tiny candlewick stitches

[Norma I.]

Has anyone else had trouble stitching those tiny candlewicking stitches in the full blown embroidery? I've slowed my machine down, but have broken two embroidery 90 needles on those stitches. I switched to a Denim 90 needle, but it didn't help much. Any suggestions as I attempt month 8?
Norma 64

[Norma I.]

Have you tried to loosen the top tension? That worked for me.

[Norma I.]

Thanks! I'll try it.

[Nancy H.]

Has anyone else had trouble stitching those tiny candlewicking stitches in the full blown embroidery? I've slowed my machine down, but have broken two embroidery 90 needles on those stitches. I switched to a Denim 90 needle, but it didn't help much. Any suggestions as I attempt month 8?
Norma 64

Norma, I had the same problem on some of the candlewicking when they got small. My Bernina 630 totally stopped and told me I had a malfunction. I had to hand crank the needle in order to re-activate the finishing of the stitch. It is not the fault of the needle or your machine. The candlewicking is too small and compact. Good luck. gmhowl (Nancy)

[Norma I.]

Thanks, Nancy. My machine (Pfaff Creative Sensation) has done a beautiful job with all the rest of the embroidery. Last year I embroidered the Hoop Sisters Textures BOM which was filled with candlewicking, but not as small and compact as these are. Even then, I had to slow the machine, but I didn't break needles. Thanks for the hand cranking suggestion. Wonder if Sarah had a problem and, if so, how she handled it.

[Ann T.]

My 830 did not like the first 2 clusters. I even tried 2 extra layers of stabilizer. Finally I just advanced the design and started on the third cluster which is a little larger. Doesn't change the look enough to worry about.

[Norma I.]

Ann, I think I might do the same. In one of my month 7 blocks, I had to remove what was left of the first cluster on one side because it looked so bad! It even left a small hole in the fabric which I repaired with a stitch witchery type material on the back and a drop of Fray Bond on the front. The missing cluster is not noticeable. Once I'm finished with month 8 I may restitch this block if I have the energy and enough background fabric! We'll see.
Glad to know I'm not the only one who's had this problem.