Tension disc assembly - sewing machine

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

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Quilting is a bit more finicky than regular sewing. Be sure to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the top thread. FWIW, I use a separate bobbin case for FMQ that I have tightened the tension to keep the bobbin thread from coming to the top of the sandwich, but I tend to use a finer thread for quilting so adjusting the bobbin takes care of it. In your case, however, it sounds like the top thread is staying under the fabric. I would try tightening the top tension. Also, install a brand new needle--a top stitch, embroidery, or microtex needle seem to work well for me. Test well on a sandwich made of the same fabric and batting and get it adjusted well before sewing on your quilt. Sometimes sewing speed will affect stitches under the fabric, or even on top.

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https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/machine-quilting-thread.html

https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/sewing-machine-tension.html

https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/machine-quilting-tension-problems.html

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Remove the thread from the machine. ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread the machine from the beginning. Verify the path is correct. The standard tension setting is the midway point although you will most likely need to tweak this for your particular machine.

If you are still having problems, you may need to readjust the bobbin tension.


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manual for a vintage Morse 550 zig-zag Kathleen, Check the attached links,manuals and guides, Good luck
"I hope this helped you out, if so let me know by pressing the helpful button. Check out some of my other posts if you need more tips and info."
Morse 550 zig zag manual Google Search
Morse 4300 Zig Zag Sewing Machine Instruction Manual Fotomatic III
Morse Pushbutton ZigZag Sewing Machine Threading Diagram
http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Manuals/Morse_Sewing_Machines.htm

Double needle sewing requires two threads. Most machines have two thread spool pins, one spool on each pin. Both threads are threaded just like a single thread down to the needle, which is where they separate, one thread through each needle. One exception would be on machines that you can see the tension discs, some have a separating disc between the two outer tension discs, therefore, run one thread on either side of this centre disc. Also in zigzag mode, you must realize that you cannot utilize the full width of the zigzag due to the extra width of the needle path.
<Ray>

This is a top tension issue, you need to check two things,

-make sure you thread the machine with the pressure foot up ( this allows the tension discs to open up so you can pull the fabric away from the machine with the foot up and allows the thread to get to bottom of the tension discs)

-make sure your tension settings are set to the medium setting. (Usually 4 or 5)

If this still does not help, then turn the top tension knob up (from 5 to 6,7,8,9....)

-If that still doesn't do it, your probably need the tensions reset, and your local family sewing store will be able to assist you further.

-Chris

bound to be some fluff stuck in between your tension plates of your tension unit

It's possible that there is foreign debris in the top tension assembly ,thread the machine and lower the presser foot and ensure that there is tension on the top thread