I have a Brother LS-1217. The tension will not adjust. I have re-threaded this several times, checked the bobbin and needle. Is this something I could fix and/or is it worth having repaired?

Are you sure that it's a Singer LS-1217? I can't find any model with 1217 on the Singer site.

The Brother LS-1217 manual is available here: http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/bsc/public/eu/eu_ot/en/doc/manual_top.html?reg=eu&c=eu_ot&lang=en&prod=hf_ls1217euk . The direct link to the English version of the manual is http://download.brother.com/welcome/doch000000/ls12171217b13171417ug01enesfrpt.pdf . There are only a few knobs on most machines. On the front near the needle is the Needle Thread Tension knob. If you use contrasting colors (different top, bobbin and fabric colors), you might see a straight stitch where the top thread is visible on the bottom of the fabric for example. Adjust the tension to get both the top and bobbin threads meeting in the middle of the fabric layers. (Increase the needle thread tension - rotate to a higher number but go in 0.5 increments.)

Then you have near the motor area the stitch width and length knobs. The width is only for zigzag stitches. A long stitch length is good for a temporary seam (like basting in a zipper or hem) before you finish that area. However, the width and length should be adjusted depending on the fabric. A fine fabric needs a smaller stitch, usually. The knob on the right side of the machine is the balance wheel (or hand wheel). This adjusts the needle height so that you can have the needle out of the way while changing the bobbin, for example.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(I use the Singer Sewing Book as a reference for tension issues.)

The only time I've seen this type of thing is when there was a burr on the bobbin... the bobbin wasn't wound correctly... or the bobbin wasn't put in right.

Unfortunately, it's not recommended for users to repair their own brother machines. It sounds like the timing is out anyway... to take it in and have it "Cleaned, Lubed, timed and the Tension repaired"

Or you could use it for target practice and just go buy another machine.

hi Patricia.
It could be the needle, the tension too tight, mis-threading, the thread weight.
try these links out and see if it helps you.
Sewing Machine Problem 1 Thread Breakage
Sewing Machine Thread Keeps Breaking
Why Does My Thread Keep Breaking While Sew
FAQs Troubleshooting LS 1217 Others Brother
Brother LS 1217 Mechanical Sewing Machine upper thread keeps on breaking...

Are you inserting them flat side facing away from you and making sure that they are inserted all of the way up? Make sure that your needles are not too long, ie. Singer. Check your tension and that you have the right needle for the job, as in denim use a heavy needle like a 14 or 16. Other than that it could be the timing which unfortunately needs a professional to fix.

clean under the needle plate where the feed dogs are for lint
also clean in the bobbin area for lint or loose threads
also check for burrs on the needle plate or on the bobbin & case
it could also be out of time

Check the needle to see if it's damaged
Make sure the bobbin has a 3-5 inch thread tail
Then make sure the top thread has a 3-5 inch tail
Then hold the top thread tail with your fingers (away from the needle)
& use the hand wheel on the right hand side of the machine to slowly
Lower the needle in the bobbin area & see if the bobbin thread will pick
Up that way

Make sure you have enough of a "tail" from teh bobbin... Probably 4 inches or so before starting. If that doesn't work, check upper tension and needle is properly seated.

The needle drags the thread down and then starts back up causing a loop at the eye which a shuttle goes through and acrries the upper thread over the bobbin. The upper thread then drags the bobbing thread up.

adjust tension on bobbin

all machines thread the same. TTN tension, take up, needle.
Beginning with the spool, guide the thread through the thread guides to the tension assembly. Pull the thread through the tension assembly and test it to make sure the tension is working correctly.
(To do this test, adjust your tension setting to normal or medium or 5 or something in the middle. Raise the presser foot and pull the thread through the tension. It should pull easily!! Lower the presser foot and pull the thread. It should pull noticeably harder.) If it passes this test, continue up through the take up lever,then down through the thread guides to the needle. Make sure your needle is fully inserted and turned the correct way.( If you load your bobbin case from the left side,the needle rule is normally FLAT to the RIGHT is RIGHT.
sewman7