social

Adjusting the Tension on Your Sewing Machine

36 Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

September 21, 2010

I have a Janome 423s. The bobbin thread runs along the bottom of the material. What is causing this? I have tried fixing it but with no luck.

Advertisement

By karen65ae from UAE

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 290 Feedbacks
September 21, 20100 found this helpful

www.fixya.com/.../janome_423s

 

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 109 Feedbacks
September 21, 20100 found this helpful

You can try www.retrevo.com and see if you can get any info. It's free.

 
September 22, 20100 found this helpful

The top tension is too loose. It may not be working correctly. Also check to see if the machine is threaded correctly.

Advertisement

Sometimes the thread is not properly seated in the groove between the two disks.

 
Answer this Question

April 14, 2016

I have a Kenmore 100 stitches sewing machine that was given to me after the service tech did not resolve the problem. When doing straight stitching the top thread loops on the bottom. It sounds like tension. Even with the tension on nine and the pressure foot down (I can't even pull the thread) it still it loops on the bottom.

I traced the top thread travel in the bobbin case and cannot find any obstruction. I am guessing it has to do with the take up on top. The tension spring "seems" to be okay. Also the bobbin tension is okay. I do not believe this has anything to do with top or bobbin tension, but with some kind of take up on the top.

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
April 17, 20161 found this helpful

If the service tech couldn't resolve the problem, he/she was either not a qualified Kenmore tech (they're all factory trained on just about every model Kenmore ever made), or the machine is beyond hope (doubtful, it's a Kenmore!).

Advertisement

Have you tried using dental floss (unwaxed, non-flavoured) sprayed with 70% isopropyl alcohol to 'floss' the tension discs if the tension knob is on the exterior of the machine - if the tension knob is not located on the exterior of the machine, you can 'floss' the upper thread path, just use a very long piece of floss.

Any road, flossing your machine tension discs or upper thread path should remove even the tiniest piece of thread fluff that is likely the source of your problem.

The only other thing I can think of just now would be timing - the tech should have spotted a timing problem, though.

If flossing doesn't resolve your issue, you may want to give up on this machine. Or find a genuine Kenmore factory trained repair tech.

 
Read More Answers

November 30, 2014

I have a White sewing machine that is from the 1960s. I am trying to sew a sheer fabric and I am using a #11 needle and Talon size 50 thread. I have replaced the needle, rethreaded the bobbin, rethreaded the machine, and still the thread loops on the underside. I have adjusted the tension on the top. What else can I do?

By Rose

Answers

December 5, 20140 found this helpful

Check your bobbin. Is it wound properly, using same thread as top stitch, is the bobbin thread put in correctly and is it in the correct direction? This may clear up your problem.

 

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
December 8, 20140 found this helpful

Try a No 9 size needle, and be sure your feed dogs are set for the fabric you're using.

Also, try flossing (yes, dental floss, unwaxed:) the tension discs - it's done just the way you do your teeth! Wipe the piece of floss with some 70-92% isopropyl alcohol (not the green stuff, it's got oils in it!) and look for bits of lint and fluff on the floss; you may also see some 'grime' come back on the floss.

Advertisement

A last resort (as in very last resort!) try to adjust the BOTTOM tension by turning that teeny tiny screw in the bobbin casing a very teeny tiny bit left or right - try to sew a line as a test, if this helps but not enough, turn a teeny tiny bit again then test, and again then test, and again until your tension is sorted properly. Be VERY careful when turning that screw because...

If none of the above helps, it's time for a trip to the repair tech - among other things, the bottom bobbin tension gear may need replacing/adjusting and this is best done by a qualified tech - bottom bobbin tension is so delicate most manufacturers will state in the user guide that they really do not want the home user attempting to adjust it.

 
Answer this Question

November 25, 2014

I recently acquired a Singer 319W. I was sewing 2 pieces of fabric together and it worked fine. Then I doubled up the fabric, but when I started to sew, the needle stopped when it hit the fabric, but the wheel kept turning. When I went back to the original 2 pieces of fabric, it was fine. Help!

By Kris

Answers


Bronze Answer Medal for All Time! 220 Answers
November 28, 20140 found this helpful

Your machine may not be designed to sew through 4 layers of some fabrics. You can take the machine to a repair shop for an explanation of just what the machine is able to do and if a repair will help.

 

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
December 4, 20140 found this helpful

Hiya from Scotland, Kris, where I teach sewing and do some vintage machine repair for my students - mostly on Singers!

Your Singer 319W Swing-Needle machine should be able to take that thickness of fabric as it was built to handle everything from chiffon to farm weight (leathers, heavy duty feed sacks, etc) - since it isn't, there may be several reasons why it isn't:

Advertisement

Did you adjust the feed dogs for the extra thickness?
Did you adjust your upper tension?
Are you using the correct needle and thread for the weight of the quadrupled fabric?

*Solutions for all of the above are listed in the user guide (owner manual), here's a link to a free download if yours has gone walkabout:

www.singerco.com/.../8831ff975559db4967c61611a81fa4ec0253dd97...

And here's a neat free download of an actual scan of an original (ignore the K designation, all it means is that machine the manual was printed for was built here in Scotland at the Clydesbank factory - have a look and you'll recognise all the same parts as on your W, depending on model year, the slight differences are mainly cosmetic only:)

ismacs.net/.../singer-319k-sewing-machine-manual...

 
Answer this Question

November 23, 2013

Bottom threads messyI have a brother LS 2125. During sewing the top side of fabric is nicely sewed, but bottom side is in a mess. It is not properly sewed and loose. The thread breaks very easily. It's really very irritating. Attached a bottom side image for your reference.

By Abel

Answers

November 23, 20130 found this helpful

I typed an answer out and lost it! Arggh! Here's a link to another answer though.

www.thriftyfun.com/.../Adjusting-the-Tension-on-Your-Sewing...

 

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
November 24, 20130 found this helpful

Hi Abel, hopefully the link MissRebecca posted helped you sort your problem:)

I'm guessing from the appearance of your loopy stitching that you have a side or front loading bobbin system, so to expand on the helps I've posted over the years (lol, see the link:), the problem you're having is stemming almost certainly from your bobbin loading technique.

Advertisement

If you have the manual for your machine, read through it carefully to be sure you're loading the bobbin case correctly into the machine. The front and side load bobbin systems are VERY tricky to place correctly and will always cause the problem you are experiencing if incorrectly loaded. If your machine hasn't been serviced recently, consider having it serviced by a qualified (factory trained is best, check the advert for those words) and ask him/her to check your loading skill. He/she can help you learn the best way for your specific machine to load the bobbin case into the machine.

If you have the money, consider a new sewing machine - the trouble you are having is very frustrating and can put a sewer off sewing altogether. I teach sewing here in the UK and try to steer my sewing students to top-drop in bobbin load systems. These systems are practically jam-proof and end 99.9% of all sewing frustrations.

Good luck, please update and let us know what turned up with your machine!

 
Answer this Question

March 25, 2020

I have a Kenmore model 385 17630. My big problem is that when I try to back stitch it gets big loops on the top. I've cleaned it, changed the needle, and have tried to adjust the tension for the top and also tried to adjust the bobbin tension.


Help!

Answer this Question

July 11, 2019

I am having problems adjusting the tension on my Janome mc9500. The upper is loose and I have tried everything that I can think of.


Answer this Question

January 10, 2019

I have a Janome 7318 Magnolia sewing machine. The tension is off on my machine. The top stitches are very loose even when I make the tension tighter, up to 8. How do I fix this?


Thank you.

Read More Answers

December 15, 2015

I have a Singer One sewing machine. I just got it from my sister who took poor care of it. The thread holder is missing so I made a makeshift one, but I am having huge troubles working it. I don't understand how to thread or feed the material. I push and it does nothing, only when I pull does it properly "sew". Also, when I pull the material out to cut it and see if it's working, it usually snaps.

I had my tensions at auto, then I changed it to 9. I also put it on the standard first button at 2.6 and then increased that to 3.5, but I'm still struggling to understand why it won't work, and along with that wasting a ton of thread.

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
December 17, 20150 found this helpful

Use this link to the Singer website free download of the user manual:

www.singerco.com/.../a80d4264cd9f5ef19df0466759b3181c4d143947...

That's a beautiful machine with tonnes of fab features - it may need a visit to the repair tech for a good going over and cleaning, but give the user guide a try first as you may find all your questions answered and information on replacing that spool holder (usually less than a tenner including postage and packing).

 
Answer this Question

January 30, 2015

The top stitch is OK but from underneath you wll find a lot of clogged thread. Please help. Thnx.

By Marcon

Answers

February 1, 20150 found this helpful

When the sewing machine is clogged with thread below you have to take the bobbin case out and then you can use a brush for that purpose or a tiny screwdriver for the small hard to get to parts to get the thread out and then just reverse the procedure to get the bobbin case in and bobbin then your all set to sew again.

 
Answer this Question

January 7, 2015

My stitch on top is messing up; the bottom stitch is fine.

By Marcie

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
January 15, 20150 found this helpful

Depending on the age and condition of your machine, the problem could be anything from lint and fuzz clogging the tension discs to incorrect thread - needle - tension setting for the fabric you're trying to sew.

Sorry I can't be more help. Use your owner guide (if you've lost yours you can usually download a free copy from the maker's website) to troubleshoot and be sure you're using the right thread, needle, and settings for your machine and fabric - there will be a chart or table outlining the correct items to use for each sewing job.

 
Answer this Question

June 18, 2014

I am having tension problems on an industrial Juki model # LU-562 machine. The tension is going from fine to loose as I sew. When it's loose it's on the top. The bottom is fine.

By Carol I.

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
June 23, 20140 found this helpful

Have you checked to be sure you're using the correct thread and needle for the fabric, and have you adjusted the upper tension with the pressure foot fully raised?

If the above doesn't help, the thread tension changing mid-stitch could be a problem you cannot solve at home.

The tension discs could be worn out OR clogged with lint/thread fluff in a place dental floss won't reach; also, the tension adjustment gear could be worn, or the bottom tension (on the bobbin case, do not try to adjust this at home!) could have been knocked out of place.

Without looking at the machine (I do limited repair and servicing on mostly Singer domestic machines here in the UK), the best advice I can give you is to take this to a qualified repair tech - someone with extensive industrial machine experience.

When was the last time you have the machine serviced? An industrial machine needs the same (if not more) regular servicing as a domestic one but the tech needs to be qualified on an industrial machine - you'd be amazed at how different the insides of a domestic machine is from an industrial one! A qualified tech will have your machine clean, oiled, and repaired so you can get back to sewing - please update and let us know what the problem actually was:)

 
Answer this Question

April 4, 2014

Example of underside of stitches.I have a relatively new Brother x-5. It was working fine til my latest project when my upper thread seemed to gradually loosen. Adjusting it with the dial did nothing. Now it's a complete mess and I have no idea how to fix it. I re-threaded, cleaned the mechanism and even adjusted the bobbin, but no improvement. How do I fix this? (photo is of the reverse side of stitching)

By Jane

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
April 7, 20140 found this helpful

You may have a problem with the tension discs inside the machine. Since you write it's a fairly new machine it may still be under warranty in which case a visit to the Brother sewing repair tech is in order and shouldn't cost you anything. If not still under warranty, a repair will likely cost you under $100 (closer to $50USD).

But first, are you absolutely certain you have seated the bobbin correctly? Use your manual to go step by step through the process of seating it correctly - if that doesn't solve your problem, and you can answer YES to the following questions, it's definitely time for a trip to the repair tech:

Are you using the correct thread, needle, and presser foot for the fabric?

Have you followed the user manual instructions for clearing lint and thread bits from the bobbin case area?

Again, are you certain you are seating the bobbin back into the machine correctly?

Are you sure you've got the settings on the machine correctly chosen?

 
Answer this Question

December 27, 2013

I just got my sewing machine. It is a Singer Seventy. I am very inexperienced with sewing and am just learning. I just filled my bobbin and threaded my machine. Everything was fine until I got to the part of setting my thread tension. Right now the dial is set on 8. I need it to be on auto, but the dial won't turn at all. I read in my manual that the foot needs to be down. I put it down and it still won't move. I've tried turning it off, but still no luck. Please help!

By Sarah c

Answers


Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 131 Feedbacks
December 30, 20130 found this helpful

Usually you have to push it forward (or press it) and then turn it to the right position.

 
Answer this Question

October 22, 2013

My top thread is not tightening around my bobbin thread. I've done everything I could probably think of and it's so aggravating. I don't know what to do. I'm a semi-new machine user. My sewing machine is a Singer Simple.

By Courtney

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
October 23, 20130 found this helpful

First of all, here is a link to a free download of your manual from the Singer website:

www.singerco.com/.../1180_2263(eng_spa_fre).pdf

Right then, try answering the following questions while sitting at your machine:

Have you just wound a bobbin and forgot to snap the pin back so that the machine is back to sewing mode? (If not, simply snap the pin back towards the head, should solve the problem)

Have you got the front load bobbin case properly loaded and seated? (This one is VERY hard to do! The front load bobbin system is the reason a lot of new sewers give it up - seating a bobbin case whilst holding the bobbin in the case is very, very difficult and takes even experienced sewers several tries sometimes. I always steer my new sewing students to the top drop in bobbin system machines for this reason.)

The way to be sure it's seated is to listen for the 'clicks' that happen when the bobbin is properly loaded into the case, and when the loaded case 'seats' correctly into the machine.

Seating the bobbin case incorrectly, and incorrect threading of the bobbin to the case are almost always the reasons upper and bobbin threads don't lock in the seam.

 
Answer this Question

June 7, 2013

Small sewing machine.My sewing machine won't sew and the loop from the spool is coming through the material, but the cotton from the reel is just threading through the loop without making a stitch. Also the cotton from the reel is very tight. What should I do?

By Carol

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
June 8, 20130 found this helpful

Refer to your user manual to learn where your tension adjustment dials/knobs/control pad is located. The manual will have photos or line drawings with examples of the appearance of too tight or loose tension, and will tell you how to adjust the tension accordingly.

If you don't have the manual you can usually find a free download at the manufacturer's website. Google the maker's name and the model name/number of your machine to find the website. Then follow the navigation links to find your manual.

Generally, loops on the bottom means tension is too loose; loops on the top that the tension is too tight.

Most machines use a numbering system to adjust tension so use the following formula:

To increase (tighten) dial to a higher number
To decrease (loosen) dial to a lower number

Use a doubled over scrap of your fabric as a practice swatch to run several inches of the stitches for each increase/decrease you make to the tension adjustment; when you find the right setting for your fabric, write that setting down for further reference during that project.

You'll want to write down the tension setting because in sewing, tension adjustments will vary depending on the stitch used and the thickness of the fabric you want to stitch at any given point in the project.

For example, let's say you are going to use a simple zig-zag to finish the raw edges of the seams. To make a really nice pucker-free zig-zag edge finish you need to decrease (loosen) the tension slightly; to stitch through several layers if you are using a flat-fell finish you would want to adjust the tension to a looser setting also. Decide your best tension according to a practice swatch.

So you are best served to write all those different tensions for each stitch setting down-makes it so much faster and easier to keep track between the different sections of your project!

**Looping, bunching, snarling, and threads that can be easily pulled from the fabric do not always indicate a need to adjust tension. Ask yourself, "Before beginning sewing, did I...":

Check the manual to be sure I am using the correct thread and needle size for the fabric I am sewing?

Make sure my needle is in new or good condition, is sharp, and is correctly placed in the machine?

Ensure my bobbin thread is also the correct gauge and type for the fabric I am sewing?

Make sure my bobbin case is correctly placed into the machine?

Check that my machine is set for the stitch I want to use?

Look to see that the automatic tension feature (if on your model) set correctly?

Don't give up:) There is nothing quite as satisfying as sewing garments or home furnishings but it does take practice.

 
Answer this Question

March 7, 2013

I have a Brother XL 3022 sewing machine. The tension on the bottom is loopy. Someone mentioned bobbin tension, but I don't know where on the machine it is.

By Lesley

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
March 8, 20130 found this helpful

First of all, download a free copy of your sewing machine manual here:
www.brother-usa.com/.../UM_XL_3010_EN_239.PDF

Now, look on page 2 to locate the tension adjustment knob on your machine-it's that wheel looking thing sticking out of the top of the machine a little-see it over there on the left of your machine near where the thread feeds down to the machine needle? That's your tension knob (the manual calls it a dial, the terms are pretty much interchangeable).

Next, look on page 19 of that manual for complete step-by-step directions for adjusting your sewing machine tension correctly including a diagram showing how to decide what is wrong and how to correct it.

Finally, based on what you are describing in your posted question, it sounds as though you are seeing loops of thread around the line of bottom thread stitching (better known as the bobbin thread, btw).

I notice that the Brother manual describes stitches as 'locks' which can be a little confusing but if you stare at those pictures and read the text several times you'll see that your problem is that your tension is too loose.

Note: The illustration for correct tension appearance is on page 20. It's a lot confusing because between the directions for increase/decrease and the illustration there is the bit about bobbin tension adjustment.

So you'll need to dial that tension knob to a higher number. Doing that will increase the tension on the threads as they pass through the tension discs inside the machine.

If the loops were showing on the top you would need to loosen (or 'decrease') the tension by dialing to a lower number.

Be sure you are using the right size needle, and run a test strip (or several) on the fabric you are trying to sew until you find the right tension for that fabric-needle-thread combination. Write that down on the pattern (if you are using one) so that you can restore those settings if you use my bonus tip below and therefore change the settings.

In addition to examining for loops and puckers, do the 'snap' test by holding the test strip in both hands and pulling the strip at both ends in a 'snap' motion. If the thread breaks it means your tension is too tight so you'll need to loosen (decrease) it.

Remember-to tighten (increase) you go up a number, to loosen (decrease) you go down a number:

Increase-up
Decrease-down

BONUS TIP-when sewing a zig-zag stitch, for example to finish a seam or when sewing knits on a machine without a specific knit stitch setting, LOOSEN THE TENSION one number down from whatever you are using for the straight stitching. Doing so means your seam finish won't pucker or break:)

OH! Never-ever-never try to adjust the tension anywhere but at the dial atop your machine. The bottom tension (better known as bobbin tension) is set at the factory and only in extremely rare situations does it require adjustment by removing the bobbin case and turning a screw - DO NOT attempt. It's just too easy to over-turn that tiny little screw and then too easy to forget to set it back to the original position for the next project. See the manual page 19 for more on bobbin tension.

 
Answer this Question

February 26, 2012

Can you use upholstery thread in the bobbin? I did and the underside of material is loopy. I tried adjusting the tension, but it didn't get any better. I have a Brother sewing machine, model XL-3022.

By Julie R.

Answers


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 282 Feedbacks
March 5, 20120 found this helpful

Most domestic sewing machines are not designed to handle the heavier upholstery threads in either upper or lower parts of the machine. Check your manual and the manufacturer website to see if your machine can sew with the heavier threads, and on the heavier weight fabrics.

If your manual and manufacturer indicate your model should be able to handle the tough stuff, you may need to use a different needle (find the information on which needle size to use on which fabrics in the manual), and you may need to put less thread on the bobbin than you would if using a lighter weight thread.

You may also need to adjust not only the upper tension, but the tension on the bobbin case. That info will also be in the manual.

Another thing you might try is a thread designed for heavy duty work on a domestic machine. Look for the words 'heavy duty' that aren't combined with the additional word 'upholstery'. If you are lucky enough to have a sewing centre near by, ask one of the staff for advice.

Be sure to use thread that is the same content as your fabric-for example cotton thread on cotton fabric, polyester on synthetics. Using the wrong content can cause tension (pun intended:) problems, and can also cause the stitching to break if using cotton thread through synthetic fabrics. If using polyester on cotton fabrics, the thread can cut through the fabric leaving behind a rather neat scissored look to the tear.

 
Answer this Question

October 16, 2013

My Janome Excell 4014 is looping stitches on the underside of my sewing project. Can anyone please tell me how to fix looping and what I think is a jumping sound on my sewing machine? I have lost my manual so I can't trouble shoot. I am trying to start a new hobby and am not able to quilt due to the stitching. Thank you in advance for your help :-)

By Christine S

Answer this Question
<< First< PreviousNext >
Categories
Home and Garden Repair Machines Sewing MachinesJuly 30, 2011
Pages
More
🐰
Easter Ideas!
👒
Mother's Day Ideas!
🌻
Gardening
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2024-03-29 03:18:57 in 4 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2024 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/tf/Repair/Machines/Sewing_Machines/Adjusting-the-Tension-on-Your-Sewing-Machine.html