Skipped stitches on machine applique

[Geneva C.]

I have followed Alex's directions to the "T" for machine applique of fused motifs. I am using Alex's thread in the top, Masterpiece on the bobbin. I have used a 90 needle and an 80. I've decreased the tension to 2. I've threaded and rethreaded my top and bobbin threads. I keep getting skipped stiches... the "bite part" skips after about 6 seconds! The work I do on the sample is perfect! What am I doing wrong?

[Geneva C.]

I'm having kind of the same problem and I'm beginning to wonder, is it the fusing? Does it do the same thing on a sample piece without any fusible underneath the applique?

[Geneva C.]

I took a piece of fused fabric and appliqued it perfectly onto the sample piece! Not one skipped stitch! I'm working on a batik backing, warm and natural cotton batting, batik top and batik fused pieces. It isn't really all that thick! I'm frustrated because this technique is so cool and exactly what this quilt needs!

[Margo C.]

Geneva, can you take some of those batiks and prewash them to make a sample to try quilting? Be sure to use a fabric softener in the wash or the dryer. Maybe that would make a difference?

[Margo C.]

Batiks are very finely woven (much finer than most quilting cottons) and can cause problems with stitching, particularly if they're used as the backing fabric I've noticed. You're using fairly fine thread if you're using Masterpiece, try a No 70 Microtex needle. The Microtex needles are extra-sharp and designed to be used with finer woven fabrics. If you have to go and buy a Microtex needle and want to do a test right now, just try using a regular 70 or maybe even 60 needle if you have such a beast. But the Microtex is best.