One more tip for better stitch quality. Whether you are using a BSR or not, it's always a good idea to use a single needle throat plate when doing free motion quilting. When you use the zig-zag throat plate the fact that you are moving the fabric in all directions means that the top thread is not always lined up correctly for the bobbin race to catch it and make a stitch.
Like Alex said, there is still a learning curve with the BSR, but it's definately shorter than without it.

I have found that in order to get even stitches with the BSR I need to go much slower than I do when freemotion quilting without the BSR. I am certainly no expert on either method but when I have my 440 set to beep when I get to fast it is a much slower pace.

Debra

My expensive toy just sits in the box, too. I have tried to use it and have practiced and have moved the tension down to 1.5 but my stitches aren't even. I guess I have to practice moving my fabric at an even pace. Some of my stitches are longer than others and when I go around a curve, whoooooooooooo. Judy in AZ

OK, I usually don't post in succession but Mr. BSR and I have had a parting of the ways this afternoon. I sent him to his box and told him to think over his future as part of this workshop . I've done everything I can think of and everything everybody told me to try and he doesn't seem to be able to make three stitches in a row. So I took out Miss 29 Clearfoot to see what she could do. At least I'd know if the stitches were uneven, it was pilot error. If the stitches skipped, it was another problem and not Mr. BSR's fault.

Well, well, we were going along just fine. Maybe C- to B- level when I heard a clunkity clunk clunk. That means big mess on the underside. Yep, I forgot to adjust the tension after setting it to near 0 for Mr. BSR. Luckily this quilt gets a second backing because of all the hand beading and embellishment that gets layered on next.

I know it is sexist to designate the troublesome gismo as Mr. but it is a long story associated with DH, who LOVES his techie stuff whether it works or not.

Sometimes I feel frustrated because my machine is smarter than me.

It's all these little tips and tricks that individuals find out or learn through trial and error that prompted me to ask for a TQS segment or a classroom on BSR. Of the 30k members there must be many more than those of us who frequent the forums who have a love/hate relationship with their BSRs.

As for me, BSR and I were getting along nicely and then we began to have a disagreement. Maybe "he" didn't like my choice or colors or thread or design. We decided to have a time out.

I adjusted the table, cleaned everything, new needle. We begin again.

I recently did one of the best classes ever. It was all about using my BSR. A few things that we learned in this class were some other reasons your BSR might skip stitches.

The BSR (supposedly) does not like the use of basting sprays.

It is very important to check the stability of table that you have your sewing machine on. If it is a bit unstable, you are probably getting some vibration. The BSR will actually read that vibration and skip stitches.

The red BSR light is what is reading your motion. It definately skips stitches when it has to read the edge of the fabric. To avoid this use your needle down feature and turn your fabric so the laser eye is never reading off or near an edge.

I have also heard that there are colors of fabric that the BSR does not read well such as white on white.[/list:u]

I am relatively new to this, but I love, love, love my BSR.

Well I checked both the manual that came with the BSR foot and the manual that came with the 630. Neither of them said a word about the tension. I went over the procedure for using the BSR at the dealer and I don't remember anything said there either.

This forum is worth the price of a membership.

Thanks all

My instruction book that came with the BSR said to move the tension on the presser foot so I did and maybe that is why I had no trouble. It is an amazing little tool for sure! Elizabeth

I can't explain, but I too went thru all kinds of needles, presser-foot pressure, etc.-- I was already well into a quilt so I didn't want to change threads, I only tried one other kind that was very similar, but the problems did literally disappear w/ the tension adjustment.

I'm NOT all that experienced w/ the BSR, but I use BSR 2, I think b/c I'm just used to using my foot to make the machine go! With BSR 1 I feel I'm much more likely to sew thru my finger or something, it stitches every time the fabric moves!
Florence

My BSR is brand, spanking new.

Florence, by golly, moving tension to 0 really improved the situation. Of course I have been practicing free motion all day without the BSR.

Why would loosening the tension so dramatically work so well? I've been swapping needles, threads, stitch lengths, vertical spool holders, horizonal spool holders, metal thread guides all day. Luckily I've been keeping a record.

New Question: BSR1 or BSR2 and why?

Ah! littleflower (Teri) solved my BSR problems by telling me to drop the tension to almost ZERO! Made all the difference in the world! Florence

Do you own one of the "older" BSR's? If so, it could need the update that entails taking the machine and the BSR foot to your dealer. Just a suggestion. Sally in sunny NE Ohio

Ok Alex, maybe I am expecting too much too soon. It's just that those ads make it look so simple.
I am using a variety of threads and keeping a record using Ann Fahl's chart in Coloring with Thread. My Swiss mentor like me to use a 16/8 for quilting but that is just not possible with decorative threads. I try to use Superior's guide. I usually test 80/12 or 90/14 (topstitch or metallic). I really dislike the rayon thread that is sold in my locale. I am very tempted to order some trilobal polyester from Superior since I have been very happy with the performance of the threads I purchased. But what colors should I choose? That's for another forum.

Well today's a new day for me and more quilting to do. DH tells me it looks pretty good from a distance. He says my problem is that I am an "A"-type person who uses magnifying glasses while working on these projects.