How is the upper thread tension dial assembled. I got a kc 8846 from grandmother and I think the tension dial is missing pieces. Could someone send good pictures for identifying parts. Thanks

Hello

The bunched-up thread on the underside is the needle thread. Check that the upper thread is threaded correctly, passing through all the required thread guides and that the thread is securely lodged in the tension assembly ... there should be reasonable tension when upper thread being pulled by hand.
Also check that:
- there are no 'dust bunnies' or a piece of thread hiding in the tension assembly, and that
- the needle is inserted correctly and that it is a system 130/705H Embroidery needle.

Happy Stitching
Sewingirl/

Sometimes gunk, lint, thread pieces accumulate in the tension disk. To clean it:

1. remove the upper thread
2. raise the presser foot
3. loosen the upper tension all the way
4. moisten a length of pearl cotton with rubbing alcohol (squeeze out excess alcohol)
5. gently pull the pearl cotton down through the tension disk several times

Reset the tension disk to the midway point between high & low numbers and rethread with regular thread.

ALWAYS, before you thread the upper thread, RAISE the presser foot so the thread will seat properly in the tension disk.

...

You need to loosen the tension on the machine. There is a dial that has numbers on it. The higher the dial is set, the tighter the tension is. Turn the dial to the left one number. Then try it. Do it over and over. Do not turn the dial all the way down or you will mess up your machine. Do it slowly, one number at a time and try the machine between dials.

What does the left over piece look like?

You can try "flossing" the tension with a piece of unwaxed dental floss, a dollar bill, or a piece of fabric to try to clean anything that is trapped between the tension discs loose. Be sure the pressure foot it up and the tension knob turned to "0" before trying this. Then dial back the tension to your normal setting and try re-threading your machine. If this doesn't work and you know how to remove and reinstall your tension assembly, that could be the next step. The tension discs do wear out over time, but sometimes it is just some lint that needs to be cleaned out.

Chris

fit the discs with curved faces together and beehive spring, have someone pull a piece of thread between the discs as you apply pressure on the spring. obviously it should be harder to pull the thread the more pressure there is on the spring. If the tensioner works this way then you have an assembly problem. consult your manual or send me details, make, model # of your machine.

Hello,

It could be a wad of lint in the upper tensioner disks keeping the disks apart. I have also seen on older machines where the thread has actually cut a groove into the disks. If you can dis-assemble the tensioner, clean and inspect. Be very careful to memorize the part order in which you remove the parts, this will help when re-assembling it.

Good Luck,
Chris
glfi.com

If you are having problems with the thread on the underside of the fabric, that is usually the upper tension. Check to make sure that it is threaded correctly. If so, make sure that the thread is inside the tension disc and that there are no pieces of thread caught in the tension. If it is threaded and there are no thread caught up in the tension assembly, adjust your tension dial to a slightly higher number. Do this until you get a good stitch.

Sorry but there is no way to explain how to re-assemble the tension mech on here, you need to be actually shown or have someone do it for you. It is very fiddly and needs to be exact, can I suggest you get in touch with a sewing machine tech who(at cost) will sort you out.
Sorry I cannot be of any further help.
Rob