Why do I have very loose stiches when using a zipper foot?
If it has been a while since the needle has been changed, doing so may be helpful. Also be sure to use a sharp needle that will more easily penetrate the zipper tape.
Be sure that you are actually lowering the presser foot before stitching (this most likely isn't the case--just a thought).
Most machines also have a presser foot pressure adjustment that can be loosened or tightened to accommodate different thickness of fabric and the amount of pressure applied by the zipper foot on the fabric and the feed dogs. Experimenting with that pressure adjustment may be helpful.
Some bobbin cases also have a finger extension with a hole through it. If you are experiencing issues with bobbin tension, sometimes threading the bobbin thread through that finger will help even out bobbin tension.
Using lighter weight thread will also affect the resulting thread tension. If the bobbin case is wound with light weight thread, the bobbin tension will not operate the same as it would with standard weight thread. Light weight thread in the bobbin will cause looser tension, but heavier thread will cause a tighter tension.
Technicians use a standard weight thread to test tension on a machine, but if you use a different weight thread, then your results most likely will not be the same.
Bobbin Tension How and Why Tension is Adjusted
How can properly adjust my tension
Understanding Thread Tension Threads
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=12&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiBnuWi4tnLAhXBtIMKHRRPA5gQFghPMAs&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ca.uky.edu%2FHES%2Ffcs%2FFACTSHTS%2FCT-MMB-213.pdf&usg=AFQjCNE4QlGk1Fvt8K2UGCRCfzMpGS-A2Q
Most tension adjustments can be accomplished via the upper tension. However, there are times when the bobbin needs to be adjusted. Sewists are frequently nervous about adjusting bobbin tension. It is important to mark with permanent marker where the skrew-slot is positioned on the bobbin case BEFORE attempting any adjustments (at least if you need to return it to the original setting, you'll know where it was). Make only 1/8 turn adjustments at a time and re-test. (Righty-tighty, Lefty-loosey!) Sewists who frequently use different weight threads in their machine will often have an extra bobbin case that is set up specifically for that thread weight so they don't have to manipulate the bobbin case every time a thread is changed.
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Try adjusting the tension
here is a link, check to see if it will have the information that will help you
zipper foot throws off tension Threads Magazine Gatherings Forum Sewing...
SOURCE: Loose stitching underneath. HOW CAN I FIX!!!!
I'm **t sure what you mean by freehand stitching........do you get a good even stitch with zig zag, this is the most important first test ?
Ensure that all is clean and free of lint jams....**w for tension troubleshooting .......
This solution is for tension problems...if you can**t form any sort of stitch, the issue is quite different, so please let me k**w if you need a different problem solved.....
It is quite long, but just work through each section in order.
The "k**tting up" can reveal a lot. If you have loose threads on one side or the other, the tension on the opposite side will be the culprit.
QUICK SUMMARY FIRST:
Ensure sharp new needle,
Thread guides and Bobbin are Clean & Clear of lint
Set Top Tesion to 4 ....then....
Balance Bobbin to suit.
TOP THREAD TENSION:
If the looping threads are on the underside as you sew, it is the top tension. Top tension ought to be between 4 & 6 (this variation to allow for the different weights of fabric in your
projects).
IS YOUR NEEDLE SHARP ?
If you are using a needle that has seen quite a deal of work, or you suspect it may be blunt, change it for a new one !
TOP TENSION & GUIDES:
Make sure that when you thread the machine the presser foot is up so the thread goes between the discs and **t to one side, top tension between 4 and 6, and that you have threaded through all the guides, including the last one, usually on the needle arm, just above the needle clamp.
It may be there is lint trapped between the discs, this will keep them slightly apart and reduce the actual tension, sometimes dramatically.
If tensions appear correct, and the thread is definitely in the channel between the discs, but still too loose and looping, try raising presser foot and remove your thread.
Now, with a 2" (50mm) wide strip piece of fabric 8 - 10" (20 - 25cm) moistened with methylated or denatured spirit, gently insert the fabric strip and clean between the discs with
a see saw / to and fro action.
In the worst cases, gentle use of a needle to pick & remove the jam may be necessary, but be very gentle and make sure the tension is set at Zero and the presser foot is raised, (to
disengage tension plates).... do **t gouge or score the plates, they need a polished surface to work correctly.
BOBBIN TENSION:
Far less common, but if the loose threads are on the top, it is bobbin tension that is loose, it too may have lint in the spring and be giving a "false" tension.
I would **t recommend fiddling with bobbin tension without good reason, it may end up with missing small *****s and spring pieces, however, you can take the needle plate off to clean
the hook race area (where bobbin case sits)
...this is just good housekeeping, my wife does this every time she replaces the bobbin....
just take it out and clean the bobbin case and the fixed metal hook race with a small brush to remove lint. If there is a significant amount of lint, use a vacuum and small brush to get the worst.
Then wipe all this area with a cloth or cotton bud (Q tip) moistened (**t soaked) with methylated spirit, especially if there appears to be fine dirty deposits....oil and lint combine to conspire against you.
If it seems likely that you ......really ....do .....actually .....need .....to adjust the bobbin case, first check there is ** lint trapped in the metal spring where the thread is tensioned.
TOP LOADER:
Drop-in Bobbin case will look similar to this image with the tension ***** in the middle of the metalwork....
...the other ***** at one end is holding it all together, so beware....it is **t a tragedy to undo the whole lot and clean it, but very gingerly and lay the bits out in sequence and orientation, or you risk tearing your hair out !
FRONT LOADER:
....this is a bobbin case from a front loading machine and works in a very similar fashion to the top loader with drop in bobbin, again, if you dismantle it, take care so you can put it all
back properly.
FINISHING UP
GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT:
When you are certain there's ** trapped lint in top tension or bobbin, set the top tension to 4 and the bobbin tension to a point where you just begin to feel resistance.
Try using good quality thread of contrasting colours so you can more easily spot the changes.
Set your zigzag to one width less than maximum (eg. 5 of 6 ...or... 4 of 5 etc) and sew a sample for a few inches and check the result.... adjust the bobbin tension ***** very little at
a time, perhaps 1/16 of a turn.
You may find you are playing with this balance for some little while and if you are putting the needleplate on and off each time begin to think it can**t be correct to do this.....BUT....it is,
and eventually, you do get a "feel" for the correct tension and then it happens quite quickly.....as a user you won't be doing it very often unless there is lint built up (or are there small hands at work around the house !?!?!)
OTHER ISSUES:
If you live near the ocean as we do, salt air can play havoc with metalwork inside and out, so to help minimise this, keep a few small packets of dessicant (silica gel) in your machine
case....** case ? then make some sort of cover !
Same applies in any damp or humid environment, keep your machine dry and dust free.
Budget for a proper full service every couple of years (more often if heavily used) and if you don't use your machine for a few years, be aware that old oil will dry out and combining with
dust and form a "clag" like glue (a**ther reason for some sort of cover, even a teatowel !)
FINALLY, A WORD ON THREAD:
If it is worth spending the time, energy and money on making something that you would like to give lasting enjoyment......use quality thread, .......it may seem to cost a little more at the
time, but the results, ease of use and added longevity will be worth the extra, and as a bonus, your tension troubles may be fewer and further between, because there is a more consistant diameter with good thread, and less compensating to be done by your tension plates and less thread breaks !
If you want any more help with this, just post back here, or, drop a line through the "Contact Us" page at www.bargainbox.com.au
SOURCE: Loose stitching underneath. HOW CAN I FIX!!!!
Sounds as though you may have a burr or rough spot on the hook where the bobbin inserts. Run your finger along the edge of the hook to see if there are any rough spots.I'm sure you're going to find at least one from the time you broke the needle.Once you locate it, remove it with an emery stick or small sharpening stone. Polish it so that it is smooth. Should work okay.
sewman7
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