Tension, Tension, Tension; Trouble Shooting Checklist - Pfaff GrandQuilter 18.8 Owner's Manual

Tension, tension, tension... This probably causes more problems than anything else. You need correct tension
on the top and bottom threads but you also must have correct tension on the quilt held between the bars. You
should be able to gently rock the belly bar where the backing fabric is attached. This allows enough movement
of your quilt layers for the needle to penetrate and make good stitches.
Before you start making adjustments to your machine ask yourself, "What changed?" If your machine was
stitching great and all of a sudden it has loopies on the back or puckers, "What changed?" Did you just change
the bobbin? Did you just lift the take up bar? Did you lower the take up bar after finishing your last quilt? Did
you recently change the needle? Did you just roll the quilt?
If the take up bar with the quilted portion of your quilt is too high, it will result in poor stitch quality. You need
a finger tip space between the quilt and the machine bed. Higher will result in poor stitch quality. Lower and
the quilt will create a drag on your machine's movement.
Look at your bobbin, a sloppily wound bobbin will not create a good stitch. Make sure that the threads on the
bobbin are snug and evenly wound. Check to see if there is a piece of lint in the bobbin case.
Tension Trouble shooting checklist

Is the side tension lever down?
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Have I oiled my machine regularly?

Is the quilt too tight on the frame?

Is the thread coming off the cone freely?

Has your thread jumped out of the tension discs?

Check your threading. Has anything been missed or has the thread flipped itself around something,
increasing your tension?

Is the hopping foot too high or too low?

Is your take up bar too high? Did you lower the take up bar after your last quilt?

Do you need to change your needle?

Is your needle in properly?
Top Thread Breaking

Check to see that your thread is coming off the spool freely. The thread guide is centered over the spool
and has not developed any burrs or catches.

Check to see if the thread has looped itself around the spool pin.

Check to see if the needle is in correctly, with the scarf facing the back of the machine.

Have you recently changed the needle? Is it as high as it will go in the needle bar?
The Stitch Regulator does not keep up with me? Just like driving your car you need to make controlled starts
and stops, practice being consistent in your movements.
Eyelashes
Eyelashes on the back of the quilt can be caused by too little top tension. Turn the thread tension disk
clockwise ¼ turn. Make small adjustments. Repeat until stitch quality is good. Remember the upper and lower
thread play tug of war with each other.
Loose Top Stitch
Is the tension lever handle down? It lowers the hopping foot and applies the tension disk.
Is the bobbin thread inserted in the slot of the bobbin case?
Adjust the tension disk small turns clock wise. Repeat until stitch quality if good.
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