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Member since 1/18/12
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Posted on: 5/14/13 1:59 PM ET
Can someone help me with this problem?
I'm piecing on my Bernina 830 (new model) and my stitches are puckering. What generally causes this to happen?
I've tried various fixes and yet nothing has improved the quality much.
Is it a top tension issue? Bobbin tension? I've adjusted both and changed threads and needles. The only thing I can think of that I've not yet tried is changing to the single needle plate (oh, and I've used the dual feed and not dual feed). I've run out of ideas!
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Linda




Bernina 830LE - Brother Dreamweaver VQ3000 - Bernina B-770QE - Janome 6600P - Pfaff 1209 - Babylock Evolution - Babylock Sashiko2 - Babylock BLCS-2
  
Member since 12/15/02
Posts: 8690
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Posted on: 5/14/13 2:07 PM ET
In reply to lgrande
That would be my first guess the tension is too tight. What kind of fabric are you using?
  
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Posted on: 5/14/13 2:18 PM ET
In reply to quiltingwolf
Quilting cotton (Bella jellyroll and Free Spirit brands).
Maybe my machine needs adjusting by a tech since I've adjusted both the top and bottom tensions and it didn't really make much difference.
I can piece on my B530 and those samples are perfect.
Same needle, thread, etc.
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Linda




Bernina 830LE - Brother Dreamweaver VQ3000 - Bernina B-770QE - Janome 6600P - Pfaff 1209 - Babylock Evolution - Babylock Sashiko2 - Babylock BLCS-2
  
Member since 2/17/06
Posts: 5558
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Posted on: 5/14/13 2:24 PM ET
In reply to lgrande
do the puckers press out smooth or do they stay puckered even after pressing?
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Cathryn
  
Member since 12/15/02
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Posted on: 5/14/13 2:37 PM ET
In reply to lgrande
If you tried on another machine and is perfect it's got to be the tension. Sure fire way check the zig zag. If that is really tight it's a tension issue.
  
Member since 5/2/09
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Posted on: 5/14/13 3:47 PM ET
In reply to lgrande
It happens to me on lots of my machines, if my needle is too big and dull sometimes. Needles are cheap. Maybe try a smaller and sharper needle even. If it's just woven cotton, maybe something like a size 12 needle and a very sharp one.
  
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Posted on: 5/14/13 4:16 PM ET
In reply to Cat n Bull
Cathryn,
I can press them flat. I also can stretch them flat.
I tried loosening the top tension to zero and got much better results with both the straight stitch and the zig-zag.
I will continue with the top tension set to zero and then have the tech adjust it next time I take it in. I broke my needle threader last week so it needs to go anyway.
Thanks all for your help. I will try a different style needle, I haven't done that yet...I always use topstitch needles but I will try something else to see what happens.
If that works I'll be sure to post back.
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Linda




Bernina 830LE - Brother Dreamweaver VQ3000 - Bernina B-770QE - Janome 6600P - Pfaff 1209 - Babylock Evolution - Babylock Sashiko2 - Babylock BLCS-2
  
Member since 4/25/08
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Posted on: 5/14/13 4:37 PM ET
In reply to lgrande
You could try a sharp. I know people adore the topstitch needles, and with good reason, but I use an #11 sharp for practically everything and am pleased with them.
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Barb
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 5/14/13 7:13 PM ET
MicroTex quilting needles may also be a better option to the top-stitch needle.
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 12/26/11
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Posted on: 5/15/13 3:52 AM ET


lgrande - I'd try another new needle and run a new spool and bobbin again. I've found an odd spool that has almost invisible knots in the thread. I can feel as I wind my bobbin kinda pinching the thread as it goes on. When it slides past my fingernails, I'll feel the too small to see knots. Perhaps you also could have 1 bobbin that has a tiny sliver off hindering your fixes too?

Hope you can solve this mystery and keep going on your quilt :-)



Debbie

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I have a great enthusium for sewing, but lack talent to be great.

2013
  
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