Date: 11/14/09 8:42 PM

Has anyone else experienced this? My needle falls out while I'm sewing on my Babylock Quilter's Choice. I'm using the walking foot that came with the machine and piecing using a straight stitch, with a Schmetz universal needle 75/11, and Mettler polyester thread (I like polyester because it's thin). I've tried other needle sizes and rethreading on both top and bottom, but the needle just slips out.
Husband thinks the walking foot is maybe jiggling it loose. The screw doesn't seem to me to have enough tension to hold the needle in. It has sort of a metal-on-metal feel when tightening by hand, not a firm "this is tight" feel. And you're supposed to tighten by hand, not use a screwdriver.
Dealer says this is unusual and to bring it in, but I thought I'd see if anyone out there has a diagnosis or suggestion.

Reply to Jules M.
Date: 11/14/09 9:44 PM

Quote: Jules M.

The screw doesn't seem to me to have enough tension to hold the needle in. It has sort of a metal-on-metal feel when tightening by hand, not a firm "this is tight" feel.

Have you taken the screw completely out and checked the threading on the screw? The screw or maybe the hole are stripped out. Or maybe the screw isn't long enough. You should be able to tighten it securely by hand.

Alathia

Date: 11/15/09 10:52 AM

Thanks, I will inspect the screw today. I also want to see if it falls out when I'm using different feet, or if it's a walking foot issue. But I use the walking foot all the time, though, so this is an essential thing I want working! If anyone else has any ideas, do tell :o)

Later: Inspected the screw, and it's threaded beautifully. I changed feet, and while I didn't sew the great distances I was doing with my walking foot, the needle stayed put. Then I used a different model walking foot, with the same result of the needle falling out. It will be interesting to see what the fix is.
-- Edited on 11/15/09 3:21 PM --
-- Edited on 11/15/09 3:22 PM --

Reply to Jules M.
Date: 11/15/09 4:27 PM

Also make sure that your needle is inserted as far up as it can go. I've occasionally not removed the set screw far enough. The old needle came out but the new needle was stopped before it was fully inserted. It held for a awhile, but eventually dropped down. I could see where the motion of an attached walking foot would hasten this.

Date: 11/15/09 7:57 PM

Does the arm that comes up on the walking foot actually rest on the bar where the screw goes in to hold the needle in place? I wonder if the arm on your walking foot due to the motion while sewing might actually somehow be loosening the needle screw??

Date: 11/15/09 8:35 PM

Yes, the arm that holds the needle is where the fork of the walking foot sits. It's a cylinder of metal around where the screw goes in, and I can see that the walking foot may jangle it. But that's how they all work, no?
Yep, I did check to see that the needle is as far as it can go. I can see that clearly while I'm sewing, and can peek under to see what it's doing. When it falls out, it's still a surprise, though.

Date: 11/15/09 8:44 PM

This happened to me on a Janome made machine, and I was told that when you insert a needle you need to use the screwdriver to get that needle screwed in - don't over do it, but your fingers just don't tighten it enough. This was from Bill Holman, who used to be here on PR and was a long time sewing machine tech who we all admired greatly.

Also, yes, the walking foot may jaggle that needle bar enough to loosen the needle, so care is needed. :)

Good luck!

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Date: 11/16/09 9:58 PM

Thanks, Muffet. I think I saw an old thread about your Janome walking foot/needle issue! I'm in touch with a different Babylock dealer now, who's quite nice, so hopefully we'll get to the bottom of this. I'll see if he condones using the screwdriver :o)

Reply to Jules M.
Date: 11/24/09 5:33 PM

Quote: Jules M.

Yes, the arm that holds the needle is where the fork of the walking foot sits. It's a cylinder of metal around where the screw goes in, and I can see that the walking foot may jangle it. But that's how they all work, no?

Here's a quick, simple thing to try (cheap, too, unless you have to work in a trip to a fast food restaurant to try it!) (LOL at myself, just fixed a typo: fat food. Strangely appropriate! But I digress.)

Cut a short piece of drinking straw, maybe 1/4-1/2 inch long, and slip it over the needle bar screw, between the screw and the part of the walking food that goes over the needle bar screw. If the motion of the walking foot arm going up and down is loosening your needle screw, this should help stop it.

Gently snugging the screw tight(er) with the teensy screwdriver that probably came with your machine is a good idea, too. Don't overdo it -- but just a bit tighter than finger tight is sometimes required.

(And yes, I've heard of this sort of thing happening before!)
-- Edited on 11/24/09 5:35 PM --

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mahubbard

Reply to Jules M.
Date: 11/26/09 6:34 AM

I always give the screw a gentle turn with a screwdriver ,there wouldn't be a slot in the screw for a screwdriver if you weren't meant to use it.Just dont overdo it