Quilting Tension Basics

[@merryhill4790]

I have been using my long arm for years and it is so true we all will have issues now and then, I think the key is checking the bottom of the quilt when you advance so you don’t have much picking to do. If I find a small mishap after I take the quilt off, I pick and use my sewing machine restitch the (small) area. Thanks ladies for such a great video.

[@RanchGalQuilter]

Thanks so much for another fantastic educational video!

[@JanetLicariQuilts]

Thanks for the visual information. You two make tension issues seem fun and easy to correct. Great job on this video!

[@carolyncummings8949]

Very easy to understand!

[@HandiQuilter]

If only you could hear us when we are dealing with tension issues in real life!! (:

[@debmetheral6596]

Thank you I have been struggling for a day and half with my top tension and I watched you for 5 min and got it thank you again from Ontario Canada.I have a HQ sweet Sixteen .

[@HandiQuilter]

Glad it helped!

[@JulieC-z5t]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@makeitsew29]

Thank you for your helpful videos. Until I watched this video, I would use the fingernail trick first and then, to double-check, I take a little makeup mirror and a flashlight to see the underside. I’ll have to try Christina’s tip of making the top tension too tight. With my most recently completed quilt, I learned I always need to make sure the thread is fully between the tension disks. Total “thread fart” that became until I realized it!! 😂 “Thread fart” - great term!!

[@paularocque5526]

Excellent!!!!

[@sarahleigh1502]

❤❤ Thank you two for the great info. Its cleared up some issues I've had; it's truly helpful.Gotta go find the video on Bobbin tenson....Thanks again ladies..😊

[@HandiQuilter]

The bobbin video should air next week. The order got mixed up at some point!

[@SuperBettyboop23]

I truly love watching your tutorials I learn so much and I love that you make me laugh also. I truly learned so much from you too ladies thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge❣️✂️🧵🪡💗💕❤️💓💖

[@HandiQuilter]

Thank you so much!

[@brendadunham2442]

I have an extending handled mirror with a light on it.

[@loridoyle3591]

I learn so much from you two!!!❤❤

[@pamelamiller3215]

I sandwich a long piece like a quilt and load it like i was starting my quilting check the stitching that way

[@tracytroglin3156]

Question, if you are using 2 different colors top and bottom. When doing a curve and the bottom thread pulls up to show on the top, is this a tension issue or a speed issues when making the curve? Thank you

[@HandiQuilter]

I would say a tension issue. The curves is when you will notice it pulling more.

[@tracytroglin3156]

@@HandiQuilter Thank you. I will adjust my tension.

[@Elainemorriscvg]

How do we get that chart and needles? Can't find it in your shop. I need to order needles. Thanks

[@HandiQuilter]

handiquilter.com/product/longarm-needles-20-needles-2-packs-of-10/ One of the photos is of the needle/thread chart.

[@gailneumann89]

I use a hand mirror and flashlight to check the back

[@gailfrenz96]

Do you have any pointers in the case where tension is perfect, top and bottom, on some of the fabrics in your quilt, but you cannot see defined stitches on the top of every fabric? Thank you.

[@HandiQuilter]

That is a tough one. You can try adjusting the tension just a little in hopes that it balances more between the different fabric types on the quilt top.

[@gailfrenz96]

@@HandiQuilter Thank you.

[@cindyroman5126]

Can you tell us why there is a clanking noise when you are stitching

[@crissiecook2207]

What would cause your machine to be stitching along and then kind of stall in one spot then start up again? It sounds like the bobbin is just spinning. The stitches are very tight and tiny. I stop and check the bobbin and start up again and it is okay for about 1-2 minutes before it starts stalling again. What could be the problem?

[@HandiQuilter]

We would need a little more information to help with this. I would suggest that you call HQ Tech or Education so they can talk with you directly.

[@QuiltyJill]

Great informative video. Do you recommend getting your longarm serviced annually, just like your sewing machine?

[@HandiQuilter]

We recommend every two years or 10 million stitches. Whichever comes first.

[@happytraveller8953]

I often use a thread in the bobbin that closely matches the backing fabric and this may be different from the top color because I don't want a huge stark contrast on the backing with the bobbin thread. Is this incorrect or does it mean that I need to be more careful of tension needs??? Thanks in advance.

[@HandiQuilter]

If you choose not to use matching colors, yes, you will need to be more careful with your tension. It is possible but definitely takes more work.

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I can't see the difference in color in the black top. I wish it was all done in white or more difference in the thread colors. Good ideas though! I had a problem with the needle out of time and had to find how to fix that. Not a lot of good videos or resources for that problem. And It got knocked out of time very easy!

[@azflower7748]

If you get your tensions right, using a different color thread opens up a WHOLE WORLD of possibilities. I very rarely use the same color thread on my top as I do in the bobbin. I prefer to match my bobbin thread to the backing color and generally use a completely different thread or threads on the top. As far as adjusting tension in mh domestic machines... forget what your HS HomeEc teacher threatened you with....ADJUST the tension! It's just as important there as on the longarm :)

[@HandiQuilter]

That is great that you are confident with your tension enough to use different thread colors!! It takes a lot of practice to get to that point!

[@azflower7748]

Not really. Just persistence :)

[@dorisdunn9845]

I found a lighted mirror on a stick, like a mechanic’s tool.

[@daleneth9588]

You talk about tightening the tension but how do you do that?

[@HandiQuilter]

The black tension dial on the side of the machine. Righty tighty, lefty loosey.

[@darleneblakely7726]

I use a makeup mirror. One side even has magnifying.

[@shelleytheriault8526]

Another video where you can’t see the difference in the Color’s of the thread and not enough close ups