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Anonymous Posted on Oct 07, 2014

Whats wrong when the thread is sewing loose and is not a tight stitch when sewing, it also breaks

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Lilli

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  • Contributor 15 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 10, 2014
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Wrong bobbin size, or tension is not set right.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 15 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 10, 2007

SOURCE: kenmore 12 stitch sewing machine-wont sew

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Hassy

  • 1388 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 24, 2008

SOURCE: My bottom thread is loose when sewing a straight stitch

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....

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 !


Anonymous

  • 1952 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 11, 2008

SOURCE: bobbin thread keeps breaking and bunching up

check ur bobbin holder

Anonymous

  • 34 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 31, 2009

SOURCE: My Bernina 930's lower tension

Hi - you might have a dirty bobbin case, or need a new one. IAfter awhile, little teeny dust bunnies can collect in your bobbin case and cause your bobbin tension to go wonky, especially if you use cotton thread. If you happen to have an extra bobbin case, try using the new bobbin case to see if that solves the problem. Otherwise.....

  • Remove your bobbin case and take out the bobbin. Find a small, stiff brush like the one that came with your machine and stand in very good light. Brush out the inside of your bobbin case, and push one or two bristles of your brush into any opening you can see. If you see any trace of dust but you can't get it out, use tweezers to gently pull the dust out. Now look at the outside of your bobbin case. In the small opening where you insert your bobbin thread into the bobbin case, there is a small piece of metal with screws in it the lays over the bobbin case. Brush that area carefully, and again, insert one or two bristles under than piece of metal and into any other small opening where the bristles will fit. Try sewing again. If you are still getting loops, take out your bobbin case with the bobbin thread still inserted and grab the bobbin thread with two fingers. Let go of the bobbin case - sort of like you are holding a yo-yo. If the bobbin case starts to drop as soon as you let go, your bobbin tension is loose. If the the case doesn't move, gently snap the bobbin thread you are holding and see how far the bobbin case moves down toward the floor (you might need to try this a couple of times, the bobbin has a nasty habit of flying out). When you do the snap, the bobbin case should move down about two inches and stop. If do not know how to adjust the bobbin tension, either check your manual or take the machine in for service.
  • If you haven't already, it's a good idea to remove the thread plate that sits under the needle and clean that area out with your brush. Also, get a really good flashlight and check the area where you insert your bobbin case. Gently turn your fly wheel and look inside the hook area - remove any dust or bits of thread.
In general, you should oil your machine as indicated in your manual as often as directed. You should change your needle every 10 hours of sewing - or each time you start a new project, and you should take your machine in for service every one or two years - even if you only use it once and awhile.

Hope this helps, Ginny

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Mar 08, 2009

SOURCE: Thread is not coming up

YOUR PROBLEM IS THE TIMMING IN YOUR MACHINE. THIS HAPPENDS WHEN YOU FORCE YOUR MACHINE TO SEW SOMETHING OR WHEN YOUR NEEDLE BRAKES. nOT SURE HOW TO FIX IT. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. USUALLY A TUNE-UP WOULD DO IT. IT'S ABOUT $99 TO $130.00 TO DO A TUNE UP. i WISH I KNEW HOW TO FIX IT MYSELF.

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Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

My thread keeps breaking on my janome 1600p-dbx sewing machine. I have changed my needle, just had it serviced but i can only free motion quilt about 6" before the thread breaks. What can I do?

  1. Check the thread tension: Make sure the upper thread tension is set correctly for the type of fabric and thread you are using. If the tension is too tight, it can cause the thread to break.
  2. Check the thread path: Make sure the thread is correctly threaded through the machine and there are no tangles or knots in the thread path.
  3. Check the bobbin tension: Make sure the bobbin tension is set correctly. If the bobbin tension is too tight or too loose, it can cause thread breakage.
  4. Use the correct needle: Make sure you are using the correct size and type of needle for the fabric and thread you are using. Using a damaged or bent needle can also cause thread breakage.
  5. Slow down your stitching speed: If you are stitching too quickly, it can cause the thread to break. Try reducing your stitching speed to see if this helps.
  6. Use high-quality thread: Make sure you are using high-quality thread that is suitable for your project. Poor-quality thread can be more prone to breakage.
0helpful
1answer

Top stitch is fine bottom is loose. Have tried adjusting tension but not working. If I get tension too tight breaks thread so I gradually change tension to no avail. Please help

Check your stitch sample. The loose stitches under the fabric--are they actually top thread???? Usually,stitch problems under the fabric is a result of a top thread problem. In this case, it could be bird nesting.

Remove the top thread from the machine.
Install a brand new needle.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot.
Rethread from the beginning.

Sewing Machine Thread Bunching Up Here Why

Birds nest under the fabric big loops of thread top side looks good...
0helpful
1answer

I have a hyundai 8 stitch sewign machine been working brillant but last night it kept missing the tread and the thread breaking or jabbing . today looking at it i see when it jabs the Bobbin Case Inner...

The top thread breaks

1. the needle thread is not threaded properly

2. The needle thread tension is to tight

3. The needle is bent or blunt

4. The needle is incorrectly inserted

5. The needle thread & the bobbin thread are not set under the presser foot when starting to sew

6. the threads were not drawn to the rear after sewing

7. The thread is either to heavy or to fine for the needle

8. Try a different spool or cone of thread


Bobbin thread breaks


1. There is a right way & wrong way to insert the bobbin in the case --when you insert the bobbin in if it doesn't stitch correctly turn the bobbin over see if that helps or bobbin case is not inserted correctly


2. Lint has collected in the bobbin holder


3. The bobbin is damaged & doesn't turn smoothly


4. Lower thread tension is two tight

if the sewing machine has a top loading bobbin, you may have to have the sewing machine checked to see if there is something wrong with the bobbin case or the hook and hook race.
I suggest try a new needle--one for the fabric being sewed
also try another bobbin
rethread the sewing machine top and bobbin, using every thread guide.
0helpful
1answer

Bobbin thread not sewing tight

try adjusting the top thread tension one number or letter higher
sewing on a scrap piece of fabric till the stitch looks normal.
0helpful
1answer

My thread keeps breaking and the bobbin tension is too loose

adjust the top thread tension one number or letter higher at a time
and sew on a scrap piece of fabric till the stitches look normal

The needle thread breaks
1. the needle thread is not threaded properly
2. The needle thread tension is to tight
3. The needle is bent or blunt
4. The needle is incorrectly inserted
5. The needle thread & the bobbin thread are not set under the presser foot when starting to sew
6. the threads were not drawn to the rear after sewing
7. The thread is either to heavy or to fine for the needle
3helpful
1answer

Thread breaking

The needle thread breaks
1. the needle thread is not threaded properly
2. The needle thread tension is to tight
3. The needle is bent or blunt
4. The needle is incorrectly inserted
5. The needle thread & the bobbin thread are not set under the presser foot when starting to sew
6. the threads were not drawn to the rear after sewing
7. The thread is either to heavy or to fine for the needle


Bobbin thread breaks

1. There is a right way & wrong way to insert the bobbin in the case --when you insert the bobbin in if it doesn't stitch correctly turn the bobbin over see if that helps or bobbin case is not inserted correctly

2. Lint has collected in the bobbin holder

3. The bobbin is damaged & doesn't turn smoothly

4. Lower thread tension is two tight

0helpful
1answer

The needle is threaded top and bottom but when I run the machine to sew the thread isn't sewing on to the fabric..I'm not sure but I think the thread around the check spring holder is midway or rather not...

Recheck the threading on the top side. When you pull the thread at the needle is there tension on it? If there is no resistance than there's no tension. If it breaks it is either not threaded correctly or the tension is way too tight.

If that is correct and the the thread on the bottom has a little bit of tension when you pull on it, it should stitch --- However not stitching at all can be from having the wrong needle, wrong brand, type, or in incorrectly. Sometimes even the wrong size can prevent stitching, like when youre sewing through heavy/thick material and using too small a needle.

Check out those three things and then see if it won't sew correctly for you.
0helpful
1answer

Bobbon thread is too losse /thread breaks no

Clean out the bobbin area.

Thread the machine with the presser foot up. This opens the tension so the thread can enter. Threading with the foot down closes the tension and the thread cannot enter as it should. When you sew, the top thread is loose and cannot properly connect with the bobbin thread to form a tight stitch. The stitching does not hold and pulls right out.

Thread breakage - top thread? Check the thread spool to be sure there aren't any nicks to catch the thread.

When the thread breaks, check the spool pin to see if the thread is unwinding too fast and wrapping around the pin. Thread nets can help stop this. You can find them at sewing machine dealers.


3helpful
1answer

Hi, my problem is my bobbin. The tension is fine, it is when I put the bobbin into the bobbin holder. When I thread it through the plate with the top thread, it is so hard to pull out. It seems really...

TENSION: As you change projects and start sewing on different weight materials, you should test stitch on a piece of scrap material of the same weight before beginning the actual project so you can adjust your upper tension to that particular fabric. As an example, if you're changing from a denim type fabric to a silky fabric, you would definitely want to make sure the tension is correct and the stitching looks right before you start to sew the garment.

To determine whether the upper tension is too tight or too loose for the fabric you're wanting to use, try the following test. Take a small scrap of the fabric, fold it, and stitch a line ON THE BIAS of the fabric, using different colors of thread in the bobbin and on top. Grasp the bias line of stitching between the thumb and the index finger. Space the hands about 3 inches apart and pull with an even, quick force until one thread breaks. If the broken thread is the color of the thread in the needle, it means that the upper tension is too tight. If the broken thread is the color of the bobbin thread, the upper tension is too loose. If both threads break together and take more force to break, it means that the tensions are balanced.

BOBBIN: The most probable cause of the lower thread breaking is an improperly wound bobbin. Regardless of where you wind the bobbin, inside the machine, on the top of the handwheel or on the front side near the hand wheel, the basic "bobbin" rules apply.

** Always start with an empty bobbin. Never wind one color over another color.
** Don't wind the bobbin so full that it would be tight and hard to insert into the bobbin case. Most machines have an automatic "shut off" when the bobbin gets full, but if yours does not, be careful not to fill it too full.
** Wind the bobbin evenly across and in level layers.
** Never mix different sizes of thread in the bobbin and on the spool, unless you're doing sewing machine embroidery or some specialty type of sewing. Using different weights of thread on the spool and in the bobbin for general sewing will cause ragged stitches as well as other stitching problems.

NEEDLE: Probably 25% of machine repair jobs I go out on, the only problem was that the needle was put in backwards. I know you're probably saying "I've been sewing most of my life and I know how to put the needle in the machine"; however many times a seamstress will get in a hurry and not give the needle a second thought when putting a new one in the machine. If your machine will not pick up the bottom thread or skips stitches badly, in most cases it's because the needle is in wrong.

Each sewing machine requires that the "flat" side of the needle be put in a specific way - facing the front, the back, etc., depending on your particular make and model. If you have a sewing machine that takes a needle that doesn't have a flat side, you'll notice that each needle has a groove in it where the thread lays as it penetrates the fabric. Depending on whether your machine shuttle system faces to the front or to the left, the groove of the needle will also face front or left.

MACHINE THREADING: An additional area to check for stitching problems is whether the sewing machine is threaded properly. Each machine has a certain sequence for threading, and it only takes one missed step in the sequence to cause your machine to skip stitches. If you're in doubt, take the top thread completely out and start all over again.
4helpful
2answers

CONSEW 206RB5 TOP THREAD NOT FORMING STITCHES AND BREAKING

you have your thread tension too tight that's why it is pulling the bottom stitch all the way through it looks good from the bottom but not good on top. Its pulled the stitch all the way through the material.
I had my own upholstery shop 18 yrs and tension gets you every time.Just loosen the top tension.
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