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Sewing machine tension is a delicate tug of war to put the loop of thread between the two pieces of fabric. Many don't bother with bobbin tension, but it must start there first. The first video is an excellent knowledge source which I have shared many times.
Threading and setting the tension on your Finesse 356 sewing machine can be done by following these steps:
Raise the presser foot and thread the machine:
Take the end of the thread from the spool and pass it through the tension disk at the top of the machine.
Next, guide the thread through the take-up lever and then down through the thread guides on the front of the machine.
Pull the thread through the needle from left to right and make sure it is securely in the needle's eye.
Set the tension:
The tension dial is usually located on the top or the side of the machine, near the needle.
To set the tension, turn the dial until the numbers on the tension gauge line up with the red indicator line.
The tension should be set to a medium setting, around 4 or 5, but you may need to adjust it based on the type of fabric you are using.
Test the tension:
To test the tension, sew a few stitches on a scrap piece of fabric, and then examine the underside of the fabric.
If the thread is too loose on the underside, turn the tension dial to a higher number. If the thread is too tight on the underside, turn the tension dial to a lower number.
Repeat the process until the thread is properly tensioned on both the top and bottom of the fabric.
If you have any difficulty with these steps or if you have any other questions about your Finesse 356 sewing machine, I would recommend referring to the machine's manual for more detailed instructions.
Usually, the top tension factory setting is the midway point between high & low numbers. However, every machine differs and changes over time. But that is a good starting point.
How to change the tension on a sewing machine? Adjust your top tension if it's too tight. To decrease your top tension if it is too tight, turn your knob so the numbers are decreasing. Try ½ to 1 number lower, then test the stitches on a piece of scrap fabric. Continue until it looks even on both sides and you can no longer see the bottom thread on the top.
Needle tension is governed by the tension dial on the front of the machine. The higher the number the tighter the tension. For basic stitching, it is generally a good policy to start out with the tension set at the midway point between high & low numbers and then tweak it for your particular machine.
Both tensions are preset at the factory. Normally, the bobbin tension is the last one to adjust. Most often tension adjustments are made to the top thread. The factory standard setting for the upper thread is the midway point between the high & low numbers, however, each machine is different and may need slight readjustment.
The tensions are correct when both, the upper and bobbin, threads meet in the middle of the fabric. Tension is not static. Differing fabric weights, thread, or needle sizes may necessitate a change to tension. Lighter weight fabrics like chiffon will require a different tension setting than heavy fabrics like denim. Always test first on scraps of the fabric you plan to sew. Get the tension set the way you want it before you begin sewing your project.
Most machines can sew on jeans fabric, but you may need to go slowly or even hand-turn the needle when crossing thick seams to keep from bending or breaking your needle.
Bobbin: It won't matter if you use plastic or metal bobbins.
Needle: You should use a heavier needle - you can purchase 'jeans' needles, or use the heaviest sharp or universal needle you have.
Tension: For tension adjustment, you can follow the guidelines in your sewing machine manual but you'll also need to adjust the tension based on sewing on scraps of the fabric. If you are sewing light-weight denim, the settings are pretty much the default/normal settings. As you increase the weight/thickness of the fabric and seams to cross, you'll need to loosen your pressure foot tension. If you use decorative 'jeans' thread or topstitching thread, you'll need to loosen your needle tension.
*Always test on scrap fabric to make sure the stitches are forming properly. It is best to make small adjustments to your tension settings, then test, then adjust and test, until it is right. If you sew that weight of fabric often, make note of your tension settings inside your machine manual to save you some time the next time you sew.
I hope this helps.
Make sure the machine is threaded correctly.
Make sure your tension is set on 5.
Check and make sure there is no fluff or cotton stuck in your upper tension unit(Between the tension plates
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