There is nothing more frustrating than stitching a seam and then seeing that the stitches are imperfect. You may need to adjust the thread tension, but before you do that, try a couple of other simple things first.
Troubleshooting the problem:
•Clean out any lint in the feed dog area.
• Make sure the bobbin is wound smoothly and evenly. If not rewind it.
• Rethread the machine, both top and bobbin. It is crucial that the presser foot is up when you do this.
• Try putting in a new needle. If you are using a specialized thread, be sure the needle is designed for the particular thread you are using.
• Change to a different thread altogether. Occasionally the thread is bad. Never buy cheap thread—it is simply not worth the agony!
If all else fails
If those things fail, then you will need to adjust the thread tension of your machine. Adjusting the tension may be slightly different for each sewing machine and you should check your machine’s manual, but below are some guidelines to follow.
As you work through the problem know that thread tension is actually a tug-of-war between the bobbin thread and the top thread in you sewing machine.
Balanced tension
If the needle thread shows on the underside, tighten the top tension (or loosen the bobbin tension).
Too loose top tension or too tight bobbin tension
If the bobbin thread pulls through to the top of your piece, and you need to loosen the top tension (or tighten the bobbin tension).
Too tight top tension or too loose bobbin tension
The top tension is easy to find on your machine. It is usually a dial with numbers, the larger the number the tighter the tension. To correct the tension, turn the dial in tiny increments—either tighter or looser and test to see if that works. Continue until you get the right tension.
If adjusting the top tension doesn’t create a balanced stitch, you will need to adjust the bobbin tension by turning the screw on the bobbin.
Turn the screw to the right (clockwise) to tighten and to the left (counterclockwise) to loosen. Again make small adjustments at a time and then test by stitching a line. It is a good idea to use a permanent marker to make a small mark at the original location of the screw. This will help you know where you began. Then if you have adjusted it to accommodate for heavier top thread or for satin stitching or for some other reason, you can get back to the original place. Don’t be afraid to adjust the bobbin tension, but do use it as the last step in your troubleshooting process.
Know that occasional problems with thread tension are inevitable, and it is just a matter of learning how to troubleshoot and adjust the tension. If you have continual problems with tension, it might be time to take your machine in to the repair shop for maintenance.
Happy quilting!
the Tech Editors
This article is part of the Quilting Tips from the Tech Editors tutorial series. Recent tutorials include:
- Quilting Tips: Finishing Mitered Binding on the Quilt Back
- Quilting Tips: Washing Fabric
- Quilting Tips: Stitching in the Ditch
- Quilting Tips: Printing Images on Fabric
- Quilting Tips: Building a Fabric Stash
- Quilting Tips: Finishing the Quilt: Tying
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11 Comments
Thanks C&T. You share such delightful tips!
SewCalGal
http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Check out the Superior Threads website (superiorthreads.com) and look under “Education” if you want to learn a LOT about thread, tension, etc. I’m so glad I came across their website a few years ago because I’ve learned so much! One thing I learned that I really struggled with believing was that you do not have to quilt with 100% cotton thread (I was a die-hard believer in that….I never thought anyone could convince me otherwise!). And FYI, I’m not at all affiliated with Superior Threads (unless you count being a customer!). Thanks, C&T, for the wonderful tips, ideas, giveaways, projects and BOOKS!
That was the best information I’ve read on tension. The clear picture of the bobbin was perfect to understand. Way better than my cryptic sewing machine manual.
I agree with all the above – - a truly marvelous clear, concise and correct description for the home sewing machine. Great work !
Do you have a lesson for thread tensions on the ‘George’ quilting machine too ? My sister has one and it’s not cooperating with her.
Thank you for a delightful blog site.
We are glad our tips are useful for you. As for Barbara’s question about thread tension on the “George” or any other long-arm machine, we don’t have any specific advice for you and suggest the long arm quilter talk to the dealer or manufacturer of the machine. We have one long-arm quilter at C&T who says her experience is that with every thread combination you use for the top and bobbin threads, you need to run a test stitching line to see how it works with a particular quilt sandwich, and adjust the tension accordingly.
THANK YOU :)
I’m a new long armer and finding it very difficult to obtain any hints on problems, such as thread breaking, I’ve changed my thread as I thought it may be old, adjusting the tension would be the next obvious choice but this doesn’t seem to have made a difference, I’ve also checked that the machine is threaded correctly.
I have an Avante HQ 18 which my husband and myself have assembled ourselves, now that’s another chapter.
Thanks in anticipation
Sherry
Have turned the thread tension dial clear to 9 or as high as will go but it won’t stop leaving loops on bottom of seam. Any help you can give is appreciated. Thanks.
Jean
Have you tried all the tips, especially rethreading both top and bottom? When did you last have your machine serviced? It may be time to take your machine in for maintenance.
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