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Posted on Nov 15, 2008
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Tension adjustment ok, I have used my machine on tension number 7 in the past and have not had any problems with the machine. Now the bobbin tension is too loose and the top is just right. I tried other adjustments on the top knob, not help here. I oiled the machine in the bobin area and tried again. problem remains the same. I remembered my old machine, and there was some sort of adjustment on the bobbin itself. Could this have worked loose through use? If so, where would I adjust the bobbin tension?

  • swimmomj4 Mar 31, 2009

    How do you adjust the tension for the bobbin.

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1 Answer

Hassy

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  • Brother Master 1,388 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 16, 2008
Hassy
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Joined: Jan 14, 2008
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PLEASE REMEMBER: Oiling is not a panacea for anything when it comes to sewing !!!!

If you are using a standard tension of 4 or 5 and this problem has developed over time, the most likely cause is lint deposited between the tension disks....... or in the bobbin case, or both. To be using Tension at 7 or more is not normal, generally aim for 4 or 5 !

Raise the presser foot and with a length of scrap fabric, use an action like flossing your teeth to get between the disks......in extreme cases a probe (old needle) may be used very gently to remove thread and lint, but be VERY careful not to scratch the polished surfaces. 

I have also written a tutorial on tension balance which may be of further assistance: 

Please TRY the solution BEFORE giving your considered rating.

Ensure that all is clean and free of lint and jams, this is the most likely cause....now for tension troubleshooting .......

This solution is for tension problems...if you cannot form any sort of stitch, the issue is quite different, so please let me know if you need a different problem solved.....

It is quite long, but just work through each section in order.
The "knotting up" can reveal a lot. If you have loose threads on one side or the other, the tension on the opposite side will be the culprit.

QUICK SUMMARY FIRST:
Ensure sharp new needle, 
Thread guides and Bobbin are Clean & Clear of lint
Set Top Tesion to 4 ....then....
Balance Bobbin to suit.

TOP THREAD TENSION:
If the looping threads are on the underside as you sew, it is the top tension. Top tension ought to be between 4 & 6 (this variation to allow for the different weights of fabric in your 
projects). 

IS YOUR NEEDLE SHARP ?
If you are using a needle that has seen quite a deal of work, or you suspect it may be blunt, change it for a new one !

TOP TENSION & GUIDES:
Make sure that when you thread the machine the presser foot is up so the thread goes between the discs and not to one side, top tension between 4 and 6, and that you have threaded through all the guides, including the last one, usually on the needle arm, just above the needle clamp.

It may be there is lint trapped between the discs, this will keep them slightly apart and reduce the actual tension, sometimes dramatically.

If tensions appear correct, and the thread is definitely in the channel between the discs, but still too loose and looping, try raising presser foot and remove your thread.

Now, with a 2" (50mm) wide strip piece of fabric 8 - 10" (20 - 25cm) moistened with methylated or denatured spirit, gently insert the fabric strip and clean between the discs with 
a see saw / to and fro action.

In the worst cases, gentle use of a needle to pick & remove the jam may be necessary, but be very gentle and make sure the tension is set at Zero and the presser foot is raised, (to 
disengage tension plates).... do not gouge or score the plates, they need a polished surface to work correctly.

BOBBIN TENSION:
Far less common, but if the loose threads are on the top, it is bobbin tension that is loose, it too may have lint in the spring and be giving a "false" tension. 

I would not recommend fiddling with bobbin tension without good reason, it may end up with missing small screws and spring pieces, however, you can take the needle plate off to clean 
the hook race area (where bobbin case sits) 

...this is just good housekeeping, my wife does this every time she replaces the bobbin....

just take it out and clean the bobbin case and the fixed metal hook race with a small brush to remove lint. If there is a significant amount of lint, use a vacuum and small brush to get the worst.

Then wipe all this area with a cloth or cotton bud (Q tip) moistened (not soaked) with methylated spirit, especially if there appears to be fine dirty deposits....oil and lint combine to conspire against you.

If it seems likely that you ......really ....do .....actually .....need .....to adjust the bobbin case, first check there is no lint trapped in the metal spring where the thread is tensioned. 

TOP LOADER:
Drop-in Bobbin case will look similar to this image with the tension screw in the middle of the metalwork....

tension adjustment - 4c76dc1.jpg ...the other screw at one end is holding it all together, so beware....it is not a tragedy to undo the whole lot and clean it, but very gingerly and lay the bits out in sequence and orientation, or you risk tearing your hair out !

FRONT LOADER:
....this is a bobbin case from a front loading machine and works in a very similar fashion to the top loader with drop in bobbin, again, if you dismantle it, take care so you can put it all 
back properly.
165ca5c.jpg FINISHING UP
GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT:
When you are certain there's no trapped lint in top tension or bobbin, set the top tension to 4 and the bobbin tension to a point where you just begin to feel resistance.

Try using good quality thread of contrasting colours so you can more easily spot the changes.

Set your zigzag to one width less than maximum (eg. 5 of 6 ...or... 4 of 5 etc) and sew a sample for a few inches and check the result.... adjust the bobbin tension screw very little at 
a time, perhaps 1/16 of a turn.

You may find you are playing with this balance for some little while and if you are putting the needleplate on and off each time begin to think it cannot be correct to do this.....BUT....it is, 
and eventually, you do get a "feel" for the correct tension and then it happens quite quickly.....as a user you won't be doing it very often unless there is lint built up (or are there small hands at work around the house !?!?!)

OTHER ISSUES:
If you live near the ocean as we do, salt air can play havoc with metalwork inside and out, so to help minimise this, keep a few small packets of dessicant (silica gel) in your machine 
case....no case ? then make some sort of cover ! 

Same applies in any damp or humid environment, keep your machine dry and dust free.

Budget for a proper full service every couple of years (more often if heavily used) and if you don't use your machine for a few years, be aware that old oil will dry out and combining with 
dust and form a "clag" like glue (another reason for some sort of cover, even a teatowel !)

FINALLY, A WORD ON THREAD:
If it is worth spending the time, energy and money on making something that you would like to give lasting enjoyment......use quality thread, .......it may seem to cost a little more at the 
time, but the results, ease of use and added longevity will be worth the extra, and as a bonus, your tension troubles may be fewer and further between, because there is a more consistent diameter with good thread, and less compensating to be done by your tension plates and less thread breaks !
 
 
www.bargainbox.com.au 

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Related Questions:

0helpful
2answers

Adjusting the bobbin tension

hi genevieve.
this is all i could find.
To make a temporary tension adjustment, select the threads for the needle and bobbin, then fill the bobbinand thread the machine. Make a test seam on the fabric that you plan to sew, examine the stitches, then see if you can find a balance using the upper-tensionassembly alone.2 Nov 2008

Understanding Thread Tension - Threads

www.threadsmagazine.com/2008/11/02/understanding-thread-tension
or go to this link might help as well.
sewing machine how to Adjust the bobbin tension Google Search
tip

How to adjust the tension on your sewing machine

Few things are more frustrating than not being able to get the tension on your sewing machine balanced. Here are a few tips on how to do it:
1. Make it a habit to thread your machine with the pressure foot UP. This disengages the tension disks so the thread is able to slip easily between them.
2. Always adjust your machine's tension with the pressure foot DOWN. If it's up, although the numbers on the tension dial may move, the tension settings on the disks don't.
3. Remember that the numbers on the tension disks are relative. Generally, "3" is a good place to start, but it's only a number. Increase the numbers to tighten the tension, decrease them to loosen it.
4. Use different color threads in the top and in the bobbin to make changes easier to see.
5. Sew a few inches, stop, and examine the stitches. Adjust the tension just a little, stitch a bit more, then examine again. Repeat as needed until there is no (or very little) of the top thread showing on the bottom fabric and no (or very little) of the bobbin thread showing on top.
But how do you know which way to adjust the dial?
This is where a lot of the confusion seems to come from, because it 'seams' backwards! Look carefully on the bottom, the bobbin side. If you're using the same color threads both on top and in the bobbin, it can be hard to see, but usually what you'll see if you have 'loopy' threads on the bottom, is that the loops are actually the top thread and that the bobbin thread is laying on top of the fabric. Using different color threads makes this obvious.
What's happening is that the top tension is too loose, so it's not pulling the bobbin thread up into the fabric.
There's a tendency to see the loops on the bottom and think the bobbin tension needs adjusting, but the real problem is with the top tension. (There is a bobbin tension adjustment but you shouldn't have to mess with that very often, if at all.)
I've posted a couple of photos at www.robbiesews.blogspot.com so you can see what I mean by balanced tension.
Happy Sewing!


on Mar 10, 2010 • Sewing Machines
0helpful
2answers

How do I set the bobbin tension

How to change the tension on a sewing machine?
Adjust your top tension if it's too tight. To decrease your top tension if it is too tight, turn your knob so the numbers are decreasing. Try ½ to 1 number lower, then test the stitches on a piece of scrap fabric. Continue until it looks even on both sides and you can no longer see the bottom thread on the top.

How to Adjust the Tension on a Sewing Machine: 13 Steps

www.wikihow.com/Adjust-the-Tension-on-a-Sewing-Machine Search for: How to change the tension on a sewing machine?
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1CHBD_en-GBGB719GB719&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=Sewing+Machines+How+do+I+set+the+bobbin+tension ..try this link
0helpful
1answer

How do i fix the top thread just tangling, looping on the shutter race?

1. Make sure that you are using the right bobbin case. (LX3125) 2. Adjust the tension of the bobbin case. (I've sent a guide for this) Your's is considered the older style.
3. Make sure the bobbin that is used is the right one. If it is too long or too wide it will cause problems.
4. When you insert the bobbin case make sure the lock handle goes down flat with the bobbin case. Also, feel the bobbin case for rough snags.
5. Replace the needle. Insert it the new one in the right direction.
6. Thread the machine (while pressure foot up) according to the directions. While threading give small tugs to check for snags.
7. Place the tension on four. It is ok to feel by hand if this is excess tension.
8. While turning the hand wheel towards you the bobbin thread should rise above the throat plate.
9. This should be ok now. Try it on some old rags. Don't forget to set that bobbin case.

25736524-b4r45q4jjwv1fnize5n34ob3-5-0.jpg
1helpful
2answers

How to adjust the bobbin tension.

According to the manual, you should not need to adjust the bobbin tension (and I located other sites which stated the bobbin tension cannot be adjusted on this machine). Apparently, all the tension adjustment is accomplished through the upper thread::
"EN Thread Tension Upper thread tension Basic thread tension setting: "4". (1) To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next number up. To reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number down. A. Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing. B. Thread tension too loose for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to higher number. C. Thread tension too tight for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to lower number. D. Normal thread tension for zig zag and decorative sewing. Correct thread tension is when a small amount of the upper thread appears on the bottom side of fabric. Lower thread tension The bobbin tension has been set correctly at the factory, so you do not need to adjust it. Please note: - Proper tension setting is important for strong seams. - There is no single tension setting appropriate for all stitch functions, thread or fabric. - A balanced tension (identical stitches both top and bottom) is usually only desirable for straight stitch construction sewing. - 90% of all sewing will be between "3" and "5". - For zig zag and decorative sewing stitch functions, thread tension should generally be less than for straight stitch sewing. - For all decorative sewing you will always obtain a nicer stitch and less fabric puckering when the upper thread appears on the bottom side of your fabric. 1 A B C 22 D"

Doing further research, I found this statement on a machine review site:
"After reading reviews online from where I've bought my drop-in bobbin machines, I think many of the negative reviews are due to the bobbin thread coming up without laying across the bobbin. It can cause the stitches to look very sloppy and no amount of tension adjusting can fix the stitches."

There are several machine review sites wherein 4423 owners stated their disappointment in the 4423's performance. Some said the machine failed almost immediately and others said the machines developed problems when sewing heavy fabric.
0helpful
1answer

My bobbin thread keeps coming to the top of my fabric during embroidering on my Singer Futura CE350, I've tried bobbin embroidery thread, regular embroidery thread and clear nylon thread, I've tried...

With the embroidering, some of the bobbin thread is SUPPOSED to show on the top of your embroidery-the machine isn't doing anything incorrectly. You'll need to thread your bobbin with the same thread as you are using with the top. I had the same "problem" when I first got the machine and took it to a wonderful local technician whose helped me with a lot of things who informed me that this is perfectly normal on embroidery machines.
5helpful
1answer

Gobbs of thread gather on backside of material, while front stitch is good...how do I correct this

Hi! Here are two things to check that generally cause problems like this:

1. Check that you're threading the machine correctly, especially the take-up lever.

2. It may be that you need to tighten the top tension. When the top tension is too loose, it'll cause big gobs of thread, like you say, on the back of the material. All this thread is actually top thread (not bobbin thread). (I recommend using different colored threads in your top thread and in your bobbin when you suspect tension problems.)

A couple of things to remember when you are adjusting the tension:
  • Always adjust the tension with the pressure foot DOWN.
  • Thread the machine with the pressure foot UP (so the thread can slip easily into the tension disks).
  • The higher the number on the dial, the tighter the tension.
  • Adjust in small increments. Stitch a few inches, check, adjust, stitch, check adjust--and repeat as needed.
I'm in the process of posting some photos about tension adjustments on www.robbiesews.blogspot.com. Check there later tonight and I should have them up.

Let me know if this helps, ok?


Robbie
1helpful
1answer

Kenmore Sewing Machine Drop-in Bobbin Tension Adjusting Problems

looped stitches are usually caused by improper tension. when the loop is on the upper side, it may be corrected by loosening the top tension or by tightening the lower tension (turn the tension screws on the bobbin a hair at a time)

since using the machine only a few times it is best to clean the machine from dust (can use a can of air) blow air into the bobbin area and between the tension disks and under the throat plate.

make sure the machine is threaded correctly and bobbin is evenly threaded
2helpful
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Bobbin tension problem with kenmore model 385.16231300

If You have a drop in bobbin you will have to remove the hook and adjust the tension, however try adjusting the top tension before you remove the hook.
2helpful
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Bobbin tension

Bobbin Tension Adjustment:

1. Do you have a genuine Bernina bobbin casing and not an Oriental copy? If yes, proceed as follows:
2. To set the bobbin tension, wind a genuine Bernina bobbin with Metrosene thread, type 1161 white thread as your "gaging thread". Load the bobbin case so that the bobbin turns CW. Attach the bobbin case to the hook body from the machine. Wind a couple of revolutions of thread around your index finger with the assembled bobbin case and hook body dangling about 6" to 12" below your finger. Gently and rapidly move your finger back and forth in a "sideways" motion about 1/4" to create a gentle vibration on the bobbin assembly. (Do not shake the bobbin assembly up and down). When the tension is right, the bobbin assembly should fall slowly and as you stop the movement, the assembly should stop.
The adjustment is found on the small screw, holding the flat tension spring against the bobbin case. If the tension is too tight, one must loosen the screw (past) the desired location and always make the adjustment by tightening to the correct position.

There are other checks for tension imbalance and associated problems on the bobbin case that I won't go into here. For further information I can help you later on.

Top Tension Adjustment:

1. The top tension rarely changes and can be depended on throughout the life of that machine providing that tension assembly is maintained occasionally. This can be done by blowing out the tension disks with the presser bar lever in the up position. One can also drag or pull a piece of sized percale or muslin through the disks with the presser bar lever in a down position. Perhaps both methods can be employed.
2. Load the top of the machine with Metrosene 1161 thread in a dissimilar color. I prefer to use a pastel color so as not to create an optical illusion of imbalanced tension.
3. Sew a satin stitch (.25 on the Nova 900) in sized cotton muslin with a thin piece of paper between two plys of fabric. The width should not exceed 4.5mm (standard width on the 900 Nova), however the newer machines have wider stitch widths so one must adjust as specified. The result will be a slight amount of top thread in symmetric lines on both the right and left sides of the satin stitch.

Typically, the top tension will not need adjusting. If the Nova 900 needs adjustment, please ask for additional help.

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