Why does my fabric keeps puckering on the bottom

SOURCE: Stitches missing on the bottom of fabric, forming

It sounds as if you have a tension problem. Let me give you instructions for adjusting the tension on anysewing machine. Be sure to have a scrap piece of the fabric you are using andthread the top of the machine with a different color of thread than thebobbin-it'll make it easier to see what's going on. Thread your machine with the presser foot UP. The disks that control the tension (threadgoes through them) are tightened up if the foot is down. Change the machine tension with the presser foot DOWN.Because the disks won't be engaged (see above) if the foot is up, the diskswon't move. Start at the middle setting, 3. Go up to tighten, decrease toloosen. Each machine is different, even 2 different machines of the same model.The best thing to do is start at 3 and use a different color in the top andbobbin thread so you can easily see what changes to the tension do to yourstitches. Now use a straight stitch a sew 3 or so inches. Take a lookat the top and bottom of the fabric. You don't want to see any (or at least notmuch) of the other color showing from the other side. Loops on the bottom of the fabric means you need to tighten(increase) your top tension. If you're stitches on the bottom are causingpuckering, then you need to loosen you're top tension. For the most part, youreally don't want to touch your bobbin tension-leave that to a repairtechnician. The factory setting shouldn't be touched except by someone whoreally knows what they're doing. Keep sewing a few inches at a time until you have the resultsyou want. Now you're tension is where you need it!

SOURCE: I have tried to adjust

I think that you have the wrong needle size for your fabric, also if it is real thin, put some tissue paper between your fabric and face plate and see if that helps. But, be sure to use the right size needle and thread weight. If, you do not have your manual, go to brother-usa.com and download one for free. They also have a great customer service number, 1-877-276-8437. Good luck and hope your problem is solved so you can get back sewing.

Tally Girl

• 1134 Answers
• Posted on Apr 17, 2011

SOURCE: I have a brother VX-950

New needle and make sure it is the right sized needle for the fabric that you are sewing. If silky satin then use a size 70 or even 60 needle sharp. If microfibre then there are Schmetz needles called microtec that are perfect for this.

Also try shortening the stitch length a little. You may still need to finesse the tension a bit. I think this is a front loading bobbin machine so you might try adjusting the tension on the bobbin holder a little bit. It is hard with these as there is no "0' marking to set it to, its just trial and testing.

Also, are you pinning across the seam line at about 3 inch intervals?

If there is still some puckering happening, then perhaps, stop at the end of the seam with the needle in the work, and ease the fabric along the stitching line a bit to smooth out the seam, then do the reversing stitches at the end to lock off the seam.

Also press, press, press each seam. Always press on top of the seam, turn it over and press the underside of the seam, then lie right side down on the ironing board and press the seam allowances open. This sets the stitches into the fabric and finishes off the seam appearance. I always sew with the ironing press on beside me.

You may still be unhappy with the seam result after doing all this - if you enjoy sewing then consider shopping for a higher quality machine - there is a difference in stitching quality between a $400 and $2,000 machine. You could always take a piece of your fabric to a sewing dealer near you and test sew on a European machine, you should see a difference in the stitching quality.