How to correct tension on sewing machine

needle thread tension not tight enough to pull bobbin thread up into the material

Hello, Pat -

Which thread on your sewing machine are you referring to? With either the top thread or the bottom (bobbin) thread, the problem is most likely due to the tension.

Another reason for the top thread breaking could because the machine is not threaded correctly.

If you have the owner's manual for your sewing machine, check it for the settings for the top thread tension and for the correct threading. Also, check the manual for information on the bobbin (bottom) tension.

This web page gives some generic information on sewing machine tensions:
https://www.thespruce.com/easily-adjust-sewing-machine-tension-2821432

Another option is that you are using old cotton thread to sew with. Over time cotton thread deteriorates and breaks easily. I only know this from personal experience. :)

Be sure to use a brand new needle.

Remove the thread from the machine. ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread the upper thread. This allows the tension disk to release so the thread will seat properly. Verify that the thread path is correct.

Check that the bobbin is installed correctly (turning the proper direction in the bobbin case) and the bobbin case tension is threaded correctly.

Set the upper tension to the midway point. (This is the beginning point and may need tweaking later.)

Pull the bobbin thread to the top of the sewing project.
How and Why to Bring up the Bobbin Thread P.S.--this works with regular sewing, not just for quilting.

Lower the presser foot and test your machine. Begin sewing slowly.

If there are still issues--upper thread looping, try tightening but if it doesn't improve, the tension mechanism may not be working properly. Check and remove any thread pieces or gunk stuck in the tension mechanism. If still not working, it probably needs service.

If the bobbin thread is still not connecting with the upper thread, the sewing machine's timing is most likely off. (Search the internet for "sewing machine timing." There are multiple web sites and videos available that discuss this OR take it for service.)

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Be sure to always raise the presser foot while threading the machine. This releases the tension disk and allows the thread to seat properly in the tension disk.

Also check that there are no thread pieces, gunk, or lint stuck in the tension disk.

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try another needle-- one for the fabric being sewed

make sure the top thread has not come off the thread take up lever

clean under the needle plate and in the bobbin area for lint


make sure the bobbin is inserted into the bobbin case correctly

make sure the bobbin is turned the correct way in the bobbin case

three possible reasons
one-- the thread is too old
two--- the thread tension is too tight and the thread is not threaded correctly between the thread tension plates
Three -- the needle is not installed correctly and the small groove in the side if the needle is not facing where the thread is threaded through the eye

Firstly the SU AE is a great machine, I am assuming that the top tension is the problem as the Elna rotary hook and bobbin tension design should not be touched. (There is a little dial with numbers on and it should be set with the red number one put at the lever: don't move this from this setting.) And the top tension should be at 5 although sometimes you may move it between 4 -6 depending on the fabric you are sewing. I am wondering if the top tension dial is a bit gunked up with old thread or dust? You could check this yourself, if you turn it all the way down to zero and raise the pressure foot so that the tension discs are open. Now get a clean piece of scrap fabric with a selvage edge, cotton or calico is good. And run the selvage edge between the tension discs and see if you can remove any old gunk, black stuff from there. All thread contains dye obviously and dye particles do come off thread and can gunk up in this tension device. Also, make sure you are using good quality thread and following the correct threading path for your machine. Sounds like you might not have the manual and if this is the case, by all means contact me at tallygirl98 at yahoo dot com and I'll send you a scan of my manual. Lastly, you might find the Elna owners group really helpful, just get onto Yahoo groups and search for Elna Heirlooms group, you'll need to request membership but I've found that there are many Vintage Elna owners who are happily servicing and keeping their Swiss made Elnas ticking over sweetly and they share their knowledge. Hope this helps.

Check the bobbin tension and that the thread is tight around the bobbin. Make sure that the bobbin is in the right way around - the bobbin thread should double back on itself coming out of the bobbin holder.

Start right from the beginning, make sure the presser foot is up when you thread the machine, make sure the presser foot is up, top tension should be about 4 or 5, make sure you use a good mercerised thread, make sure the bobbin tension is not too tight, you should only be able to pull the thread through with slight resistence, if it is too tight slacken the large screw on the bobbin case about a quarter of a tutn at a time and test.

I'm guessing you would have loosened the tension? Is there grit or something sticky (dirty oil) stuck between the tension discs?