Sewing machine tension - save me from myself!

[Alwaysworthchecking]

Help! I am trying to machine quilt a small quilt for a gift, but it's all going wrong. I have the usual threee layers - top of cotton patchwork, middle of cotton wadding/batting and bottom layer of brushed cotton. I'm trying to sew straight lines, using a walking foot.

I've lengthened the stitch length to 8. I usually have the tension set at about 4.5. Any tension setting I try results in the bobbin thread lying flat on reverse side of the quilt sandwich. I've tried increasing tension (logical, surely) but it makes no difference. I've tried reducing the tension (worth a go, I thought) and the result is the same. I've tried re-threading the needle and bobbin case, but to no avail. I am using the same variegated thread on needle and bobbin.

What am I doing wrong? Please help. I've the day off, ill, and quilting was supposed to cheer me up. It chuffing isn't!

Not sure as regards tension settings as it will vary according to your machine - but what is happening ?? - I'm presuming "Looping" ?? -

if so are you sure you have threaded up correctly?? you thread may have come loose from one of the "hook ups" or a bobbin on back to front etc - check your manual & go through step by step on the threading - most likely the upper threading caught or not properly set in somewhere - but if no joy with that check you bobbin case is in its housing correctly, bobbin in its case the right way round, hooked in properly in the right direction.

It might sound like telling you to suck eggs, but I've lost count of the number of times I've missed something that simple when sewing when feeling ill

good luck & hope that helps

Have you tried a bigger needle? And have you also tried a new needle. I was to read somewhere that you should use a new needle for each project.

I agree with checking the needle too, if its damaged, even slightly it will cause tension problems - though I think its the needle manufacturers idea to say a new one for each project -

Also are you using the correct type of needle ?? - a ball point jersey needle will cause looping & skipped stitches on woven cloth & vice versa

Thanks! I'm happy with 'sucking eggs' advice . As you say, it's so easy to miss the most obvious thing. I think I could do with a new needle - it's the right size and type, but not new to this project. In the end, removing the walking foot and switching to the regular foot solved the problem (darned walking foot - I've had problems with it before, but forgot about them).

I will, however, check all the other things you suggested - thank you.

I'm trying the darning foot next. That's bound to cause me problems so I'll be back later, I daresay! Thanks again.