Ask Quilting Questions Here

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

Beverly Chaney — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 15:33:31 GMT

I received my Tiara on my birthday in Dec.,2013. I also had tension problems, but I read the book and I knew that you had to make sure that the bottom thread and the top thread are hooked together in the batting. I used two very different colors that would make it easier for me to tell which thread was the problem. I turned the little black knob just a tiny bit and then sewed about 6 inches. If the bottom thread was still not being hooked in the batting, I turned the knob again a tiny bit more. I did this for quite awhile until I achieved the tension that I needed. If you change the thread to a different brand or type, I had to correct the tension again. There is really very little adjustment after you find the perfect tension for your thread and your machine. Good Luck and be patient.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

ls2116 — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 06:17:52 GMT

My area around 6, I can only dream about that machine I would have it in a heartbeat if I could!!!

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

workingthewool — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 06:11:37 GMT

Keebs - Wondering if you still have tension problems on your Tiara. I just got one two weeks ago, and have not been able to get the tension to stay adjusted. It sews for a little while in perfect tension, then goes loopy on top. Have spent 20 hours playing with tension, and nothing seems to work. Have tried all adjustments, rethreading, new needles, new bobbin, rethreading, adjusting bobbin, cleaning, etc. The machine is diabolical, and I am so so disappointed. Especially since I paid $5,100 without the stitch regulator.

I wouldn't recommend this machine to anyone who just wants to have fun quilting. It is a waste of time if you have to play with constant tension problems that no one seems to be able to solve.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

newbie2009 — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 16:51:09 GMT

I just got mine fixed last week. Always had tension problems since purchased in November. Took samples of the tension issues I was having in six different times.Two weeks ago I bawled and got some results from my local dealer. I did have to take the machine in. It took about an hour to figure out that the top tension was so tight that it wouldn't keep the thread. It is working great now. I know it is a bit far for you to take in your machine but I would do it. You got a great deal with your machine. Everyhting I bought was all extra costs. I am having one more issue, sure it is operator error (mine). When you stop and start you can always tell.Good luck.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

MNnancy — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 03:09:16 GMT

Pigeonn, I think Gini meant to say "discussion thread" instead of "group."

Here is the link to the start of that thread... Longarmers share#1

You can read this thread, but you won't be able to reply since it is now locked. On the last page, there should be a link to the new Longarmers share#2 which is still active. There may be some hints in these discussions to help you with tension.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

gini — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 02:08:30 GMT

pigeonn, hello and welcome to the group. we have a long arm group here. go up above and click on groups, then scroll to the long arm group. you will need to join that group. you should get lots of help there.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

pigeonn — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:44:50 GMT

I got my Tiara in November too. I still haven't figured out the tension! I am so frustrated with it. I have a wedding quilt I need to get done and I really need to figure it out. Seems like no matter what I do the bottom thread pokes through the top. I came online to see if I could find any help. My dealer is about an hour away and I went in there once already, I left confident that I would get the tension right but I still don't know what I am doing wrong.

I got a good deal on mine $5499 which included the machine, table with one extension, table overlay, starter kit and a nice chair. I added another extension for $100 more. I had a choice of $300 shopping spree in the store or the chair and I chose the chair. I think each dealer puts different packages together.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

Spudgrandma — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 23:08:15 GMT

I cannot help you on the price barb, but I wanted to say Hi and it is nice to meet you.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

Spudgrandma — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 23:08:09 GMT

I cannot help you on the price barb, but I wanted to say Hi and it is nice to meet you.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

Barb — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:07:22 GMT

do you know what the manufacturer's suggested retail price is?

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

Spudgrandma — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 01:33:53 GMT

newbie2009:
I got mine delivered last Thursday.

Congrats, don't forget to share pictures!!!

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

Eileen — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:23:27 GMT

Congrats on your purchase! Practice is the best thing you can do. I had tension issues on my Crown Jewel & it does take time to get to know your machine, what thread it likes, tension settings, etc. Relax, have fun & play :-)

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

newbie2009 — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:15:27 GMT

I got mine delivered last Thursday. I also had tension problems. Finally figured out it is the threading of the machine. On mine you can hear a slight click when you get it pulled correctly between the tension disks. We had adjusted and adjusted the bottom tension before we figured that out. So far all I have done is practice getting the feel for the machine. I do have some things that I used fusible for applique, need to try to do one of them. I think I will really like the machine once I get used to it. I chose this machine because I am not able to stand for long period of times so hopefully this will work well for me. Really wish the bobbin was more easily accessible. It is almost like I am afraid to try using it on something I plan to give away----I better get over it because I have Christmas presents ready to by completed.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

Spudgrandma — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 05:23:01 GMT

How exciting Keebs, you will have to share some pictures of your new toy. If I have not already said so, nice to meet you.

Re: Baby Lock Tiara 16-Inch Longarm

Keebs — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 04:44:18 GMT

I just acquired one. I think I am going to love it. I am having some tension problems, but I think it is because I need to learn the feel of the thread through the tension disks. The mechanism is like a Singer Featherweight. I am currently using it to quilt a McKenna Ryan pattern that has tiny fusible pieces. The needle is leaving larger holes that I would like but that is probable because I used fusiboo batting and the fusible under the appliqued pieces. The needles are larger than a standard machine, but they have to be to handle the 1500 stitches per inch.