At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.
- If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box above.
- Better answers use proper spelling and grammar.
- Provide details, support with references or personal experience.
Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.
Tip: The max point reward for answering a question is 15.
The factory default is the midway point between high & low numbers on each of the tension dials. This is generally the setting for a basic overlock stitch. However, different tension settings is how different stitches are created.
The only factory standard settings that you need to worry about is the top tension and the bobbin tension. The standard factory top tension is the midway point between high & low numbers. That is the ideal tension setting for most fabrics, thread, and needles. However, that is also adjusted based on what you are sewing. Bobbin tension you should leave as is unless there are issues that the top tension will not resolve. The other settings you mention are all adjustable based on what you want to do with your machine, ie straight vs zig-zag stitch, etc.--no standard factory setting.
Unfortunately, because a serger uses different thread tensions to form the various stitches, there is no "set it and leave it" setting for everything. However, on most machines, the midpoint of each tension dial is the beginning point to create a regular overlock stitch. That is most often the factory setting, however, that may change over time and use requiring some tension tweaking by the user.
If you have trouble distinguishing one thread among them all, then try threading with four separate colors of thread. Then you can easily tell which thread/tension is out of wack. The ultimate tension is when the threads meet in the middle of the fabric.
One important tip: ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the machine and give each thread an extra little tug when threading the tension disk (this insures the thread is seated completely in the tension).
Second important tip: It helps to go through each stitch variation and write down in your owner's manual or a reference sheet what each thread tension setting works best for that stitch. Then you have a reference chart for the next time you need to adjust tensions and don't have to go through a laborious effort to recreate the stitch. The tension settings will change if your change thread weights, but at least you will a general beginning point to fine-tune your setting.
How to change the tension on a sewing machine? Adjust your top tension if it's too tight. To decrease your top tension if it is too tight, turn your knob so the numbers are decreasing. Try ½ to 1 number lower, then test the stitches on a piece of scrap fabric. Continue until it looks even on both sides and you can no longer see the bottom thread on the top.
Factory standard tension for upper thread is the midway point between the high and low number. However, that tension dial is meant to be used for tweaking tension. Generally, tweaking is required whenever the type of fabric, needle, or thread are changed, ie thicker fabric like denim should have a different upper tension setting than fine chiffon. To be successful with tension settings, one must become comfortable adjusting the upper tension.
NOTE: Accurate tension is achieved when the upper thread and bobbin thread meet in the middle of the fabric.
. Understanding Bobbin Tension
Depends on the Brand and Model. On my Bernina 1150, if the tensions are set in the middle, it is usually a good tension setting. Each machine is different though and with use, those settings may change. You should be able to start with all 4 tensions set in the middle and then, looking at how it stitches, you can adjust each tension as needed.
Your machine tension should be set between 3-5. If your stitch is too loose on the bottom, you can try to up the tension a little at a time. You can also check to make sure that your machine is threaded properly and also check the tension and make sure there are no threads wrapped up inside the tension between the tension discs.
If you set the tension from 3of 4 to 1 you actually lowered the tension. To increase the tension you must set the tension to 6 or higher. Be carefull not the set the bobbin case tension to tight as this will also have negative results
If suggest the following: First lower the bobbin case tension, half a turn. Then increase the top tension to 6 and see if there is any difference.
If you do this systematically you should rectify your problem.
Hope this helps?
×