Sewing with denim is an uphill battle. Two steps forward, one step back. Hmm, what other cliches can capture the frustration of thinking you're gaining ground only to find out that seams need to be ripped out, again, and resewn, again?
This penguin quilt is going to be an exercise in patience and perseverance. It'll be worth it in the end, as I snuggle under these adorable penguins with a book and hot cocoa in hand.
I was *this* close to finishing up the first 1/4 of the quilt over Christmas break when THIS happened AGAIN! Just multiply this picture by six to know how many times I've already ripped out the seams and resewn them. I've been back to Hobby Lobby once already and bought double the thread I needed because, let's be honest, I'm missing something here to have this problem occur again, and again, and again....and I'm not going on another thread run.
I did research online some possible solutions for why the thread underneath keeps puddling up into a giant knotted mess. So far none of the solutions are fixing the problem entirely. Maybe I'm not cleaning out the denim dust often enough? That's what I think the culprit could be...but I've been too frustrated to rip out this last tangle and try try again with more frequent dusting around the bobbin.
Anyone have a tip on using denim with a sewing machine? I'll try anything, especially since there are still 3/4 of the quilt left to sew and I have no desire to plan a quilting bee or even participate in one, haha. My last resort is to take it down to a quilting store and see what it would cost to have them finish stitching it together.I'm still going to hold onto my goal of having this finished before winter is over. Fingers crossed.
I so get your frustration - having that tangle problem has driven me to stomping away and then hiding whatever project tangled. I never seemed to find a good solution - I check the needle sharpness, needle placement, bobbin, tension, spool of thread (is it tangled on the spool...) ha, nothing.
ReplyDeleteJoy
Same here! I haven't touched this project since I posted about it. I think I've tried all the tricks in the book to fix it...might be time to service my machine.
DeleteHere are a couple of ideas about how to avoid ripping and sewing and getting all clogged up: use a needle made for denim, like a #16; use a new needle; re-thread your machine by following the diagram on your operating pamphlet. Best of luck to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip. I thought I bought the correct needle but maybe not. I'll have to find the package it came in and double check. Re-threading hasn't helped so far. :(
DeleteHave you checked the bobbin tension? It might have to be adjusted for the denim fabric, If not that, I would check that you are using the correct needle and/or the correct type of thread. Good luck and please post how you solved the problem :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your tips. I thought I bought the right type of needle and thread. I've adjusted the tension, too, which works for a bit and then it suddenly doesn't. Maybe I have to keep adjusting it? Or it might be time to have it serviced.
DeleteSo far I've been too frustrated to work on the project but still want to finish it before Spring comes and I no longer need a lap blanket.