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I've got a bother innov-a80, even with a walking foot it feels so difficult to quilt with! I feel like the feed dogs are barely doing anything and I have to put a lot of effort into moving the fabric myself... 😕 I really want to try some patterned stitching and free hand quilting but it's really putting me off.
Do I need a better machine or am I doing something wrong 🤷🏻♀️
Hi Stephanie, I'm afraid I can't give any recommendations for quilting as I haven't done anything bigger than quilting a tea cosy!! Before looking at different machines I would recommend getting your machine serviced and mention that you don't think the feed dogs are doing their job. Secondly if you have a quilting shop near you you could ask them for a recommendation? I have a fabric shop near me that specialised in quilting - they have long arm quilting service - maybe there's something like that near you?
I am definitely no expert having only quilted a glasses case type thing, but I am wondering if you can lower the feed dogs on your machine?
If so you might find free motion quilting easier.
That's a machine designed around quilting so an upgrade isn't the answer (yet) - If you are using a walking foot then you need to do two things, firstly take the plate off and clean the dogs, second adjust your presser foot pressure so it grips more. If that does not work then it's possible that your walking foot is broken - this has happened to me multiple times, the mechanism inside can get smashed and it looks fine but it's barely touching the fabric. If after all of this there is no difference then something has forced the presser foot rod shaft upwards and it needs to be seen by a pro.
Sound like great advice!
