Your Babylock Jazz II and Cutie Frame: The Ultimate Guide to Tension for Perfect Quilting Results

In this comprehensive video tutorial, we'll take you through the ins and outs of setting up your Babylock Jazz II and Cutie Frame for the best possible quilting results. Tension can make or break your quilting experience, and with our expert guidance, you'll be able to achieve perfect tension every time.
We'll start with an overview of the equipment you'll need and the key features of your Babylock Jazz II and Cutie Frame. From there, we'll walk you through step-by-step instructions for setting up your machine and frame, including how to adjust tension on the upper and lower threads.
You'll learn troubleshooting tips for common tension issues, and we'll also cover how to properly thread your machine and wind a bobbin for optimal results. Plus, we'll share our top tips for getting the most out of your quilting experience, including how to choose the right needles, threads, and fabrics.
Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, this video tutorial is a must-watch for anyone looking to achieve perfect tension and beautiful results with their Babylock Jazz II and Cutie Frame.
Free PDF of settings and what to do found on my website
www.rosencollection.com and
drive.google.c...
Sewing Machines Plus Jazz II and Cutie Frame bundle- shrsl.com/410dg
Babylock Jazz II
shrsl.com/4l87w
Grace Cutie Frame
shareasale.com...
Disclaimer- This website may contain some affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission. This helps support Rosen Collection and allows me to keep up with new products to review.

[@jenzyjordan9203]

This is a note to self, at 14:04 she goes over her settings for quilting. Thank you for this video.

[@wandawalker4191]

I keep a small hand mirror in my sewing room so I can look at the back, checking stitches, onstead of having to do gymnastics to look at that. It's been really helpful.

[@rosencollection5615]

What a great tip!

[@deborahiwck8016]

I needed your video! Real people in real settings. coming up against real situations! Very well done, perfect pace & no excessive jabber-talking. Machine and frame arrives soon. so excited. THANK YOU.. you are appreciated

[@GIIG21]

Thank you, this has to be one of the BEST videos for free motion quilting and the Jazz2 machine. You were having and solving issues at gome quilters have but are never shown in other videos. I have voth the frame and Jazz2 and have had the same tension issues and did just WHT you did to resolve. You are awesome 👌

[@rosencollection5615]

Thank you!

[@mamabear52]

I agree, very helpful, I thought the lights were the top thread initially, would love to have seen an enlarged still photo of the underside stitching. at the various tension levels. I corrected some of my issues just last week thanks to advice from another Jazz 2 owner, by following the bobbin winding to the letter.

[@terridrimel1056]

Nice demo. 😊

[@rosencollection5615]

Thank you!

[@helenrand7580]

Good lesson. Thanks I was having tension problems.

[@jeanettbaker3922]

Very helpful THANK YOU!!

[@lauradonnelly7468]

Thank you! I needed this!

[@coleenguhl]

I am so glad I watched this video as I have been thinking about obtaining a cutie frame. Thanks again!

[@rosencollection5615]

You are so welcome!

[@wandaanderson1220]

I own a Jazz2 and ordered a Cutie yesterday. Your video is great with showing how to set up the frame and machine from start to finish. You answered all of my questions on adjusting the frame. I am so happy that I found your video. Your are very good at explaining the process so that newbies can understand. Thank you so much. Now I look forward to setting my frame up when it arrives and set up my JAZZ2 with confidence.

[@rosencollection5615]

Great to hear! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@wandaanderson1220]

@@rosencollection5615 Thank you! I will. My frame should arrive by the 9th. I am really excited now after watching your tutorial.

[@kathywalcott290]

Thanks for the video. I put my cutie together and it’s on my dining room table…… waiting for me to figure out the next step. Ha ha. Baby steps

[@charsie3098]

I loved the video because I have a Jazz 2 and just set up my q-zone hoop frame. I have had issues with the Jazz just quilting without frame so I do not expect to go problem free. Your patience and suggestions were greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

[@donnaholesinger9936]

What a great demo video! Thanks!

[@deborahagren1795]

very informed for me. I was impress with this turtorial .It gave me a lot of help with my setting my tenstions

[@kim-mariedesmarais3517]

Thank you for the video! Got my frame and machine back in March, and still haven’t used them. Just finished a quilt top and was going to send it to a long arm, but since I haven’t heard back from them after asking to set up an appointment, figured now’s the time to learn how to use them. (After a few practice runs of course 😂).

[@rosencollection5615]

Congratulations! Keep practicing and trying! Don't give up! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@mamabear52]

I really appreciated your attention to the details, as I have found many videos are about how awesome the person can free motion quilt, new subscriber

[@marydillard1357]

I just got my Jazz 2 and having the hardest time getting the tension set. Arfter watching your video i think i may not have it threaded right. After doing my first project i turned it over to look at the back and didn't know if i need a seam ripper or if it needed a "hair cut" because there was so much loose thread LOL... Live and Learn!!! Thank you for your video!! It's been so helpful in giving me ideas of where to look for my problem!!

[@rosencollection5615]

You're welcome!

[@blairseibert1778]

Mary have you found the Jazz 2 is working better with some adjustments? I've been told it's not a good machine for free motion quilting from the Baby Lock dealer. They're trying to sell me the new computerized version. I'm a brand new quilter but would like to get a machine that's better suited to quilting than my 40-year-old Pfaff but didn't want to spend $1,200 yet.

[@mwalker6600]

This is a great video! Thank you for creating. I love straight-line quilting and am tired of doing it on the Jazz II. Can you straight-line using this? If so, is it fairly easy. I can imagine that the bobbin runs out quickly.

[@karenwescott2615]

Thank you soooo, sooo much for your wonderful and informative tutorial! I just bought the Babylock Allegro for my Cutie frame. I was having issues with figuring out how to make sure it fit on the stand and realized that I didn't have the back feet on the sewing machine frame! After watching your video and heeding your tip , it worked out much better!!!

[@rosencollection5615]

You are so welcome!

[@karenwescott2615]

I've been trying to use my Allegro on my Cutie frame and still having issues. I've tried adjusting the tension but still get eyelashes in the bottom. When moving my machine backwards, and quite a bit from side to side, it doesn't engage the bobbin and the upper thread breaks. I did want to note, if you are looking for a ruler foot, you will need an adjustable low- shank ruler foot.

[@paulabecker7483]

I noticed you do not have any kind of speed control. Your stitches look amazing!

[@rosencollection5615]

Thank you I do not.

[@deneiceknotts6217]

I was soooo happy to find this video I have the same frame and machine and have had sooo many tension issues. Now I know it isn’t something I’m doing wrong. Thank you for taking the time to film this? I have been hesitant to set it up again after practicing and being frustrated. I am curious if it’s possible to make a quilt sandwich using the same fabrics to test the tension before setting the machine on the frame? I don’t have a ton of room to see underneath when it’s on the frame. Or, does the tension change when it’s on the frame?

[@tessaelstran]

I would definitely have some practice sandwiches on hand. That’s what I do. They don’t have to be very big either. At least you can see how things look without ruining your actual project. I’m struggling with this set up also.

[@rosencollection5615]

The correct tension will need to be found on the frame. Or else you break needles, thread, or have poor stitching.

[@lynnbackhaus9412]

I own a babylock jazz2 the eyelashes forced me to remove a lot of thread! So The fix was to increase the tension to 7 and if that doesn't do the trick increase it to 9. Have your stitch length up to 4 and the feed dogs down. Make sure youroving at a steady pace, jerks or catches of the material on the side of the machine will make a blurp. Practice and be sure to rethread your machine everytime you change the tension.

[@rosencollection5615]

Thank you!

[@lindacyprus1255]

So whenever you change tension on the jazz2 you should fully retread the machine? If thar is the case, that may explain so many of the negative tension comments. I've never done that for my other machines but have to admit I rarely change tension. This machine will be dedicated to the cutie frame once it is all set-up.

[@dianebadget776]

I have a Cutie frame, Jazz II machine, and am just now learning about my break Sure Stitch Elite. Needless to say I’m now re-resolving tension issues I thought I had fixed without the Elite, so I’m double checking everything from setting up the frame correctly and adjusting tensions. I’ll get there. I am a little curious about your height adjustment. The Cutie instruction manual, and advice in various groups, is to have the back bar set so you can just get a fingertip between it and the bed of the machine, so that’s how I did it. But your back bar appears quite a bit higher in the video, and you set the height so that the front bed of your Jazz II goes under the front bar almost to the needle. What am I missing in my setup? Thanks.

[@dianebadget776]

“Break Sure Stitch Elite”? That should have been “new”. Thanks, autocorrect, for incorrectly correcting something that didn’t need to be corrected.

[@rosencollection5615]

I have my bars all the way up at the same height.

[@ohno6955]

I had the same question. where did you end up with your bars?

[@christafenwick2852]

Thanks for the demo. I love my Jazz 2 and have been thinking about the cutie frame. I have the Flynn frame system but I seem to use it only to baste the quilts together. I don't seem to be as comfortable moving the frame so I'm been thinking about moving the machine. :) You answered a lot of my concerns.

[@rosencollection5615]

You're very welcome! If there are anymore questions you have feel free to post them here!

[@paulabecker7483]

The Cutie frame is awesome, I looked at the Flynn frame and decided against it. I figured if I wanted to do this I may as well go all the way. I just wasn't sure it would work for me. Anyway, happy quilting!!🎊

[@christafenwick2852]

@@paulabecker7483 I have the Flynn frame & it works awesome for basting the quilt sandwich. It was a bit cumbersome to use but it work very well. I can't wait to try my Cutie frame

[@suzywind8153]

I have heard that a stitch regulator can be purchased. Have you ever used such or plan on using such in a future video. Thank you for this video. Very informative and helpful.

[@rosencollection5615]

Yes, there is a stitch regulator for the Jazz II. I would love to get one for it but at this time I have to hold off on more purchases to get a new sewing studio. But if I come across one I will definitely do a video on it.

[@rosiehowell5575]

Just got the stitch regulator. It controls the stitch length but I'm still have trouble when doing circles. Still get a little eyelashing on curves. And also I haven't learned to move at a good steady speed. I'm sure there is a trick to that I haven't found.

[@rosencollection5615]

The most important thing I have learned is that going into/around a curve is to speed up and not slow down(opposite of a curve when you drive a car around a curve)

[@betsydombrowski3889]

Are you using a straight stitch or zig zag?

[@lindasmith8021]

Thank you for the video. I am in the process of setting up my Jazz II on the Cutie frame. Your video really helped. Wondering how much quilting space you have with your Jazz. I have the upper carriage and I think that I am only going to get about 7" or so.

[@rosencollection5615]

I only get about 6.5-7 inches as well. The space lessens if you don't turn the quilt when half way done.

[@bevnoble9619]

Just set mine up n I'm at a 7 also

[@rosencollection5615]

Always check every project! I am glad it helped!

[@marveledwards4848]

I recently bought both the BabyJazz II and the Grace Cutie Frame and I'm having all kinds of tension problems. Can you please tell me the size needle you used, what tread (type and size) you used? Thanks for putting this together I have been so lost

[@rosencollection5615]

Hi, I use a schmetz 75/11. As for thread I actually use polyester embroidery thread because I find more colors in the shade I want. In this particular setup I used New brothread thread I purchased on Amazon l.

[@marveledwards4848]

@@rosencollection5615 Thanks for getting back to me.

[@marveledwards4848]

@@rosencollection5615 Sorry to bother you again. I just recently bought the Grace Frame & Babylock Jazz and I'm trying to find my groove. Do you find it easier to stand or set when you are quilting using the Grace frame with the BabyLock Jazz. Do you have other video's that I can watch?

[@rosencollection5615]

I find it easier to stand but I have an adjustable height table. I have had 2 back surgeries and typically prefer to sit but I have a hard time seeing what I am doing. At the moment I am working on costumes for a local movie. I do not have anymore videos but would love suggestions. What would you like to see?

[@marveledwards4848]

@@rosencollection5615 I bought the grace table stand for my cutie frame to sit on . That way I can adjust the table to sit or stand I'll have to try both. I'll keep practicing and if I have more questions I'll reach out to you. Thanks again for communicating with me about this. And good luck on your costume making project.

[@karendriggins8598]

Me again. Update, solved thread issue by using a 90/14 topstitch needle and glide thread. I am using the darning/free motion foot and it’s doing pretty well. Have you ever used a ruler foot? Any issues? I am using a generic one and it does not do well so I have ordered an “official Baby Lock” ruler foot and we will see.

[@rosencollection5615]

They do take some practice and not all ruler feet are the same. I have had a cheap ruler foot bend while sewing. And I have had no problems with the Babylock brand.

[@doreenmohns9198]

Thank you for the great set up and demo. I just got the Jazz 2 a couple weeks ago and was thinking on buying the cutie frame and found your video … how did it go for you were you able to finish the quilt and do you have any other comments on how the machine and frame performed together?

[@rosencollection5615]

I did finish the quilt. The only negative I have with the frame and the Babylock Jazz II is the needle threader lever hits the frame making another inch or so that I am unable to sew.

[@janetcorrao5072]

Did you remove the needle threader? I don't use mine, easier to just thread it myself.

[@sherrylewis9881]

I just purchased my jazz 2 also, that needle threader is beyond hard! It’s much easier to thread it myself! I’m just seeing the “cutie” for the first time today, I’m interested in learning more About it

[@teririos4736]

How do you put in a new bobbin if you run out, do you have to take the quilt off completely and then set everything back up?

[@rosencollection5615]

Unfortunately yes will the Jazz II being a top loading bobbin you have to peel the quilt back to change it out.

[@n2xrcise]

Hi, thanks for this video. Can you tell me how I'd use a larger spool of thread in this exact same set up? I don't know if the Jazz II comes with a longer piece or not....

[@rosencollection5615]

The Jazz II comes with the stand up adapter that goes on the bobbin winder. I have seen where people are buying a tread stand and attaching it in different ways to the machine.

[@gmato2350]

Thank you for this video. I have been thinking about getting the Jazz 2 and the Cutie. One question about the Jazz 2. Does it sew easily through quilt squares that have thick intersections, where the aquarist are pieced together?

[@rosencollection5615]

You're very welcome! It sews through several layers of jeans and quilting squares have never been a problem.

[@paulabecker7483]

I have used mine to sew on heavy velcro with no problems. Just remember with any thick or heavy fabric, go slow.

[@grandmalovesmebest]

​@@paulabecker7483 and use the right needle!😁

[@susanpaulo329]

Will you have a video showing how to use the laser with the Jazz II and Cutie Frame?

[@rosencollection5615]

I have the laser and it takes so much practice I can hopefully get a video together soon.

[@loishodd8579]

Thanks for this video! May I ask, please, what all you had to purchase to use the babylock jazz 2 with this frame? I want to buy one, too..and since you have the exact machine as me, I thought maybe you'd share what you bought, with me! Thanks!

[@rosencollection5615]

The cutie frame, jazz ii, and a free motion quilting foot.

[@lindatonkin3802]

I was wanting to buy the baby lock jazz 2 but I have read so many compliments about looping and skip stitches and nesting. Did you have those problems?

[@rosencollection5615]

I have not had these issues that I have read so many others have. The machine is mechanical, so it does not adjust like a computerized machine can. I do find it to be a bit temperamental when I turn it off and come back to finish. Usually it is just a slight tension adjustment again and she is good to go.

[@janetcorrao5072]

I noticed you didn't use fabric extenders. Did you have any problems getting close to the edge? I usually do a self binding baby quilts.

[@rosencollection5615]

For this demo I did not use cloth leaders. If the fabric is able to extend to where you want to sew it is not necessary.

[@brendagerbig1025]

I am having trouble with needles breaking. Tension is great so now wondering about bar height. You brought yours all the way to the top, did you adjust them after or leave them on 8?

[@rosencollection5615]

Needle breaks can happen for a number of reasons. What I have seen lately it the quality of batting has declined a little so some brands have hard or tough spots causing some breaks. Another is thick fabric seams. Does it happen at a certain spot(s)? As for the bars I did leave them all the way up because the Jazz II has a tall bed and won't fit otherwise.

[@brendagerbig1025]

Today was the first time I made it through quilting a baby quilt. I also have a jazz 2. I can only get glide thread to work, no cotton. As for needles breaking it’s anywhere. I did slow down today, and that has made a difference. Thank you for posting videos.

[@jaclynstoner6633]

I’m getting eyelashes under my quilt. I have the same exact set up as you… the cutie frame with the Jazz2. Any suggestions?

[@rosencollection5615]

Sorry it took so long for me to respond. Each quilt, fabric and batting can need different tensions. If the eyelashes are around a curve you need to speed up, instead of slow down like you would when driving a car. I hope this helps!

[@deborahgreenaway]

Any more tips for using this machine on the frame?

[@rosencollection5615]

I am working on new content. I am planning on showing the laser but it has way more of a learning curve than I thought. I also need to get a few quilts completed. Is there something in particular you would like to see?

[@susanbraun698]

Nice job!

[@rosencollection5615]

Thank you! Let me know if there is anything else you would like to see!

[@karendriggins8598]

I just got my Cutie and the Jazz 2 a few days ago. I’m having issues with the thread shredding and breaking. I’m using Isacord 100% polyester, 80/20 cotton batting and basic quilting cotton front/back. I’m also using a ruler foot. Any ideas??? Getting really frustrated. Oddly when I put a muslin/80-20 batting “sandwich” in to test, I have less problems. I’m puzzled. Thanks

[@rosencollection5615]

Every project or sample can be different. It sounds to me like the tension needs to be lowered a smidge. But there are other reasons such as threading(I have had threading come out of place while sewing.) Needle bur(change the needle.) Bad thread(try different thread to see if you get the same results) and finally thread piece in take-up lever( I still have no clue how this happens but it does, a 1/4 piece gets stuck and throws off tension) I hope this helps!

[@grandmalovesmebest]

​@@rosencollection5615 yes. I learned not to wait till the machines don't work to get them serviced. "Permanently oiled" isn't! Spaces gunge up and dust (even well covered) and lint collects everywhere. Then there's all those problems not addressed in the manual or on you tube. IF you can find someone well trained in repair, pay him. The money you save by DIY or "if it isn't broken don't fix it, will cost you in lost hours of work and mega frustration until you buy a new machine. (from a die-hard "I don't need a serviceman" sewist.😲)

[@brendahouseholder537]

I would have put a piece of fabric on the side of batting to do a test to see how the tension was instead of your quilt

[@rosencollection5615]

The fabric I used was left over and not of high quality. I removed the stitches used in practice, and the quilt was donated when it was completed.

[@sherrylewis9881]

Hello I have tried everything I know, and learned… I can not get the bottom to free motion quilt without eyelashes… please help

[@rosencollection5615]

Typically eyelashes on the bottom is too loose of upper tension. Make sure your presser foot is down. It can be hard to see especially while using a cutie frame. All else fails I start from scratch, reset tension, turn off machine and back on, try different thread and quilt sandwich. I prefer to use a polyester thread because there are more color options available. Hope that helps!

[@sherrylewis9881]

I did reset everything I even got a new Bobben and wound it everything from scratch the only thing I didn’t do is try a different thread I’ll try that tomorrow thank you for helping me

[@laurabridson1795]

I would like info on the table it is set up on.

[@rosencollection5615]

It is an adjustable height table from Ikea called Skarsta/Trotter. It is 63 inches by 31.5 inches. Check out this SKARSTA / TROTTEN from IKEA Here's a little more information: Desk sit/stand, white, 63x31 1/2 " ingka.page.link/cuo3bgWQS7AzBoCT7

[@maryannupton7859]

Please talk louder. I have volume up all the way and still hard to hear you. .

[@rosencollection5615]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@jackieharrison3467]

Sorry, but this is painful to watch. Practice, practice, practice, before you start filming.

[@rosencollection5615]

The point of this video is to show the extremes and what will happen. I did not have any issues getting started. I got the tension set in two tries. I DO NOT recommend someone to try this. But this is a how to get there. Please see the handout.

[@jackieharrison3467]

@@rosencollection5615 I guess I am missing the point of this video.

[@jackieharrison3467]

Sorry, but this is painful to watch. Practice, practice, practice, before you start filming.

[@rosencollection5615]

The point of this video is to show the extremes and what will happen. I did not have any issues getting started. I got the tension set in two tries. I DO NOT recommend someone to try this. But this is a how to get there. Please see the handout.

[@kim-mariedesmarais3517]

Wow..that’s rude. If it was that painful, you could have stopped watching. I liked seeing the adjustments that needed to be made. This way if I get those results, I’ll know what to do. Maybe you could do a perfect video for everyone to watch. 🤔