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Stitch quality on a long arm quilting machine

by Jenny
(Huntertown, IN)

What causes a long stitch on a longarm and how do I correct it?

Reply

Hi Jenny!

I do not quilt on a long arm machine, so I don't have direct experience. That said, I suspect that just like on a domestic machine, that when all of a sudden you have a long stitch, that really what you're seeing is a skipped stitch.

How a stitch is formed on a sewing machine

The basic operation of the your machine is like a sewing machine. The thread flows through the machine and through the needle eye to finally form a loop behind the needle. The rotary hook snags that loop and twists the threads together into a stitch. On a domestic sewing machine, all this happens while the machine is moving at 14 stitches per second. Yes, you read that right...per second. I'm assuming that a long arm machine moves at least that fast.

If the loop doesn't form at the proper time, there's no stitch formed. That's why they say the 'timing' is off.

See the makings of a stitch

There's a great video of the operation on my page How Sewing Machines Work. Just scroll down that page a bit to watch it.

Now sometimes it's the actual timing of the parts coming together that is off. Then you need to get out your tool kit and your manual and make the necessary adjustments (or call your dealer if you are uncertain as to how to fix the timing).

Check your needle

But timing can also be off for other reasons, most often needle related. I've written about these problems on my page Solving Your Sewing Machine Problems: Skipped Stitches.

One problem that often occurs is that the needle 'pulls' on the fabric as it passes through. This is called 'flagging'.

What it means for you is that the pull of the fabric doesn't allow that loop to form either at all or at the proper time, causing a skipped stitch. I would definitely replace your needle with a new one to ensure that the point isn't damaged. If that doesn't work, I would try the next size larger to see if that makes a difference. Both of these actions would minimize the chances that the needle is having a harder time piercing the fabric, causing drag and interfering with the stitch formation.

Readers, if you are a long arm quilter and can offer advice, we'd love to hear from you. Please use the 'comment' link below to share.

Jenny, I hope this has at least started you on the path for dealing with this problem. I wish I could have been of more help.

Piecefully,

Julie Baird
Editor

Comments for Stitch quality on a long arm quilting machine

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Longarm needle suddenly goes crazy fast
by: Anonymous

I wondered if anyone replied about your longarm suddenly speeding up on it own.
I have a Tin Lizzie 18LS and most of you know they have gone under. I need help!! I can be stitching along and suddenly the needle starts going crazy fast. I can be freehanding or using the computer.
Has anyone else had this problem and what did it turn out to be causing this issue.

stitch speed up
by: Anonymous

I have a Kenquilt princess long arm machine. It has a regal stitch regulator. The machine will
suddenly speed up while quilting. Can anyone
offer a correction?

Another reason for a long stitch
by: Chris Ballard

I have been longarm quilting for others for about 7 yrs. There could be another reason for the long stitch. Yes, it could be the timing, you can look to see if there is a needle hole with no stitch, that is called a 'skipped stitch' and it is likely caused by the timing being 'off' as the editor said.

However, if there is not a needle hole, then you likely have the much dreaded, 'long stitch'.

If you are new to longarm quilting, this will happen. We all had to learn this!!!

I still have it happen at times and I grit my teeth each time it happens, it is frustrating.

Usually the 'long stitch' occurs when you come out of a point or started out too fast. Main thing to look for to verify 'what' you are dealing with, look for the needle hole. If no empty needle hole, you got a long stitch. If your timing is off and you are truly skipping stitches, it will be obvious and occur very often, unable to ignore it.

I hope this helps!

Good luck!

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