Having problems with my tension. As I sew, my thread tension on top of my fabric looks great, but the TOP threads are looping underneath (not the bobbin thread!) Bobbin tension itself looks OK, tho.

You are getting a thread mess under the fabric? Frequently, this occurs because the top thread is not fully seated in the tension disk.

Install a brand new needle.
Remove the top thread from the machine.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread the machine from the beginning.
If necessary, adjust the top tension so the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

Sewing Machine Thread Bunching Up Here Why

Birds nest under the fabric big loops of thread top side looks good...

TIP Avoid Thread Bird Nesting with these Four Tips Stitching Sewcial

Susan--
Easy peasy, once you know the problem and how to fix it. It's called "bird nesting" or "thread nesting" or what I refer to as thread "barfs."

Install a brand new needle.
Remove all the thread from the machine.
**ALWAYS RAISE** the presser foot and rethread the top thread.
Verify the top thread path is correct.
Install and thread the bobbin case, make sure it is correct.
Set the top tension to the midway point.

Now retest your machine. Birds nests gone? You may need to tweak the top tension because the factory standard changes due to age and use.

FWIW, problems appearing under the fabric are an issue of the top thread. Thread problems appearing on top of the fabric is a bobbin issue.

What causes Bird Nests Superior Threads

Birds nest under the fabric big loops of thread top side looks good...

WHY IS THREAD BUNCHING UNDERNEATH MY FABRIC

Is it the top thread that is creating loops under the fabric? Thread problems under the fabric is usually a top thread issue. Thread issues occurring on the top of the fabric is usually a bobbin thread problem.

Change needles often, ie every 8 hours of sewing. (Believe it or not, most sewing machine problems can be resolved by installing a brand new needle!) When threading the top thread, ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot. Remove all the thread and rethread from the beginning. Verify the thread path is correct. Set the upper tension to the midway point between high & low numbers--this will probably need to be tweaked because every machine is different.

Understanding Thread Tension Threads

It's most likely not the machine. It's the other things, ie needle, thread, etc. combination. For sewing knit, be sure to use a ball point needle. The needle eye size is important to so the thread is neither too small nor too large for the thread weight.

FWIW, it sounds like bird nesting. --the thread is not seated completely in the tension disk. Remove the top thread from the machine and ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when rethreading!

Also, check that the tension is appropriate for the project. The two threads should meet in the middle of the fabric. If there is top thread showing on the underside of the fabric, the top tension is too loose. Tighten it until it until the top thread pulls the bobbin thread up into the fabric.

All About Needles SCHMETZ Needles

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top tension is too loose,check threading up and tension dial. should be on 4-6. read manual and if possible clean tension device. if it is accessible you turn dial to zero and "floss" between tension discs using selvage edge of clean piece of cotton fabric. you can moisten it with denatured alcohol if very dirty. thread sheds dye particles, especially black or cheaper threads. needs to be removed regularly to keep tension discs clean. turn back dial to 5 after and thread up again. often this will resolve the problem

no, more likely your top tension is too loose causing the loops on the underside of your fabric, loops on top would be bobbin too loose. raise presser foot and rethread top thdead pulling thread into tension fully. set top tension dial to 5 and test sew. if still looping underneath try tightening top tension by turning dial up to 6. but usually top tension should only need minor adjustment tweeks. you can test top tension by lowering pressure foot to engage tension and holding thread just above needle thread guide, pulling thread downwards . there should be resistence on it to your pull. if you cant feel any then tension device may be faulty, and require service.

looping the material ( bird nesting) is an indication of incorrect needle thread tension before threading the needle pull the thread and there should be resistance to the pulling

Hello

You would pull out several long lengths of matching thread from my spool of thread and knot the threads together at one end (to hold them together). Grab the knotted end of threads with your left hand and place the threads(held taunt together) under the presserfoot of your sewing machine.

Select a narrow zigzag stitch that will zigzag over the threads, and holding both the knotted end(Left hand) and the other ends with right hand( holding tauntly), zigzag down the length of the threads.

You can use this for matching button loops, cording for belt loops, or whenever you need matching cord. The thickness of the cord will depend on how many strands of thread you want to use. You insert the loop of cord into the seam, so that when the garment is turned RIGHT SIDE OUT, the loop will be sticking out of the seam and you can put the button through the loop.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING FIXYA

Hi Lou! This sounds like a tension problem--the tension on the top thread is too loose. Try using different color threads on the top and bobbin, then carefully rethread everything. Stitch a couple of inches and check the underside. If the top stitches look fine and the bottom ones are loose and loopy, and with the pressure foot down, tighten the tension. Move the knob or dial (whichever you have) just a little bit. Sew a couple of inches more, and recheck. Continue to sew and recheck, gradually tightening the tension, until you see little if any bobbin thread on the top or top thread on the underside of the fabric.

Let me know if this helps, ok?


Robbie

This is a tension adjustment problem. It's good to use two different colors of thread, like you did. From your description, the top thread (needle thread) tension needs to be tighter. As you tighten the tension of the top thread, you'll see that the top thread pulls the bobbin thread up into the fabric so it's no longer laying loose on the bottom of the fabric.

You'll need to have the pressure foot down when you tighten the tension. Tighten it a little, sew a practice seam, check to see what the stitch looks like. Tighten it a little more, sew, check, etc etc--until both top and bottom look the same--you shouldn't see much (if any) of the bobbin thread color on top of the fabric or the top thread color on the underside.

Let me know how this works for you, ok?


Robbie