Consew 226-R reverse stitching issues?

[Dominover]

I seem to be having a user issue with my Consew 226 walking foot machine.

Almost every time I do reverse stitching I get knots on the underside of my sewing job.. It's very difficult to get it right.

I'm wondering if somebody can explain to me when to push down and release the lever when reverse stitching..

This always seems to happen when I'm trying to anker my stitching at the beginning, or right at the end of the job. 

What could I be doing wrong here?  Do I need to make some adjustments to try to get this to work properly? 

Thanks

[Northmount]

Switch directions after the needle has risen maybe a 1/2", but before it rises above the surface of the leather.  Reversing directions before the hook has caught the loop may result in a skipped stitch and a bird's nest on the bottom.

Tom

Edit:  That should be 1/4"

Edited April 26, 2018 by Northmount
correction

[Pintodeluxe]

I have the same machine, and I'm surprised it's giving you this issue.  Mine is really forgiving in terms of when you press the reverse lever.  I pay no attention to needle position when reversing.  I know I should, and I do agree with Northmount's advise.  For me it just hasn't mattered.

I would try another needle / thread combination to see if the problem goes away.  

My 226 loves #92 thread with a 18 or 20 size needle.  

Cheers and good luck!

[Dominover]

2 hours ago, Northmount said:

Switch directions after the needle has risen maybe a 1/2", but before it rises above the surface of the leather.  Reversing directions before the hook has caught the loop may result in a skipped stitch and a bird's nest on the bottom.

Tom

Thanks, I'll do that.

Also, as Pintodelux above has said, it is probably my needle thread combination once again.