Help! My machine was working fine till I had to refill a bobbin. Now my top thread makes loops around the bottom thread, but the bottom thread just stays straight. When I stop sewing I can pull the bottom thread straight out of my stitches. How do I fix this?
By Stephanie
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The top thread is the upper thread that comes from the spool atop your machine.
The bottom thread is the bobbin thread.
The problem you are describing is solved by an adjustment to the tension discs-consult your owner's manual (user guide) for instructions on making the right adjustment on your model machine.
The upper tension discs adjustment knob or wheel is usually located as a knob (dial) somewhere on the front of the machine near the part of the machine just before the upper thread goes down to be threaded through the machine needle, but some machines have a 'wheel' with a number display.
Usually when the upper thread loops badly the way you describe, and the bobbin thread isn't being pulled into the middle of the fabric to form the lock-stitch in combination with the upper thread (hence the upper thread loops over the bobbin thread), it usually means the upper tension is too loose-you need to tighten the tension.
To tighten, move the knob or wheel setting to a higher number. Test on a fair sized piece of scrap of the fabric you are sewing, and write down the correct tension for that material so that you can re-set if needed.
Now, here's where it gets a little more difficult-sometimes (very rarely but it does happen) the act of removing and reseating the bobbin causes the BOBBIN case tension to be changed. If you have a removable, side or front load bobbin, you may be able to tighten the bobbin tension using a screwdriver in that tiny little screw you'll see when you look for it on the removable case. Then run a test seam line to be sure you've got the right setting.
If you have a sewing machine that is a 'top drop-in' bobbin, there may be lint caught in the under plate area. Take your machine lint brush and kind of swish around under the throat plate, and then try running a seam line.
If none-of-the-above helps, it's time to take your machine to a professional:)
There is a slot that the thread has to go through, make sure the thread is in there. This slot holds the thread, if it is not in the slot the bobbin will sometime hop around. Also try using the same thread in top & bottom.
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