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When experiencing tension issues, especially "long eyelashes" on the back of your quilt while free motion quilting with your Pfaff 2036, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and improve the situation. Here are some suggestions:
Clean and lubricate your machine: Start by ensuring that your machine is clean and properly lubricated. Dust, lint, or debris can affect the tension and cause issues. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
Use the right thread and needle: Ensure that you are using a suitable thread for free motion quilting. Threads designed specifically for quilting tend to work well. Additionally, choose a needle appropriate for the thread weight and fabric type you're using. A needle that is too small or too large for your project can affect tension.
Check the bobbin tension: While the bobbin tension is usually factory-set and doesn't require frequent adjustment, it's worth checking to ensure it's not too tight or too loose. Make sure the bobbin is wound properly and inserted correctly. If necessary, consult your machine's manual for instructions on adjusting the bobbin tension.
Experiment with the top thread tension: While you mentioned keeping the tension around 1-2, it's worth experimenting with slightly higher or lower tension settings to find the sweet spot. Each machine and project can have different requirements, so don't hesitate to make minor adjustments to achieve balanced tension.
Test with scrap fabric: Before quilting on your actual project, it's a good practice to test the tension on a scrap piece of fabric sandwiched in a similar manner. This allows you to make adjustments and fine-tune the tension without affecting your main project.
Check the threading path: Double-check that the top thread is threaded correctly through all the necessary guides and tension discs. If the thread is not seated properly in the tension discs, it can cause tension issues. Consult your machine's manual for the correct threading path.
Slow down your stitching speed: Sometimes, excessive speed can contribute to tension problems. Try reducing your stitching speed and see if it makes a difference in the tension and stitch quality.
Consult a professional: If you have tried the above steps and are still experiencing tension issues, it might be beneficial to consult a professional technician or your local sewing machine dealer. They can examine your machine and provide more specific guidance or perform any necessary adjustments.
Remember that achieving the perfect tension can sometimes be a trial-and-error process. Take your time to experiment, make small adjustments, and practice on scrap fabric until you're satisfied with the results.
Tension for stitching a quilt sandwich is tricky. It helps if you use the same color for top and bobbin thread,. If your quilting thread is not the same weight (either heavier or lighter) than thread used for regular sewing, then the bobbin tension may need to be adjusted. My quilting thread is lighter weight so I have a separate bobbin case whos tension has been adjusted specifically for quilting. The goal is have both threads meet in the middle of the sandwich. If the top thread is showing under the sandwich, you probably need to tighten the top tension so it will pull the bobbin thread up into the sandwich. Do the reverse if the bobbin thread shows on top.
It may also make a difference by changing the type and size needle. I tend to prefer a top-stitch needle. An embroidery or microtex may also work for you.
There is usually a mark on the tension dial that indicates the default setting--generally, it is at the midway point between high & low numbers. However, the correct tension is dependent on the fabric, thread, and needle you are using. Some stitches require a different tension setting, ie free motion quilting, as well as lighter weight vs heavier weight fabrics will require some adjustments.
Ideally, for straight stitching on medium weight fabric, the midway point should be close. However, the tension is correct when the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.
The video tutorials here may be helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0900v0dSmt8
The factory standard tension setting is the midway point between high & low number on the tension dial. Of course, every machine is different so it may need to be tweaked. The tension is correct when the upper and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.
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
Probably your owner's manual is the best source for information. The tension dial usually has a selection of numbers from 0 to 10 (or something similar). Zero is the loosest and the highest number is the tightest. The factory standard setting is somewhere around the midpoint, however, your machine's setting may not be exact.
Be sure that you RAISE the presser foot BEFORE threading the upper thread so the tension disks allow the thread to seat properly.
The ideal tension is when the upper thread and bobbin thread meet in the middle of the fabric being stitched. The tension will probably need to change when you change thread and fabric. You should become comfortable with adjusting the upper tension as it is a integral part of achieving sewing success.
According to the manual, you should not need to adjust the bobbin tension (and I located other sites which stated the bobbin tension cannot be adjusted on this machine). Apparently, all the tension adjustment is accomplished through the upper thread::
"EN Thread Tension Upper thread tension Basic thread tension setting: "4". (1) To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next number up. To reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number down. A. Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing. B. Thread tension too loose for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to higher number. C. Thread tension too tight for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to lower number. D. Normal thread tension for zig zag and decorative sewing. Correct thread tension is when a small amount of the upper thread appears on the bottom side of fabric. Lower thread tension The bobbin tension has been set correctly at the factory, so you do not need to adjust it. Please note: - Proper tension setting is important for strong seams. - There is no single tension setting appropriate for all stitch functions, thread or fabric. - A balanced tension (identical stitches both top and bottom) is usually only desirable for straight stitch construction sewing. - 90% of all sewing will be between "3" and "5". - For zig zag and decorative sewing stitch functions, thread tension should generally be less than for straight stitch sewing. - For all decorative sewing you will always obtain a nicer stitch and less fabric puckering when the upper thread appears on the bottom side of your fabric. 1 A B C 22 D"
Doing further research, I found this statement on a machine review site:
"After reading reviews online from where I've bought my drop-in bobbin machines, I think many of the negative reviews are due to the bobbin thread coming up without laying across the bobbin. It can cause the stitches to look very sloppy and no amount of tension adjusting can fix the stitches."
There are several machine review sites wherein 4423 owners stated their disappointment in the 4423's performance. Some said the machine failed almost immediately and others said the machines developed problems when sewing heavy fabric.
Make sure that, with the darning foot installed, that you LOWER the presser foot lever. It won't look like it went down, but the lever must be down for the tension to engage.
Set the upper thread tension to 7 or wherever it needs to be right. Don't be afraid to change the numbers, they are there for reference.
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