Sewing Machines Logo

Related Topics:

A
Anonymous Posted on Oct 02, 2014

Do I need to adjust bobbin tension when changing stiches

130 different stiches how to know what bobbin setting to use

1 Answer

graybeard32301

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

  • Master 382 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 30, 2014
graybeard32301
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

Joined: Dec 01, 2009
Answers
382
Questions
0
Helped
128329
Points
1328

Usually one does not change bobbin tension. Adjusting the tension on the needle thread is all that is required.

It is sometimes necessary to change the bobbin tension but only when changing to an extremely fine, slick thread or to a very heavy, rough thread.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 2 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 25, 2008

SOURCE: Adjusting Bobbin Tension

I looked forever to find this darn green bobbin screw. Around the opening for your bobbin is a plastic cover. If you slide it forward it will pop right off. Once you remove this, the bobbin case will lift right out. On the front you will see your green screw for adjusting your bobbin tension.

Ad

Anonymous

  • 155 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 26, 2008

SOURCE: Singer 6217C Bobbin Thread bunching

please check out this link


http://sewvacdoctor.com/cate.asp?categoryID=6#1082

goodluck
 thanks.


Anonymous

  • 87 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 19, 2009

SOURCE: Bobbin tension on Viking 350 Sewing Machine

Viking bobbin case tension adjustment:
When the bobbin runs out, sometimes it bends the bobbin case tension spring. Then tension is too light. Take the bobbin case out of the machine. Tie the loose bobbin thread to the Designer 1 needle plate. Insert the bobbin in the bobbin case. Here’s the tricky part set the bobbin case on the table as if it’s in the machine (Bobbin is visible and sitting horizontal to table top) threaded as if sewing and loose end tied to needle plate (that is removed from the machine). Lift the bobbin case off the table rotate it so that the flat side of the bobbin are vertical to the table and no longer horizontal. Have the bobbin case oriented so that the thread coming out of the bobbin case sprint (slot area where it is put for sewing) is at the top. Lift it high enough that the needle plate is lifted from the table. It should not release thread unless you shake it gently and then a very small amount of thread. The needle plate is the exact weight resistance your bobbin case should have on the thread.

bargainbox

Hassy

  • 1388 Answers
  • Posted on May 01, 2009

SOURCE: janome 9500 bobbin tension too tight can I adjust it

Please TRY the solution BEFORE giving your considered rating.
Specific detail on bobbin case adjustment (with picture) near halfway down reply, the remainder will help you achieve a balance of top and bottom tensions.

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....

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 

Anonymous

  • 96 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 13, 2009

SOURCE: My bobbin thread keeps getting tangled and

there is a screw on the side of the bobbin case, which needs to be turned to the left or counter clockwise to loosen the tension and also change the needle because a burr on the end will cause problems with bobbin thread

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

I can not get the tension right for the stiching

Tension is correct when the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric. Tension is really a tug of war between the two threads. When they have equal pull, then the tension is where it should be. Diagnosing the stitch is the first step. Is the bobbin thread laying on the surface of the fabric? Then the top tension needs to be increased so it will pull the bobbin thread up into the fabric. The opposite occurs when too much bobbin thread comes up, then the top tension needs to be decreased.

Sometimes the bobbin tension needs to be adjusted if the top tension cannot accomplish what you want. Adjusting the bobbin tension is a tricky step because a tiny adjustment can make a huge difference. It is also difficult to reverse changes unless you first mark the original setting.


Understanding Thread Tension Threads

Thread Tension

Learn the Ins and Outs of Troubleshooting Sewing Machine Tension
1helpful
2answers

When sewing a straight stich The bottom thread is loose.

Your upper and lower thread tensions are out of balance. The upper thread tension is too high or your lower thread tension is too low. Make sure your bobbin thread is correctly routed under the tension spring. There is a small screw on the bobbin case that always you to adjust tension.
0helpful
2answers

Loose stitches when using zipper foot.

If it has been a while since the needle has been changed, doing so may be helpful. Also be sure to use a sharp needle that will more easily penetrate the zipper tape.

Be sure that you are actually lowering the presser foot before stitching (this most likely isn't the case--just a thought).

Most machines also have a presser foot pressure adjustment that can be loosened or tightened to accommodate different thickness of fabric and the amount of pressure applied by the zipper foot on the fabric and the feed dogs. Experimenting with that pressure adjustment may be helpful.

Some bobbin cases also have a finger extension with a hole through it. If you are experiencing issues with bobbin tension, sometimes threading the bobbin thread through that finger will help even out bobbin tension.

Using lighter weight thread will also affect the resulting thread tension. If the bobbin case is wound with light weight thread, the bobbin tension will not operate the same as it would with standard weight thread. Light weight thread in the bobbin will cause looser tension, but heavier thread will cause a tighter tension.

Technicians use a standard weight thread to test tension on a machine, but if you use a different weight thread, then your results most likely will not be the same.

Bobbin Tension How and Why Tension is Adjusted

How can properly adjust my tension

Understanding Thread Tension Threads

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=12&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiBnuWi4tnLAhXBtIMKHRRPA5gQFghPMAs&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ca.uky.edu%2FHES%2Ffcs%2FFACTSHTS%2FCT-MMB-213.pdf&usg=AFQjCNE4QlGk1Fvt8K2UGCRCfzMpGS-A2Q

Most tension adjustments can be accomplished via the upper tension. However, there are times when the bobbin needs to be adjusted. Sewists are frequently nervous about adjusting bobbin tension. It is important to mark with permanent marker where the skrew-slot is positioned on the bobbin case BEFORE attempting any adjustments (at least if you need to return it to the original setting, you'll know where it was). Make only 1/8 turn adjustments at a time and re-test. (Righty-tighty, Lefty-loosey!) Sewists who frequently use different weight threads in their machine will often have an extra bobbin case that is set up specifically for that thread weight so they don't have to manipulate the bobbin case every time a thread is changed.

...
0helpful
1answer

Machine is 30+ yrs old and the tensions settings are ALL screwed up so it won't sew even tight stiches...need help setting all (3) tension dials...please help me!

Real Important: The objective is to even the top and bobbin tensions equally.
1. Remove bobbin case. Put bobbin in (rotating counterclockwise).
2. Put thread under the tension plate. Let the bobbin hang from finger and bob up and down lightly.
3. Adjust tension. The bobbin should extend one inch every time it is bobbed.
4. Put one drop of oil on race the bobbin case sets on top of. Replace the bobbin case and bobbin.
5. With the pressure foot up thread the top and give little tugs as you do this. There should be no snags or resistance. Make sure the thread goes in between the tension disc.
6. Now, put pressure foot down. Give a little tug to see if there is a resistance. Set the tension to four is a good start.
7. Try a piece of rag to sew. Set the tension on top to adjust for a perfect stitch.
0helpful
1answer

How can I fix the top stich

I like to adjust with 2 colors, then you know which is from the spool, and which one is from the bobbin.

Most bobbin shuttles have a small screw to adjust the tension.

It sounds like your upper thread is adjusted too tight, but only if the loops around it (from the bottom thread) are tight and small. If those loops around the top thread are loose, then you need to tighten the shuttle screw. ;)

I notice this happens to me if I change thread types, also if I sew different thickness of cloth on the same settings. I tend to adjust until the point of breaking thread, then loosen the top a teeny bit.
0helpful
1answer

Thread tension will not adjust.

Check your setting, you have your stitches set too far apart. Wherever on your machine you see the zigzag stich you will see other stich settings, look at it until you see the right amount of stiches you want.
5helpful
1answer

Stich is loose on underside of fabric

You probably need to adjust the tension. Let me give you a general lesson in adjusting tension that works for any machine. Also, I suggest you thread the top of your machine with a different color thread than the bobbin-it makes it much easier to see what is going on.

Thread your machine with the presser foot UP. The disks that control the tension (threadgoes through them) are tightened up if the foot is down. Change the machine tension with the presser foot DOWN.Because the disks won't be engaged (see above) if the foot is up, the diskswon't move. Start at the middle setting, 3. Go up to tighten, decrease toloosen. Each machine is different, even 2 different machines of the same model.The best thing to do is start at 3 and use a different color in the top andbobbin thread so you can easily see what changes to the tension do to yourstitches. Now use a straight stitch a sew 3 or so inches. Take a lookat the top and bottom of the fabric. You don't want to see any (or at least notmuch) of the other color showing from the other side. Loops on the bottom of the fabric means you need to tighten(increase) your top tension. If you're stitches on the bottom are causingpuckering, then you need to loosen you're top tension. For the most part, youreally don't want to touch your bobbin tension-leave that to a repairtechnician. The factory setting shouldn't be touched except by someone whoreally knows what they're doing. Keep sewing a few inches at a time until you have the resultsyou want. Now you're tension is where you need it!
1helpful
1answer

My bobbin wont feed through

take the bobbin out check for debris (pieces of thread, lint, etc.) that may be jamming the bobbin. check under the feed plate for a thread jam or debris. check if your bobbin is wound too tightly. it can happen! then it will keep breaking. the other adjustments are mainly for thread tension- the spool on top. if they're too tight, the thread will keep breaking. you can tell- once they're properly adjusted- by the quality of the stitch. check the bobbin first! if it's too tightly wound, you can probably adjust the winding tension on top. try a different bobbin. if that works then 'rinse and repeat!'.
good luck!
1helpful
1answer

Need to thread machine-no manuel

most common machine have in threading process,I ve holding different brand sewing machine they only differ is in design but the process are commonly same,start bobbins winder to wind threads
  • pull thread from spool on top of machine insert bobbins winder disc then rotate on bobbins winder 4 to 6 times manualy put it on the shaft winder locate at top of machine near handwheel,push the latch against to bobbins winder to fit,then release clutch handwheel by pulling handwheel to disengage motio only winder will rotate when you press foot pedal and start winding thread on clockwise rotation.if this filled insert bobbins winder to bobbins case and pull the end of thread inserting to the slot of bobbins case observe should have tension on this.e5b8d97.jpgas shown and dirction of thread.inset this on the shuttle case.then start looping thread on top of machine as shown22d0eb9.jpgthen start adjusting tension on tension dial you can see in fig.Set dial at # 3 at start of set up ,Stich adjustment at #8 to 12 adjust gradually.
the hook up the lower thread bobbins from lower shuttle by threads on needle then insert cotton fabrics manualy rotate handwheel until needle the fabrics freely don't apply foot pedal let it shown if the neele sew freely w/o looping under bobbins let sew manualy until it appears stiches on fabrics,if ok continue now aply foot pedal
gradually until you familiarize again the sewing.
1helpful
1answer

Thread loops

Proper set of bobbins and tension set up vs. fabrics will sew you satified.Also incude regular maintenance cleaning of the feeds dogs with a brus,also the shuttle assembly need sometime to clean.Some threads and fabrics chips accumulates in the feed dogs and shuttles assembly.In setting up thread bobbins the thread should be clockwise direction as you pull out on slot coming out to the bobbins (as you shown in my inserted image manual).The loop thread should be propely in the sequence position same like in the image refer to it.If you use cotton/ polyester fabric in the begining of trial set tension dial to No.3 and stich to No. 8 to 12 any convenient to you Use needle No. 14 .Posible make a record if you are sewing different types of fabric mostly silk fabric is hard to sew adjusting to lower stich can posible sew satisfactory.
Not finding what you are looking for?

98 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Brother Sewing Machines Experts

Mike Cairns
Mike Cairns

Level 3 Expert

3054 Answers

Paul Bade

Level 3 Expert

1818 Answers

Cindy Wells

Level 3 Expert

6688 Answers

Are you a Brother Sewing Machine Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...