]

Life saver as always! Thanks again, Rob!

[@linsleysrygley643]

Great job Rob! I love this!

[@carolashworth1282]

This is excellent info!!!!!!

[@jeannieeden5258]

OMG, I think you fixed my issue!!! Thank you.

[@michelleinScotland]

Excellent; thank you.

[@lance3665]

Great video. Thanks so much you give wonderful advice.

[@joanbryant1494]

Thank you for the new info 🙂

[@pattypedersen3089]

I knew there was a reason I subscribed to your videos! The clear foot came with my Brother machine but I bought the open toe free motion foot recommended by the manufacturer. It sounds like it’s pounding bread dough and I wonder if it’s the glue from the appliqué pieces.

[@lisareese7486]

Great tutorial.

[@iriswidelski8215]

So important, thank you sooooo much

[@daleodberg6714]

Very helpful and interesting, thank you.

[@darleneappleman3911]

Ive got a thread stand it works great

[@normazimmermann7584]

Can you use 90/14 needles for FMQ?

[@dianefrazier5694]

Great tutorial! Can you recommend the best thread for free motion quilting. I find that my thread frays and I have the Juki TL 2010 and I just got this a couple of months ago and love it

[@michellebusta3507]

I just got out of the hospital When I'm able to get to my Janome Continental M7 I need help getting it to quilt correctly.

[@barbarajefferysings]

I get garden gloves at the dollar store. Same advantage, lower cost.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Needle, thread and tension are the trifecta of getting great results. I think every sewist (particularly quilters) should take the time to understand needle anatomy. Also, many manufacturers have the needle specification for their thread weights. A wrong match will provide endless frustration and disappointment. You can download needle brochures and become familiar with tip differentiation among needles, pairings with thread weight, and specialty coatings to enhance the duration/performance of your needle for your purpose. I had to do this deep dive when I got my Juki Kirei and was having disappointing results FMQ. Once I changed my needle (which worked just fine on another machine), my results changed instantly. But my head did hurt a little. I'm not sure why performance was different, but it may be endemic to the torque of the needle bar movement and machine speed. (All of "this" meant that Microtex was not a good option. The thinner shank does not always withstand the rigors of FMQ at high speeds). A great needle overview for your viewers can be found on You Tube with "Thread Therapy with Dr. Bob" (Bob Purcell of Superior Thread). I highly recommend it. He noted something interesting: In doing a survey, most professional quilters used a topstitch needle most of the time (for quilting). It has an elongated eye (2x longer) which allows for smoother movement of thread through eye; it has a deeper and wider groove; a sharp point (light sharp) which separates v. cuts fabric. Regarding threads: The dark cloud surrounding polyester threads really needs to be lifted. My go-to thread for piecing is Wonderfil Decobob (with a 80 Microtex). It is an 80wt cottonized polyester. Paired with a Microtex 80 needle, it provides flawless stitching with less bulk in the seam with NO compromise in quality. For those who like to stitch in the ditch, the 100 wt Invisifil as top thread creates beautiful stitches that won't show your wandering! There are many other quality manufacturers such as Glide and Superior. Moving outside of a narrow range of the "typical" will help one develop their preference.

[@lindarutherford6421]

Where are HLX5 needles available for sale online?

[@terrigaskey7354]

I would love the pattern for the quilt behind you! Is it available anywhere?

[@darleneappleman3911]

I use a real lighweight thread

[@darleneappleman3911]

Ive got extension table for my machine

[@darleneappleman3911]

I bought a darning foot for my Janome machine

[@bajoobiecuzican]

“ bouncing around like a low rider at a stop sign” … I love this comment ❤

[@diane-vz8wd]

I can't get my quilt to move at the beginning no matter what I do. I is just stuck

[@dollieschuster9106]

What is a ruler foot for?

[@janepols9215]

Ruler work, using templates to create fancy designs with free motion work. The template helps keep the shapes correct and consistent.

[@dcwatashi]

It is a thicker foot so it won’t cause problems when you are using those plastic templates

[@darleneappleman3911]

My machine is low shank

[@lindarutherford6421]

Is a pattern available for the quilt behind you?

[@StitchinHeaven]

Yes, here is the free tutorial, and kits were back in stock on 12/30/22, but won’t last long. Enjoy, How to Make the Synergy Remix Quilt - Sew Well with Rob Appell kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKOapYKsbr1sgNE

[@karenscribner7031]

The reason to use the thread stand is not to keep a spool from spinning. The reason to use a thread stand is because the thread on a cross wound big spool should come off the top of the spool, not the side of the spool.

[@lizz7162]

Thank you for your informative videos ...I have a bernina activa 125 .. it hates stretch fabric especially bonbon .. lycra ect ... skips stitches a lot ... iv tried all the stretch/jersey/microtex needles .. iv no idea what else to try or do .. can you help? Lizz from South Africa

[@marymannion4445]

How about a plain ballpoint needle?

[@lizz7162]

Tried it as well but thanks for suggesting xx

[@lindakochis5476]

I’m no expert but a thought came to me when I read your post have you tried adjusting the pressure foot .Just a thought good luck

[@lizz7162]

@@lindakochis5476 I had the mechanic out and he adjusted it .. now it's better wth fabric tht has a stretch but not the very stretchy .. iv been told to put paper under the fabric but have not tried yet

[@janepols9215]

Make sure you have the right size needle for your machine and for the fabric. And be sure the needle is in all the way. If it still doesn't work right take it to the repair.

[@antoniokinsey4041]

As soon as someone says I’m blessed to be here, I’m out of here lol

[@lindalosier5989]

Thanks for the great tips. I did not know about the needles, now I have to see if they are the ones I'm using!!