Newbie with "?" !!!! on machine designs

[Nickel]

Help!!! I am having trouble keeping designs lined up. When I remove the hoop to change bobbin thread, when I start to embroidery where I left off it is mis lined I have tried even to loosen the hoop and gently replace the bobbin thread but still my design is mis lined. when I send the design to the machine again the whole thing is off. Put my hair out time. I bought the design from this site. I have a new machine its a Singer Futura CE-150. I got it for Christmas. I still dont know th ends and outs of it. Please help me to keep my designs lined up.

[nanamcd]

I think I'm going to go take a peek at your machine so I have an idea what your set up is. Then I may be able to help. I do have a question for you, though. Is there a special reason for changing bobbin thread in the middle of a design? I try to use a full enough bobbin that I don't have to mess with a new one while stitching a design, although I have been caught a few times :(

[nanamcd]

OK, I see your machine. You have an embroidery unit similar to the Brother machines, and I stitch on a Janome, which has an integrated arm. I guess I can't be of too much help, but I bet there is someone around who stitches on your type of machine.

What I can do is tell you what I do. Once I start stitching the design, the only changes I make (usually) are to the top thread when there is an automatic stop (pause) in the program. I don't need to remove the hoop from the machine to do that, so everything stays right where it belongs. Once the thread is changed, I hit the start button and the machine just takes up where it left off.

Even if I run out of bobbin thread, though, I can remove the hoop from the machine, replace the bobbin, put the hoop back on, and start up right where I left off. The design elements stay all lined up like they should. Somehow, it sounds like your machine is not doing that for some reason. I'll bet you ARE pulling your hair out!

Somebody...help?!!!

[Nickel]

THe reason I am changing bobbin thread is I am play with designs so much I have not been paying attention to the amount of thread in my bobbin before I start a design . You know the excitement of the moment with a new machine since this is my first embroidery machine. I have been machine sewing for years...... I am now wondering after what you said about removing the hoop and still being lined up if I don't have a machine glitch. I am going to research the singer site before I call them. I have a project now hooped at a standstill in my machine. Every design I have tried has been out of line midway or so thru. Not much hair left to pull:bawling:

[StitchinGrandma]

It's VERY possible removing the arm has nothing at all to do with the problems you are having. What you are experiencing is also commonly seen when one is not using the proper stabilizer because the fabric is allowed to shift a bit while stitching and then when it comes to the outlines they won't line up.

What are you using for a stabilizer and what are you stitching on for fabric?

[nanamcd]

Yay, Vicki! Thanks for inserting your wisdom and experience here. I can't wait to hear if this is the answer. And I need to learn to start at the very beginning, the very best place to start... :)

[Alligator]

It happened to me a few times to. Never really figured it out but i do know now that i am not so quick to skimp on stabilizer it has not happened in a while...I have learned the hard way to make sure I have a good stabilzer for the fabric i am using and have it tight...

[Nickel]

DUH..... I was not using stabilizer. I have it and thought it was for very thin fabric. I am now using it and so far no mistakes yet. I have a lot to learn about machine embroidery....Thank you so much for your clear advice :flowers: ..... 'Hopefully I soon will have a project that is nice enough to post photos. I can't believe no mistakes yet using stabilizer.. I need to research the different kinds of stabilizer. Is there a muti-purpose one that is better to use often. I am using the sticky+ kind. Again thank you, Betty:)

[StitchinGrandma]

I'm so happy that I mentioned this because I almost didn't but then it was bothering me and I didn't want you to dread using your machine because this is such a fun thing to do and learn. You're welcome. I'm very glad it helped.

The stabilizer you use is your preference on many things but there are definite types to use on certain applications such as a wash away stabilizer only when doing free standing lace designs. It also will vary as far as choice of which to use from one person to the next because so many prefer maybe a cut away vs. a tear away stabilizer. I can tell you that I prefer a tear away but if you are doing something with a very heavy outline(very dense stitching) such as an applique or something like that, it could be you need a cut away instead because the tear away could perforate around the entire design and then act if you had no stabilizer at all.

Recently I've read that the cutaway stabilizer is the best to use for almost anything other than the special applications such as the FSL. Again, it also comes back to the question of preference for each individual.

This article may help you understand a bit more. (http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00128.asp)
There are many websites that give you information and even a chart as to which is best for what type of fabric however, some of those also are selling designs and we aren't supposed to post other websites selling designs here because this is Jami's message board to help her customers with questions about her designs and other types of things with her stuff. There is a very good chart at the site I posted in the link just above however. That should help you immensely.

[Nickel]

Spoke to soon... everyting was going fine until i ran out of bobbin thread and hhad to chane it. now it is out of line by more than an inch, UGHHHHH!!!.

[StitchinGrandma]

I am almost positive this is still a problem with the stabilizer. If you have something like a cutaway or tearaway I'd try that instead of the sticky. ;)

I know how frustrated you are though. Keep trying but maybe do a bunch of trial runs on scrap fabrics.

[Alligator]

Like Vicki said, don't give up. It can gt very easy to get frustrated and just quit for a while. I still do occasionally have tht problem. I recently did an entire design and at the end when i changed bobbins it was on the black outline part and it was not lined up right. It was small enough to where I got by wiht it but made me MAD. I usually do not remove my design if I run out of bobbin. I have a drop in bobbin and can usually load a new one and leave my design on just by holding up the hoop. Make sure you make several bobbins to have on hand. One thing I try (becasue I only embroider at night after work) to make myself remember is once I finish a design I check my bobbin, if it is down to just a little I take it out and lay it on top. That way when I go to do another design I remind myself to make a new one. I did find on fleece it is best to use the cutaway ont he back and the melt away on top. it makes the design so much prettier. On many i used the tear away and if the fabric is thin i put two layers of tear away on top and one layer of cut way on bottom. Stabilizer is really key. I feel like i waste alot this way but it has worked out so much better. hang in there. I get better each day and you will to.

[Sixinthenest]

Does your machine warn you when you are near the end of your bobbin, or does it run out completely? I get a warning and the machine stops to tell me to change the bobbin....but....a few times, the warning came too late and the last bit on the bobbin was caught. This caused the fabric to be pulled tightly - even though the hoop was still trying to move and sew. The fabric actually got moved in the hoop.

To see if this is happening...take some scrap fabric and stabilize and hoop it. Then, mark it with chalk or a water soluable marker right at the hoop. Stitch for a little while and see if your fabric is shifting. If it is....I don't know what to do, but at least you know that is some of the problem.

Good luck.

[Nickel]

Today I have talked to Singer Techs on the phone and after going over several things with me they suggested I return the machine to the store where I bought it and exchange it out since this problem has been happening since day 1, with or with out stabilizer it has been up to 1 and half inches off even when I don't change bobbin thread or remove the hoop. I received the embroidery machiner for christmas. Singer is saying it may be a malfunction and I can have it serviced or return it which ever is easier for me.

[nanamcd]

Thought I'd check back in and see how things were going for you, Nickel. Sounds like Singer is going to be very helpful for you, which is good. Do let us know what you decide to do! But whatever you do, don't give up on this wonderful hobby! A little practice, some trial and error, and it will all fall into place. Think how thrilled you will be to finish your first perfect design!!

Sixinthenest's comments made me think of another possibility. Early on I was having difficulty getting my fabric hooped tightly enough to keep it taut and immobilized. A very kind lady who did incredible embroidery work suggested I tighten my fabric/stabilizer in the hoop as tight as I wanted it, then pop the hoops apart (WITHOUT loosening the knob) and then rehoop, snapping the two parts of the hoop together over the fabric/stabilizer. I use the flat surface of my work table and just press down hard on the inner hoop. That makes the tension on the fabric just perfect. Just another tip that has worked for me.

[StitchinGrandma]

Today I have talked to Singer Techs on the phone and after going over several things with me they suggested I return the machine to the store where I bought it and exchange it out since this problem has been happening since day 1, with or with out stabilizer it has been up to 1 and half inches off even when I don't change bobbin thread or remove the hoop. I received the embroidery machiner for christmas. Singer is saying it may be a malfunction and I can have it serviced or return it which ever is easier for me.

Hopefully they will allow you the exchange or at least help you figure out what's gonig on.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes or if you need more help.

[cruisin]

It's VERY possible removing the arm has nothing at all to do with the problems you are having. What you are experiencing is also commonly seen when one is not using the proper stabilizer because the fabric is allowed to shift a bit while stitching and then when it comes to the outlines they won't line up.

What are you using for a stabilizer and what are you stitching on for fabric?

Vicki...super moderator...I am liking you! Can you give me a guideline on what stabelizer to use when? Or send me to a link? I like easy....but I like good results better.

My machine is new to me this Christmas...it is a Janome 300E

[Sixinthenest]

Nickel, I am glad to hear the Singer people are going to take care of you. Hopefully the new machine will be just what you need.

[StitchinGrandma]

Vicki...super moderator...I am liking you! Can you give me a guideline on what stabelizer to use when? Or send me to a link? I like easy....but I like good results better.

My machine is new to me this Christmas...it is a Janome 300E
You're too funny.
If you click this link (http://www.embroidables.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9400&postcount=9)you'll see another post I had done yesterday talking about stabilizer. Hopefully that will help you understand a bit more. If you want to read more in the thread that was posted in then click the link in the upper right hand corner just above the post #9.


ETA(Edited to add): Wait........I just realized that was in THIS thread on the last page. LOL

[cruisin]

thanks for the link to the link.

I have found that sometimes I get to the bottom of the page and don't realize there are more posts to be read.

cruisin

[StitchinGrandma]

thanks for the link to the link.

I have found that sometimes I get to the bottom of the page and don't realize there are more posts to be read.

cruisin
No problem. Not everyone knows their way around a message board so just ask when you are lost and we'll help out. ;)

[Nickel]

Yeah !!!!!!!! I returned the machine to JoAnn's with no problem. I was told this is th second machine of this kind to be returned since Christmas for problems sewing out. I did trade up to the 250 model only because if it was a software issue it might be in all of them. JoAnns gave me me the pre christmas sale price so I walked out with a very good deal. And I am embroidery right now with no mistakes so far all lined up YEAH. I might even grow back the hair I pulled out a few days ago. My first design is almost done. I even used stabilizer on a test piece (see I'm learning). I really so appreciate all the advice. I will read and listen to all. Thank YOu.....:)

[StitchinGrandma]

YAY! Awesome!

[nanamcd]

So glad to hear you made it over that hurdle and are stitching away now. You'll have to post a picture of your first completed project so we can do the happy dance with you :)