Quilting Tension Basics

Tensioning your longarm quilting machine can be daunting, so we're breaking it down into small simple steps in this video. Kim and Kristina show you how to troubleshoot your tension issues so you'll have beautiful stitches on every project.
0:00 Intro
1:01 Steps for Good Tension
2:31 Needle and Thread Size
4:02 Example of good tension
5:12 What to look for when testing tension
9:22 How to check tension without looking under the machine
11:52 How to test your tension
20:31 How to hide tension problems
23:29 Outro
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Пікірлер: 35

  • @merryhill4790
    @merryhill47903 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @azflower7748
    @azflower77483 ай бұрын

    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

    @HandiQuilter

    3 ай бұрын

    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

    @azflower7748

    3 ай бұрын

    Not really. Just persistence :)

  • @JanetLicariQuilts
    @JanetLicariQuilts3 ай бұрын

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

  • @carolyncummings8949

    @carolyncummings8949

    3 ай бұрын

    Very easy to understand!

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 ай бұрын

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

  • @SuperBettyboop23
    @SuperBettyboop233 ай бұрын

    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

    @HandiQuilter

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @LaurelRussellRanchGirl
    @LaurelRussellRanchGirl3 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for another fantastic educational video!

  • @loridoyle3591
    @loridoyle35913 ай бұрын

    I learn so much from you two!!!❤❤

  • @sarahleigh1502
    @sarahleigh15023 ай бұрын

    ❤❤ 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

    @HandiQuilter

    3 ай бұрын

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

  • @paularocque5526
    @paularocque55263 ай бұрын

    Excellent!!!!

  • @brendadunham2442
    @brendadunham24423 ай бұрын

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

  • @pamelamiller3215
    @pamelamiller32153 ай бұрын

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

  • @gailneumann89
    @gailneumann893 ай бұрын

    I use a hand mirror and flashlight to check the back

  • @tracytroglin3156
    @tracytroglin31563 ай бұрын

    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

    @HandiQuilter

    3 ай бұрын

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

  • @tracytroglin3156

    @tracytroglin3156

    3 ай бұрын

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

  • @lyndabuchholz1216
    @lyndabuchholz12163 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @dorisdunn9845
    @dorisdunn98453 ай бұрын

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

  • @crissiecook2207
    @crissiecook22073 ай бұрын

    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

    @HandiQuilter

    3 ай бұрын

    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
    @QuiltyJill3 ай бұрын

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

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 ай бұрын

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

  • @darleneblakely7726
    @darleneblakely77263 ай бұрын

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

  • @happytraveller8953
    @happytraveller89533 ай бұрын

    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

    @HandiQuilter

    3 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @gailfrenz96
    @gailfrenz963 ай бұрын

    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

    @HandiQuilter

    3 ай бұрын

    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

    @gailfrenz96

    3 ай бұрын

    @@HandiQuilter Thank you.

  • @daleneth9588
    @daleneth9588Ай бұрын

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

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    Ай бұрын

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

  • @shelleytheriault8526
    @shelleytheriault85263 ай бұрын

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