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quilt sandwich too tight?
mel2sew
Joined: Nov. 25, 2008
Posted: March 23, 2010, 11:10 AM
What is a good way to make sure that the quilt sandwich is not too tight or too loose?
Mel2sew
Re: quilt sandwich too tight?
kathisalter
Joined: Dec. 2, 2008
Posted: March 23, 2010, 4:15 PM
When I use a quilt sandwich, I have it long enough that I can bring it around the idler bar and pin it to the quilt sandwich. You can either pin the bottom around the top bar (next to the belly bar) or just press your hip up against the part that hangs down to put tension on it while you test your tension. You don't need to pin or hold the sandwich too tight--just enough that it will hold in place to test your tension on. I will also use the extra fabric and batting on the side of the quilt to test the tension. Lay a small piece of fabric on top of the excess backing and batting and test on there.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Kathi Salter
Handi Quilter Studio Educator
Re: quilt sandwich too tight?
mel2sew
Joined: Nov. 25, 2008
Posted: March 23, 2010, 8:15 PM
I guess I used the wrong term when referring to the quilt sandwich--I meant to ask how do I know if I have loaded the quilt I am working on too tight between the bars. I know it is not supposed to be tight like a trampoline, but how loose is too loose? Is there a way to tell if you have rolled the quilt, batting, and backing too tight or too loose? I think I remember reading something about that if you are able to punch a finger up from underneath, one should be able to grab that finger from the top--does that make any sense? I am not sure if I am still not explaining my question properly.
Mel2sew
Re: quilt sandwich too tight?
kathisalter
Joined: Dec. 2, 2008
Posted: March 26, 2010, 1:27 PM
I've heard of that method to test the tension of your quilt, but that is not the one I would recommend. A good way to make sure you have not tighted your quilt too tight is to roll your machine to the center of your loaded quilt, reach your arm around the top of the take-up pole(or for those like me that are vertically challenged, walk around to the back of the machine)and place your hand between the bed of the machine and the idler pole(the only bar that does not have a leader on it). You should only be able to insert the tips of your fingers into this area. If you can insert your entire finger in there, your quilt is too tight. You should also be able to release the ratchet from the take-up pole and not have the quilt backlash at you. You need to have the quilt sandwich snug enough that it is not sagging, but not so tight that it bows the poles and backlashes when you release the ratchet. Be sure to have your side clamps on before you start sewing. This also helps keep a good tension on your fabric.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Kathi Salter
Handi Quilter Studio Educator












Re: quilt sandwich too tight?
mel2sew
Joined: Nov. 25, 2008
Posted: March 26, 2010, 7:49 PM
Yes, this was helpful. Thanks.
Mel