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Permalink Reply by HeyJudee on September 17, 2009 at 7:37pm

This may be a dumb question but have you ever done free motion quilting before? I've only done free motion with my regular sewing machine and my darning foot. I usually have to increase the needle tension when I do that. I don't know the difference between your stippling foot vs the darning foot. How fast are you moving the machine vs the speed that the machine is sewing at? That will affect the tension as well. And another silly question...are you sure you've lowered your presser foot? What type of thread are you using in the needle and in the bobbin? Have you used this thread before successfully? I did find some comments when I googled "problems machine quilting on a frame" that the type of thread used can make a difference. Sorry but that's all I can suggest.

Permalink Reply by Laurie on October 16, 2009 at 6:34pm

Yes, tension is a major factor when quilting on a frame. I always check my bobbin tension with EACH bobbin. Put your bobbin in it's holder (assuming it's a removable holder), grab the thread and let the bobbin case dangle. Give it a small jerk to get it sliding. If the thread feeds out too quickly, tighten the tension. The case should just slowly slide down the dangling thread. That's when your bobbin tension is just about right. Once that's set, set your machine (top) tension to match. This will prevent the the "pokies" on the front and back of the quilt. I've never of a stippling foot and most machines use a darning foot when machine quilting but the foot shouldn't have anything to do with the top thread tension unless you forgot to put the presser foot in the down position.

Permalink Reply by Chris on April 12, 2010 at 9:08am

Another area to check when using a frame, (which I used for several years) Is to make sure that the quilt is at the right height and is held tightly at the sides. Not so tight that you can bounce a quarter on it. Raise your rollers so that the foot is almost touching the fabric, but not pressing it down. (It needs to float)

I have found that if there is too much space, or if there is too much movement it interferes with the machines ability to move freely causing it to stitch multiple times in one spot. (which caused thread bobbles or wads.)

Of course the tension is still very important to get right, but if you have that all set, then I would look at how it is loaded and how taught it is.

I know this answer is a bit late, but it may still be helpful to you or someone else reading here.

good luck!