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Generally bobbin tension is the last thing to try to adjust on your machine. Most sewists adjust the bobbin tension ONLY if they are using very lightweight or very heavyweight thread in the bobbin. Most sewists will advise to make all possible adjustments to the top tension before tackling the bobbin tension to resolve issues.
Try searching YouTube videos or this may be helpful:
90 per cent of the tension adjustments are performed on the top tension We discuss the remaining 10 the bobbin tension in this educational article Adjusting Bobbin Tension isn as...
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Loosen your top tension. But, I usually have to tighten the bobbin tension too for quilting. That's why I have 2 bobbin cases. One is set for standard sewing and the other has the tension set for quilting...
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.
Am having a difficult time picturing this. Sounds like the upper thread is creating loops under the fabric and the bobbin thread is showing on the top of the fabric.
Make sure to use a brand new needle.
Remove the thread from the machine
ALWAYS raise the presser foot and rethread the upper thread.
Make sure the thread path is correct.
Check that the bobbin is turning the correct direction in the bobbin case and the bobbin thread is threaded through the bobbin tension correctly.
Set the upper tension to the midway point (factory standard), however, this setting may need to be tweaked for your particular machine.
If the upper thread is still showing on the other side of the fabric, the tension is too loose. If it is pulling the bobbin thread up to the top of the fabric, the upper tension is too tight
OR the bobbin thread tension is too loose. (CAUTION: make only small adjustments to bobbin tension--1/8 of a turn at a time!!! It also helps to mark the screw groove location with magic marker on the bobbin case BEFORE making any changes so you can back it out and return to the original setting.)
Your objective is to have the top and bobbin tension equal. Once you have set the bobbin tension you will adjust the top tension until the knot is in the center of the fabric. A good starting point for the top tension is four.
I've attached a guide to help you set your tension.
1. Make sure the needle is in facing the right direction and that it is a new needle.
2. Is the thread pulled from the bobbin?
3. Check the bobbin tension and start the top tension at four. Always thread the machine with the foot in the up position. This way you can feel for snags while threading. If there are any they must be eliminated.
4. Following the instructions that I have attached and you are likely to succeed.
HOW TO SET YOUR TENSION
Real Important: The objective is to even the top and bobbin tensions equally.
1. Remove bobbin case. Put bobbin in (rotating counterclockwise).
2. Put thread under the tension plate. Let the bobbin hang from finger and bob up and down lightly.
3. Adjust tension. The bobbin should extend one inch every time it is bobbed.
4. Put one drop of oil on race the bobbin case sets on top of. Replace the bobbin case and bobbin.
5. With the pressure foot up thread the top and give little tugs as you do this. There should be no snags or resistance. Make sure the thread goes in between the tension disc.
6. Now, put pressure foot down. Give a little tug to see if there is a resistance. Set the tension to four is a good start.
7. Try a piece of rag to sew. Set the tension on top to adjust for a perfect stitch.
Real Important: The objective is to even the top and bobbin tensions equally.
1. Remove bobbin case. Put bobbin in (rotating counterclockwise).
2. Put thread under the tension plate. Let the bobbin hang from finger and bob up and down lightly.
3. Adjust tension. The bobbin should extend one inch every time it is bobbed.
4. Put one drop of oil on race the bobbin case sets on top of. Replace the bobbin case and bobbin.
5. With the pressure foot up thread the top and give little tugs as you do this. There should be no snags or resistance. Make sure the thread goes in between the tension disc.
6. Now, put pressure foot down. Give a little tug to see if there is a resistance. Set the tension to four is a good start.
7. Try a piece of rag to sew. Set the tension on top to adjust for a perfect stitch.
Generally the tension on the bobbin is set and the tension on the upper thread is balanced against it. To set the tension on your bobbin remove the bobbin case clean out any lint and tighten the screw closest to the slot in the case. This can be done with a gauge or you can use the bobbin case as a weight. With a full bobbin the tension should be tight enough to keep the bobbin and case from free falling. Caution should be used as often other problems can create loops on the bottom of your fabric and they are not a tension issue. Messing up your tension will leave you with two problems. Don't let this from trying to fix your tension but be able to return it to the previous settings if it does not resolve your problem.
When you thread your bobbin in the bobbin case, hold it only by the thread. If the bobbin and bobbin case fall, the tension is too loose. If this is the case, turn the bobbin tension screw 1/4 turn until the bobbin and bobbin case do not fall when only holding by the thread. The top tension should be set between 4 and 5. The best way to see which one needs to be adjusted is to do a zigzag. If the thread is pulling more on top and your top tension is set between 4 and 5, the bobbin tension is too loose. If your top tension is set between 4 and 5 and it's pulling on the bottom, the bottom is too tight.
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