Machine Stitch That Mimics Hand Stitch

[adamsme]

I have seen instructions in the past that will give you a machine stitch that resembles a hand quilting stitch. As I recall it involves using invisible thread in the bobbin. Does anyone have instructions for this? It was demonstrated to me by a Bernina dealer, but. of course, I did not take notes and now can't remember the details.

[Margo]

Mary Ellen, you use the monofiliment (I use Superior's MonoPoly) on the top and a colored thread in the bobbin. When I do it, I need to loosen the bobbin tension (by turning the large screw on the bobbin case) and tighten the top tension. This causes the bobbin thread to be pulled to the top to simulate hand stitches. You will need to play around with both your tensions to get a stitch that works with your fabrics and adjust your stitch length to look hand stitched. Have fun playing with it!

[Margo]

If possible have a SECOND BOBBIN CASE to use for any technique that requires messing with the BOBBIN CASE TENSION. I learned the hard way that it is hard to get the BOBBIN TENSION BACK TO FACTORY SETTING. I now have a bobbin case for regular sewing and my original altered bobbin case for playing with. I marked it with a nail polish dot so I know which bobbin case is which.

Happy Quilting.

Lady Rags

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[Margo]

I change the bobbin tension all the time on both my Handi-Quilter and on my Bernina, depending on the thread that I'm using. You just have to be willing to experiment with the tension in order to get it right. It's just a screw!!! And....the "factory setting" may not be right for the thread that you are using!

[Margo]

but Margo... you are co-ordinate... while I am a total klutz and dropped the screw... it is easier to have a second bobbin case just in case .... The original can stay as it was when you bought it.

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[Margo]

Hello Adamsme,

When you get it right, please let me see it. I don't have a Bernina, but may be able to replicate it on my Singer.

[Margo]

but Margo... you are co-ordinate... while I am a total klutz and dropped the screw... it is easier to have a second bobbin case just in case .... The original can stay as it was when you bought it.

Tiny adjustments on the bobbin case can make a huge difference! Think of the screw as a clock face, and only turn it in 5 minute increments, checking the tension each adjustment. (You can also work over a magnetic bowl or terry cloth towel to catch the screw if it does come out!) I have several machines and would lots rather buy more fabric than spend that money on extra bobbin cases!! :lol:

[quilting00]

I have a spare bobbin case that I use for those specialty thick threads. . .like Ricky's Razzle Dazzle from Superior. But, like Margo, I use my main bobbin case most of the time. I do have a mark where "normal" is just in case I get over zealous with my adjustment. . .can you tell I did that once! ops: I'm not afraid to spend some time adjusting the tension and I keep a doodle quilt sandwich near by exactly for that purpose!

[littleflower]

If you have a 440 (and I would imagine the 6, 7 & 8 series as well) there are two stitches that mimic hand quilting. I'll check the list at work today and try and post tonight what they are. I don't know about other machines so I can't tell you if they have stitches that will do the same.
While it's a pretty effect having the bobbin thread come up to the top I don't really recommend this as a slight tug on the thread will start the whole line of stitching coming out.

[Margo]

THANKS TERI! Looking forward to seeing what you report!

[littleflower]

You're welcome, anytime.

[littleflower]

I change tension on my bobbin all the time. When I teach I encourage the students to have 2 bobbins. Changing bobbin tension is often necessary particularly when using two different weights of thread. Think of a clock and make adjustments in minutes not hours or quarter/half hours. Often the adjustment is fairly small.

I didn't mean to directly contradict Margo. Intentionally having the bobbin thread come to the top is not something I do.

Teri

[Margo]

That is just the way I was taught to do it about 15 years ago!! Obviously the newer machines can now do something better!! That's a good thing!!

[Lorna1021]

That is exactly how the hand quilted stitch works on the 830. In that stitch you put your thread you want to show in the bobbin and thread the top with invisible. On my machine when I put it on this stitch it sets my top tension very tight to pull up the bobbin thread to mimic the hand look with a couple "invisible" stitches in between. I have only played with this in class and haven't used on a project yet. It's pretty cool!
On the 830, can't even take out the bobbin case to change it. The tension is adjusted with either a click or two to left or right--righty tighty, lefty loosey. Pretty easy. Isn't Bob, the thread guy, is a strong proponent of not being afraid to adjust tenion? I've learned about that several places here on TQS. Never knew to do that before this last year.