Singer 221-1 stitching is good on bottom but not on top

You really need to get a manual. Trying to figure out the problems is difficult if you are not an experienced sewer. There is a manual on eBay right now for your machine.

A little about tension. 95% of the time it is the top thread tension. It will be the thread on the bottom of the fabric affected. If the the thread on the top is loose it is the bobbin tension. Do not adjust both at the same time. Start with the top tension making small adjustments and then doing a test on scrap fabric.

Check to see if it is threaded correctly, without a manual it may not be obvious if it is or isn't. Check that the thread is between the tension discs correctly.

top tension must be adjusted to fix loose stitches of bottom stitches
adust the top tension one letter or number higher and sew on a scrap
piece of fabric till stitches look correct,, here is a free manual
http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/36952a1312a6d8436174ef874f3662471a946b64.pdf

Which stitch are you using?

To check thread tension for straight stitches, use different colors of thread in your top thread and bobbin. If the top thread shows on the bottom of the fabric, turn the dial counter-clockwise (towards a lower number). If the bottom thread shows on the top, turn the dial clockwise. Do not adjust the tension too much (for example, go from 2 to 2.5 if increasing the tension) at a time; test another set of stitches. Alternatively, you can adjust the bobbin tension in the reverse directions. However, it's very easy to damage the set screw in the bobbin case so do this as a last resort. Since this is a vertical bobbin case, put the bobbin in and hold onto the thread. If the thread moves when you dangle the bobbin case, tighten the screw. Loosen the screw if the thread doesn't pull out of the bobbin when you hold the unit.

For zig-zag decorative stitches lower the tension until the puckering stops. Usually the top thread will show on the bottom of the fabric.

If the tension is not changing when you turn the dial, make sure that the presser foot is down. The sewing machine may need repair. The tension mechanism depends on a spring and that can break. See the Singer site for a parts breakdown and contact your Singer dealer for the parts.

If the top and bottom fabric are not moving at the same rate, you can get a different type of puckering. You may want to get an even feed foot if there are several layers of fabric.

The manual for the 3116 is available from Singer: http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/438_3116.pdf .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

The bottom stitch is affected by the TOP thread tension :) First go back and make sure your bobbin tension is correct since you adjusted it. It should drop slightly when held suspended by danging it by the thread. If it reels out to the floor it is too loose. If it doesn't drop at all it is too tight.

Now that you have that adjusted look at your top tension. If it is loopy on the bottom side of the stitch the TOP tension is too loose. Increase the top tension.

Now take some scrap material and set machine to a wide zig zag, medium length stitch and sew a bit. Compare the top and the bottom sides of the stitch. They should look identical. Remember the TOP side effects the bottom and the BOTTOM tension effects the top side. Adjust accordingly until they look identical with no loose threads or loops and no puckering (puckering means it's too tight).

Check the threading and tension on the top thread. It is the one that affects the stitch on the bottom. It may be hung up somewhere if it's not threaded correctly or the tension might be too tight. Also double check the size of your needle and make sure it is correct for the type of fabric. Most likely it is the tension. Double check the tension by sewing a wide zig zag stitch and examining the top and under side to see if they look identical and not puckered or too loose.

Try rethreading the top thread thru the tensioner. Make sure the presser foot is in the up position during threading, and as you go thru the tensioner you may need to pull the thread back and forth lightly to help it settle in the tension discs.

Also check the type of bobbin being used. Drop in bobbin machines need bobbins with rounded sides (class 66).

1. Make sure your needle is correct for the fabric. Go buy some good needles in several sizes. You'll need a 90 for jeans, rounded points for fine fabrics... get a few sizes. Your manual should provided you with clues to the right needle for the fabrics. (BTW... there really is no such thing as a Universal Needle... toss it.)

2. Re-read your manual and carefully follow the instructions on threading the bobbin and the upper thread...

3. Check your tension on the upper thread... it is too loose for the application. The tension on the bottom thread is handled by a spring on your bobbin case or race. If you do not have that threaded properly you'll have problems. Same with the direction the bobbin turns... have in it backwards... problems.

Barring all these things... It might be time for a qualified Singer repair person to look at it. Sadly Singer has seriously lowered it's standards in the last 20 years.

It's your bobbin tension not the top.

The needle goes in with the flat side on the left and you thread it from right to left ,hope this helps

Could be a tension issue.

Try this to see if it helps:
Remove top thread.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning.
Start the top tension set at the midway point and then adjust.
Check that the bobbin is threaded and installed correctly.

Understanding Thread Tension Threads

Sewing Lesson 10 How to Fix Tension on Your Sewing Machine