Upper thread tension too tight - SE Embroidery Machine
Hi,
I've been using my machine for about 3 years. Yesterday, I was embroidering a light-weight material (broadcloth) using the stablizer I've been using for years. I use Madeira threads as well as Madeira bobbin thread. I was using the font that comes with machine (the open block letters) when the upper tesion became so tight that it puckered the fabric. When this happened, it was the last piece of my project (I had already embroidered 8 of the same text).
I stopped the machine and changed the bobbin, but nothing worked.I tried a scrap piece of fabric and I can see the bottom thread is hooking the upper thread about 1/8 of an inch away from where the top stitch lays.
I read the manual and it tells me to adjust the upper tension dial. However, I cannot adjust it any lower as it was already set to zero (0). I've noticed, that over the years, the upper tension dial kept crepting down to zero (0) and the last several projects saw the dial at zero (0).
I use my machine for a part-time income so it's very important that I find a resoluton quickly. Any suggestions?
Also, if I need to take my machine to a repair shop, any suggestions or tips? I don't want to choose the wrong shop.
Thanks,
Beth
PLEASE!! Someone find the solution to this. I am going CRAZY trying to figure this out on my machine, brother 270-D. I don't know if Beth ever had her problem fixed, since it was asked over a year ago, but I would be so grateful for help with this. Thanks!
Check your bobbin case. Thread the bobbin through your bobbin case while holding it in your left hand. Pull the thread with your right hand and feel if there is any resistance. If not, you need to adjust the tension on the bobbincase. Also check if a piece of thread or fluff did not get stuck between the tension blades on the bobbin case. If you are not sure how to adjust the tension on the bobbin case, ask your dealer to do it.
For embroidery, and zig-zag, and because the needle makes side movements, it needs more needle thread.
So try to keep you needle thread not very tight,
and tight up your bobbin case tension more, so that the two threads meet under the meterial.
Try making the material tighter in the hoop and check your bobbin to be sure it's a L (look at your instruction manual...it will show you which bobbin works and which does not. I say this because you have a tension problem...dont we all, Ha Ha!
Your machine probably came with brother embroidery bobbin thread (one spool, white)...I used it until it was gone and did buy more embroidery bobbin thread at a regular superstore (it wasn't brother brand though)...however, I have since used regular thread and not had problems. HOWEVER, be sure it is good, quality thread - none of that $.50/spool stuff. That knots up and simply doesn't look good if it does work. Good luck!
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If the display reads "Check and rethread upper thread", follow the steps below to resolve the issue:
1. Upper thread may be broken.
2. Upper thread may be caught on the spool on top of the machine.
3. Upper thread spool may have run out of thread.
4. Replace the needle in the machine with a new needle.
5. Your needle could be bent or burred causing the thread to break.
6. Check that you are using the correct size thread.
- If embroidering, use 40/50 machine embroidery thread on top and 60 weight in bobbin only. Turn your machine off and rethread the machine from the start.
Remove the upper thread totally. Always raise the presser foot, then rethread from the beginning. Make sure you are threading it correctly. Test your stitch--just do a straight stitch on some scrap fabric. If it is still a problem, loosen the upper tension. Test again. If it hasn't improved, then there is possibly a piece of thread stuck in the tension disk or the tension disk is broken or faulty.
To clean the tension disk, remove the upper thread from the machine. Loosen the tension disk all the way and raise the presser foot. Dampen a piece of pearl cotton with rubbing alcohol and gently pull it down through the tension disk a few times. Rethread your machine, adjust the tension disk to the midpoint between high & low numbers and test again.
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.
Hi, and welcome to FixYa. If I understand your problem, the needle goes in and out of your fabric, and the embroidery hoop moves, but the machine does not actually start embroidering your design right away....did I get it right? If have time to answer a few questions, I can give more accurate instructions.
How long have you had your machine?
How long have you been doing machine embroidery?
Do you have a manual for your machine?
Look at the back side of your design - do you see lots of bobbin thread, or hardly any?
Have you taken lessons for your machine or for embroidery?
When your design is finished, can you where the machine skipped stitches?
Here a couple of things you can try (if you have already):
Make sure you use an embroidery needle, not a universal. In most cases, you should use a size 90. Change your needle after each project. A blunt need can cause your machine to skip embroidery stitches anywhere in the design.
Rewind or replace your bobbin. Make sure you use bobbin thread in your bobbin when you embroider - it is thinner and gives you better tension. If pre-wound embroidery bobbins are compatible with your machine, I recommend that you try one and compare the result with designs sewn using the bobbin thread you've been using.
Normally, you should loosen your tension a little bit when you embroider. When you look at the back side of your embroidery, you should see more bobbin thread than embroidery thread.
I owned an embroidery business for several years, and I have six different embroidery machines of my own - so with a little more info from you, I think I can help.
Could the little hook that is stuck over the bobbin area be the thread cutter? My thread cutter gets stuck there and I have to turn my machine off and then try to use the cutter to reset it to its "resting" position.
Upper tension is too loose or lower tension is too tight.This might be a good thing. It depends upon how much it is pulling the thread under. A perfect tension on embroidery is about 2/3's lower thread and 1/3 upper thread showing on the bottom. sewman7
For embroidery, and zig-zag, and because the needle makes side movements, it needs more needle thread.
So try to keep you needle thread not very tight,
and tight up your bobbin case tension more, so that the two threads meet under the meterial.
I too, have the same problem withmy Designer 1. I just bought ISACORD brand polyester embroidery thread to hopefully solve this problem, but I believe it must be a tension problem. I have a "date" with the repair lady on Friday (11/22/08) and if it gets repaired I will re-post what the problem was. Still love the machine WHEN IT SEWS!!
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