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