20 Most Recent Juki TL-98Q Questions & Answers

Ok! Thats a good one. Just try using your hand and work with it together with the pedal . You just need to make sure that your machine is properly oiled and keep on moving you probaly dont use it as often just every day just keep on using it until it gets a motion going every day about 5 minutes. Ok!

Question edited for clarity. Question moved to Juki. Try the adjustment on page 15 of the manual. It will stop if the bobbin in unevenly loaded. https://www.juki.co.jp/household_en/pism/img/tl98q/download/98qim.pdf ..

it could be the motor has gone out or the power cord has gone outonly a sewing machine repair shop can say for sure

Hi Donna: This has two parts; 1) pick up thread, and 2) needle hole direction. 1) To begin and pick up the bobbin thread, typically I start without any material under the arm. Begin with a tail of thread about 6" long pulled out from the bobbin, leave it loose. Then holding taunt, onto about 3" of the upper thread after it leaves the needle, I cycle the machine once. Then it should have captured the bobbin thread. Raise the pressure foot (with the needle 'UP') and slide something between that gap to pull out both threads (Upper and Lower), a ruler or your thread trimming scissors are handy for this. Pull the threads and you should see both upper and lower threads now, ready to sew. Apology for covering this basic item, but . . . 2) As you move into 'new' machines, sometimes the needle is no longer setup with the hole front to back. The gotcha is that on some (bigger) machine the hole goes side to side (yes the needle is rotated a 1/4 turn). As a rule of thumb, the thread goes through the needle and points right at the hook. Small machines may have the bobbin right 'behind' the needle. Larger machines often have the bobbin (and hook) beside (often to the right) of the needle. That means to install the needle with the hole going left and right, and the cutout groove pointed to the side with the hand-wheel. End.

The threading diagrams are available in the manual which is available from Juki on the TL-98Q product page: http://www.juki.co.jp/household_en/pism/tl98q.html . The direct link to the manual is http://www.juki.co.jp/household_en/pism/img/tl98q/download/98qim.pdf . See pages 14-18 (pages 16-21 of the PDF). There are a couple of things I recommend that you check. First, make sure that the bobbin is evenly wound. This is a function of the bobbin winder tension; see the manual (page 15) for that adjustment. Next, check if the bobbin case tension is correct. Place the bobbin in the bobbin case and dangle the unit from the thread. Try to shake the bobbin case up and down, sort of like a yo-yo. The thread should advance by a bit. If the thread length doesn't change, loosen the set screw on the side of the bobbin case a small amount. If you get a really long tail of thread, tighten the set screw. See page 21 of the manual. Next check for any loose threads and dirt in the housing around the bobbin case. Depending on the length of time that you have been using the needle, replace the needle. I hope this helps. Cindy Wells

What needle size and thread are you using? The needle may be too small for the size thread or you are not threading it correctly. You should also check the bobbin area to see if the thread is getting caught or snagged.

Be sure you have installed a brand new needle. If it still does not pick up the bobbin thread, the machine may be out of time. If the presser foot does not set firmly on the fabric, then that is what you want for free motion quilting. However, if you mean the presser foot is sloppy (wobbly), then the attachment may be loose or the presser foot is worn. ...

Has a piece of broken needle or chunk of thread jammed into the blades and are not letting them move? If there was a big time thread jam it can actually break one of your blades and you will have to go to a repair man and have the blade replaced.

1. Make sure the machine isn't set for bobbin rewind. Also, try to move the control hookup around slightly to ensure it is making a good connection. 2. Is it possible the power switch looks like it is on but isn't because of the surrounding light? Check this and the outlet you are using. 3. Is the sewing machine light on? A puppy biting in the wire could have caused a short so a pro will have to check the guts of the machine.

Your machine could be out of time. When you turn on does it stop or stitch a couple switches. Belt could be worn out as well. How old is it? Thank you very much. Please leave some feedback or more information so I may help you.

If the arm does not clamp over the bobbin case, it is probably because the bobbin case is not securely in its place (make sure you are using the correct bobbin and it is loaded into the bobbin case correctly). Be sure that the bobbin case is inserted correctly and securely latched. If problems continue, may want to consult a repair service. ...

Pop an empty bobbin on the thread spool. You need to disengage the motor from the presser foot so that the motor no longer makes the presser foot go up and down, but sends the power to wind a bobbin on the thread spool. Check with your machine's manual, but this is usually done be either pushing in, or popping out a button on the hand wheel. Begin a new thread on the bobbin following the directions either from your manual or as printed on the machine. On my Bernina, I have to push the thread spindle sideways to engage the bobbin winder. Use your foot pedal now and the bobbin will automatically fill up. It should stop when full, then you reverse your actions. eg: push the thread spool back, pop in the button on your hand wheel, insert the bobbin (check with your user manual as to clockwise-anticlockwise, and yes it DOES make a difference!) Re-thread your machine (always with the presser foot up) and make a test stich. I hope this helps and happy sewing.

I would suggest getting it cleaned and serviced.

Several things to try, I have this set up and after six months I'm still trying to get some issues resolved.  First make sure the machine is treaded correctly, the Juki doesn't thread like most machines, make sure you have the bobbin going the correct way.  After the machine then it has to be in the frame which means that the fabric is most likely to tight, this is a common problem, if you are bending the bars then it is too tight.  Also, look at how the quilt is in relationship to the frame, is it level?  As you quilt and roll, you will need to adjust the frame up, the quilted part should not drag on the machine and the to be quilted part should not be below the machine.  It is a critical that the frame and the machine be even with each other, if not the machine will try to pull and won't sew correctly.  Also, another tip, after each quilt change your needle, the reason is that free motion is technically bending the needle.  Hope all this helps.  

Properly balanced tensions are critical. The lower bobbin tension must be tight enough to pull the knots down. To which number is your upper tension set? It should be around three. Skipping stitches is an indicator of hook timing and hook/needle clearance issues.

Thread breakage is usually due to the needle in backwards, upper tension too tight or old/weak thread.

When replacing the needle, make sure that the flat side is to the right (3 o'clock position) and is pushed all of the way up before tightening.

What brand and weight of thread are you using and are you sewing with the foot or free motion sewing?

It depends on how thick your batting is and what type of fabric you are using. It's best to practice on a scrap piece to get the setting right.