Sewing Machine Thread Tension

 Problems, Questions and Answers
Q: How do I tell when the tension is off on the top spool and needle tension or if it is the bobbin tension. And how do I fix the problem.

A: CLICK HERE 

 

Q: My machine is skipping stitches.

A: Skipped stitches are usually caused by a needle that is the incorrect size for the fabric. Insert a new needle (flat side toward the back of the machine) and make sure the needle is the appropriate size and type for the fabric. Use a sharp needle for woven fabrics and a ball point needle for knits. Also check the attachment of the presser foot to see that even pressure is applied to the fabric.

Q: My seams are gathered/puckered.

A: This can be caused by a needle that is too large for the fabric - try a smaller sized needle. Also try readjusting the stitch length. And loosening the tension by setting it to the next lower number could resolve the problem.

Q: My stitches are too loose.

A: To correct loose stitches, try the following: (1) Balance the thread tension. If the stitches are loose on top of the fabric, decrease the tension to the next lower number. If they are loose on the underside set the tension to the next higher number. (2) Make sure the needle/upper thread follows the threading path. (3) Check to see that the bobbin case is threaded properly. (4) Use a different size needle. For fine fabrics, use a smaller needle (size 9, 11); medium-weight fabrics require a size 14 or 16. And use a size 18 or "Denim" needle for heavy corduroy or denim.

Q: My stitches are uneven.

A: Poor quality or old thread is usually the cause for uneven stitches. You could also see uneven stitches if the fabric has been pulled. Never pull on the fabric while sewing - let it be taken up by the machine. Also check to see that the bobbin is threaded correctly in the bobbin case.

Q: The lower thread on my machine keeps breaking.

A: This is usually caused by a problem with the bobbin case. Check the bobbin and bobbin case. Try removing and reinserting the bobbin and pull on the thread. The thread should pull easily.

Q: The upper thread on my machine keeps breaking.

A: Try these corrections: (1) Rethread the machine; (2) Reduce the thread tension (lower number); (3) Select a larger size needle; (4) Remove and reinsert a new needle, flat side toward the back of the machine.

Q: Why is the thread bunching-up under my fabric?

A: "Birdnesting" occurs when there is no tension on the needle thread to pull the bobbin thread. This is easily corrected by rethreading the machine, following the threading path carefully and making sure the thread is fully engaged in the tension mechanism.

Q: My machine is jammed.

A: A jammed machine is caused by thread being caught in the hook. Remove the upper thread and bobbin case, turn the handwheel backward and forward by hand and remove any thread in the bobbin case area.