Pfaff 1212 bottom thread loops - Sewing Machines

SOURCE: looped bottom thread

I have been having the same trouble--I took this in to a shop and was told it would cost $80 to repair with no warranty on the repair since the machine is all plastic. I think my bobbin tension is too tight but there is not a separate bobbin case, just a plastic space to drop it in.

Sylvie Bernard

• 3 Answers
• Posted on Feb 23, 2009

SOURCE: Pfaff 7570 Tension Problem

Thank you for your help. Actually I was having so much problem that I took the machine to a technician, which diagnosed a few problems. One of them was a big chunk of threads caught in the tension dials. He also told me that I was using a thread that was too heavy which is an all cotton 3 ply, thicker actually then buttonhole thread. So, I've changed threads to an all pupose type Gutterman. The stippling isn't as nice, since much thinner but it solve the problem. If anyone could tell me exactly what type of thread they use and how to adjust the tension, I would very much appreciate it. You can also be sure that I will run a pipe cleaner down the tension dials once in a whileto make sure it's all clear.
Thanks again!

Ellen Den Dulk

• 25 Answers
• Posted on May 25, 2009

SOURCE: Thread looping on the bottom

Thread looping on the bottom means you have a problem with the top thread. In your case there is no tension on your top thread. Take all the thread out of the top and start threading over. Make sure you follow the correct path and make sure the thread goes through the tension discs. Then at the time of sewing, make sure your foot is down (this closes the tension discs and gives the thread the tension.) You may have worked on the tension setting while not realizing the thread was not in between theses discs, so also make sure the top tension disc setting is in the average before sewing.
Good luck.

(If you see loops on top, it means you have a problem with the bottom thread)

SOURCE: Pfaff Expression 3.0 works great in the shop, but

pfaff expression 2.0 works the same. I spend lots of hours with the thread tension and it don;t give me a good stitch. the needle threed ends up making large irregular loops .

SOURCE: Singer 301a...sews on top of fabric

This is a tension adjustment problem. It's good to use two different colors of thread, like you did. From your description, the top thread (needle thread) tension needs to be tighter. As you tighten the tension of the top thread, you'll see that the top thread pulls the bobbin thread up into the fabric so it's no longer laying loose on the bottom of the fabric.

You'll need to have the pressure foot down when you tighten the tension. Tighten it a little, sew a practice seam, check to see what the stitch looks like. Tighten it a little more, sew, check, etc etc--until both top and bottom look the same--you shouldn't see much (if any) of the bobbin thread color on top of the fabric or the top thread color on the underside.

Let me know how this works for you, ok?


Robbie