|
Bobbin Tension
Deb Keldrauk
Hello, How do I adjust the tension on a bobbin case? I know I am supposed to turn a screw is it the metal phillips head screw or the plastic flathead screw, what is each of these screws for? I would imagine that it is turn, just a hair at a time RIGHT to tighten and LEFT to loosen tension but I thought I'd ask before fiddiling. Thanks, Deb in CA [With a mighty shriek, Jim races to the keyboard to prevent a catastrophe] NEVER TOUCH THE PHILLIPS SCREW ON THE BOBBIN CASE! It's what holds the tension spring in the case and if you accidentally disassemble the case you're going to have a bad day. Use the flathead screw (which usually has red paint on it), turning right (clockwise) to increase tension (pull more a thread to the back) or left (counterclockwise) to reduce tension (pull more to the top). Turn no more than quarter turn at a time and test after each. If nothing is changing STOP! You will only create more problems. Put the tension back where it was and look elsewhere for the problem, usually in the thread path of the needle thread. Changing bobbin tension should be a last resort, as it is rarely the problem. |
|
|
|
Re: MC12000 light issue
Gerry Emery
Did you pay the $59.99 for the videos?
|
|
|
|
Re: MC12000 Videos
Gerry Emery
Did you pay the $59.99 for the videos? [From the Shameless Commerce Division Jim reports] There are some free videos that allow people to evaluate the quality on their device, but it does require a one-time payment for full access. |
|
|
|
Re: MC12000 light issue
Mary Ann
Thank you for the video site my12000. This has some very useful info. I have had my machine for a year and unaware of this help. You know use first then read directions!!!! Or skip them altogether.
|
|
|
|
Re: Ruler foot adjustment?
juliadlf1 <no_reply@...>
Jim: Thank you for the follow-up on the Footbook IPad issue.
Julia NY |
|
|
|
Re: MC12000 light issue
C S
Thank you Diane (and Jim), turns out two of the lights were turned off. Now they are all on. That was such an easy fix, thanks for the video. The video are finding the answer super quick and convenient since I am still learning all the menus!
Cindy Happily quilting in the light thanks to Diane and Jim |
|
|
|
Re: MC12000 light issue
Jim Stutsman
[Further enlightened by Diane, Jim reveals the correct answer]
The light is fine. It needs to be turned on in the SET screen (Common Set). If turned off there, it will still come on when you first turn on the machine. See the video on this screen here. |
|
|
|
Re: Ruler foot adjustment?
juliadlf1 <no_reply@...>
Thanks Jim. After posting I went to the Footbook and saw the video. Should have checked there first before posting. I do have a question though on the IPad Footbook App. I noticed now when I select a foot, the arrow for the video is barely seen on the upper left side as it is mostly hidden. I'm not sure if the column listing the feet by width got bigger thereby making it nearly impossible to see the arrow to play the video. I don't see a way I can adjust it myself. Did something change in the App update? Thanks, Julia NY [Struggling with "surprises" in iOS 9.3, Jim says another update will be needed] Nothing at all was changed in the update, but I was remiss in not checking for things that changed due to Apple. In fact the reason for the update was to fix a crash that was occurring with 9.2 on an iPad Pro. I am on the road now, but will make another update ASAP. In the meantime if you turn the iPad in the landscape direction there is no problem. If you have Rotation Lock turned on you will need to turn it off first. |
|
|
|
Re: Best knit stitches?
Phewww, good to know Jim, thanks for that explanation, I shall proceed to use the straight stretch stitch with more confidence now. 🌹🌻🌺🍄🌼🌞🌙🌏❄⚡☁🍃🌷🌸💐🐎🐈🐕🐅🐬🐟🐄🐏🐝🐛🐌🐥🐢🐍🐜🌲 |
|
|
|
MC12000 light issue
C S
I got my machine from the dealer used in Early Dec. I can't remember if the light was having an issue in Dec, but I haven't had time to use it again until now and the light above the harp space is not working. When I turn the machine on the light is on, but once it cycles to fully on it is not working. Doesn't sound like the bulb is out, but??? Any ideas of what I can try at home or is this a dealer issue? Thanks all, Cindy
[Finally seeing the light, Jim says] The lights in the 12000 are not bulbs, but solid state LEDs. If it lights, then goes out, it's some kind of electronic problem. The only thing you can do is seek assistance from your dealer. |
|
|
|
Re: Thread Cutter Question
janetpiekarski
This can also happen if your design is very dense and the thread can't pull itself back out of the needle hole (a purple tip needle can help with this) and as the hoop moves to the next spot, the thread stays in the hole until it finally frees itself.
|
|
|
|
Re: Machine stops and starts
janetpiekarski
When you're embroidering, the machine will stop itself periodically, check the bobbin level (that is the sound that you're thinking sounds like cutting the thread - sort of) and then continue on sewing. It does this even if you have the bobbin sensor turned off. And I think Jim may have mentioned this but if the design has a stitch that is more than 5mm(?)long, it will sense this as a point of jump cut and it will go through its cutting routine.
|
|
|
|
Best knit stitches?
I am a bit confused as to which is the best stitch for knits. The stretch stitch on the machine is a bit slow & seems a bit intensive too. And then there are many people who recommend using a very narrow zig zag. I would be most interested to know what others find the better option. 🌹🌻🌺🍄🌼🌞🌙🌏❄⚡☁🍃🌷🌸💐🐎🐈🐕🐅🐬🐟🐄🐏🐝🐛🐌🐥🐢🐍🐜🌲 [Knitting his brows, Jim stitches together this answer] The characteristic of knit fabrics which is a challenge to sewing is the ability to stretch. This can be very important in garments worn by someone like myself who is, "ahem", spatially challenged. The stitch that you use depends on what you are doing with the knit. For example, when overcasting an edge so it wont ravel you would use an overcasting stitch, typically with the M foot. The machine will be slower on this stitch because it is a reverse cycle (stitch - back up - stitch again) stitch AND it also zig zags to cover the edge. While that may seem intensive, the end result is as close as you can get to a serged edge without using a serger. For seams use the stretch straight stitch. You can see why by stitching a small piece of knit with the regular straight stitch and then pulling on it. The stitches will likely pop. Do it again with the stretch stitch and you see that there is strength and "give" to the seam. While you will get lots of opinions and favorites, the Applications section of your machine will always offer options for knits that you can use with confidence. |
|
|
|
Re: Embroidery on towels without hooping
jerles5
What a great idea! I had never thought of doing that!
Brenda <>< |
|
|
|
Re: Installing Acutools
Ann
Jim, Your answer helped me to not have a long weekend after all! I did as you said - I had already shut down and restarted a couple of times, but I checked my CD and found a small smudge that wouldn't wipe off. I took it to the sink, turn on the warm water and put the disc under the water with a drop of detergent, rinsed it well and dried it off, shut down the computer one more time and when it restarted, I inserted the CD and it promptly installed the program again the second time - just like you said! Thanks again!!! Very Much!!
|
|
|
|
Re: error message re: presser foot
Jim Stutsman
[Jim suggests these possibilities:] 1. The needle plate is not fully seated on the machine. There is a circle on the plate. Press there to make sure it's all the way down. 2. The sensor for the needle plate is slightly out of adjustment. Unfortunately that involves a technician to correct, although it's a fairly quick fix. |
|
|
|
error message re: presser foot
Becky Petersen
The message below is from Jan of this year…I can’t find the reply to it.
What is the solution? I’m having the same issues. Some days it is worse than others. What do I need to do ? Do I need a different plate? I have a Janome 8900.
I usually get it when I have the single hole plate with the accufeed foot on it. I switch out and put on the zigzag plate. It is usually ok, but sometimes not. Then, I switch it out and put on the regular presser foot with the zigzag plate – it seems much worse with the single hole plate. But then I sometimes get it when I am just using the regular presser foot.
What can I do? I bought it new so it is under warranty, what is wrong? I live in Europe and I seem to be unable to communicate effectively with the repair people where I bought it (on the other side of the country from where I am so it has to be shipped). What is causing this and what is the fix?
Thanks, Becky Petersen ----------------------
I continually get a message asking me to make sure the proper presser foot is attached. This happens no matter what foot I am using. Right now I have the 1/4" foot on and sometimes I can't sew more than a couple stitches without the message appearing. I have made sure the needle is in properly, everything is clean, restarting the machine, changing the speed. Is there some adjustment I can make to prevent this from happening? Thanks for your help! - Carol
Hitting a few keys, words start appearing and Jim says: There is an adjustment that your dealer can make for this. It's a misadjusted sensor. |
|
|
|
Ruler foot adjustment?
juliadlf1 <no_reply@...>
Hi Jim: I've gotten my 12000 set up with the FMFQ and QB-S Foot Holder. I'm finding that the foot is dragging on the quilt sandwich. These are the settings I selected for FMQ and to do Ruler work: I selected Quilting, Free Quilting, Straight Stitch #2, selected the Foot Icon at the top of the screen to adjust the distance to 2.2mm but it still feels tight when trying to fmq. Feed dogs are down and I'm using Super Slider. The quilt sandwich has 2 layers of batting. Does the foot actually adjust when using the Foot Icon adjuster? I've got it set now on 2.2mm and it still feels like it is not easy to slide. Thanks for the help. Julia NY [Dragging his fingers over the keys, Jim picks out this unfamiliar tune] With the QB-S foot you adjust the foot height with the round knob at the top of the foot holder. Set it so the foot just clears the fabric. This foot does not hop up and down like the standard free motion foot P. That's why that knob is there. |
|
|
|
Re: Embroidery on towels without hooping
Joyce Daniel
And I use “spent” sewing machine needles to pin the towel to the stabilizer to hold it in place. They don’t bend, are sturdy, and a great way to recycle. Joyce in GA
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace & gratitude.” and giving full credit for blessings from our Lord - Denis Waitley
|
|
|
|
Thread Cutter Question
Meryl Margolies
During embroidery (I don't know about regular sewing right now), my machine cuts the thread, but it is not releasing easily and it's leaving a really long tail when I disengage it. This started happening a little while ago, it semi-annoying, and wastes precious thread (LOL). I hope I explained this well enough to get an expert "fix." Thank you. [Lacking credentials to be classified as an "expert", Jim offer his opinion] It sounds like there is debris caught in the thread cutter so it's not cutting cleanly. As the tail drags out the thread is finally pulled free to complete the cut. Sadly this is not in an area that you can get to, so it will need the attention of a technician. |
|
|