The Longarm Adjustment Most Quilters Ignore – Morning with Corey

When a quilting project starts giving you trouble, what's the first thing you blame?

The thread? The needle? The machine?

Sometimes the real culprit is much simpler:

Your tension settings.

Longarm tension adjustment

The Problem Isn't Always the Thread

Many quilters immediately switch threads when stitches start looking uneven.

But tension settings determine how the top and bobbin threads work together. Even a small adjustment can mean the difference between smooth, balanced stitches and constant frustration.

Think of tension as the referee between your threads. When it's balanced, everything works together beautifully. When it's not, problems start showing up fast.

Explore thread options →

Tension test sample

Before Starting Your Next Quilt...

Take a few minutes to stitch a quick test sample.

A small tension adjustment before quilting can save hours of troubleshooting later.

It's one of the simplest habits experienced longarm quilters develop; and one of the most overlooked by beginners.

Remember

The best quilting results often come from the smallest changes.

Before your next project, give your tension settings a quick check. Your stitches will thank you.

Happy Quilting!

— Corey

Frequently Asked Questions

What longarm adjustment do most quilters ignore?

Backing and quilt-top tension on the frame. Loading the layers evenly and keeping consistent tension prevents tucks, puckers, and wavy borders that no amount of stitching skill can fix afterward.

How tight should a quilt be loaded on a longarm frame?

Taut enough to remove slack but never drum-tight. Over-tightening stretches the backing, and when it relaxes off the frame, the quilt puckers. You should be able to press the layers down slightly with your hand.

Why do I get tucks on the back of my longarm quilts?

Usually uneven backing tension or a backing loaded off-grain. Check that the backing is square, attached evenly across the leaders, and advanced consistently with each roll.

Related on Lindas.com:Shop Longarm →