Juki HZL-E61: cannot get tension right on straight stitch

Question edited for clarity.
Please don't type in all CAPS, it is considered SHOUTING and is harder to read.

Sewing machine tension is a delicate tug of war between the bottom Bobbin tension and the Upper tension to put the loop between the 2 layers of fabric. You set the Bobbin tension first and the the top tension depends on the fabric and the thread used.

Your Bobbin tension is very very loose to be not tensioning at all or the top tension is too loose.

Adjusting The Tension - Janome Memory Craft 6500 ...

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Janome Memory Craft 6500 Professional Manual Online: balancing thread tension, Adjusting The Tension. Correct Tension: The Ideal Straight Stitch Has Threads ...

Best video on tension

When experiencing a sewing machine jam and encountering an error message like "lower pressure foot" on the Juki HZL-F600 Quilt & Pro Special, it indicates there may be an issue with the machine's threading, bobbin, or pressure foot. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

1. Rethread the Machine: Start by completely rethreading both the top thread and bobbin thread. Ensure that the threads are properly seated in the tension disks, thread guides, and the bobbin case. Follow the threading instructions in the machine's user manual to ensure correct threading.
2. Check the Bobbin: Remove the bobbin and inspect it for any tangles, knots, or thread buildup. Clean out any lint or debris in the bobbin area. Make sure the bobbin is wound correctly and placed in the bobbin case with the thread feeding in the correct direction.
3. Verify the Pressure Foot: Double-check that the pressure foot is properly attached and lowered. Ensure that it is securely in place and there are no obstructions preventing it from making proper contact with the fabric.
4. Adjust Thread Tension: Incorrect thread tension can also cause sewing issues. Experiment with adjusting the tension settings on the machine to find the optimal balance for your fabric and thread. Refer to the machine's user manual for guidance on adjusting thread tension.
5. Clean and Lubricate: Regularly clean and lubricate your sewing machine to ensure smooth operation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and lubrication, and pay special attention to the bobbin area and the needle area.
6. Seek Professional Assistance: If the issue persists after attempting the above steps, it is recommended to contact a qualified technician or the Juki customer support for further assistance. They can provide specialized guidance and troubleshooting specific to your Juki HZL-F600 Quilt & Pro Special machine.

Remember to always consult the machine's user manual for specific instructions and guidance. If you're uncertain or uncomfortable performing any troubleshooting steps, it's best to seek professional help to avoid potential damage to the machine.

If your Juki HZL-210 Excite's automatic thread cutter is cutting your thread when you're trying to straight stitch, there are a few things you can check:

1. Make sure you're using the correct presser foot: If the wrong presser foot is installed, it can activate the automatic thread cutter when you don't want it to. Ensure that you're using the appropriate presser foot for your straight stitch.
2. Check your thread tension: An incorrect thread tension can also cause the automatic thread cutter to activate at the wrong time. Make sure your thread tension is properly set for the type of fabric you're using and the type of stitch you want to make.
3. Clean the machine: Accumulated lint or debris can cause the automatic thread cutter to malfunction. Use a brush or compressed air to clean the machine, particularly around the thread cutter mechanism.
4. Reset the machine: Turn off the machine and unplug it for a few minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on again. This can sometimes reset the automatic thread cutter and resolve any issues.

If none of these solutions work, you may need to take your machine to a professional for servicing or repair.

Check your stitch sample. The loose stitches under the fabric--are they actually top thread???? Usually,stitch problems under the fabric is a result of a top thread problem. In this case, it could be bird nesting.

Remove the top thread from the machine.
Install a brand new needle.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot.
Rethread from the beginning.

Sewing Machine Thread Bunching Up Here Why

Birds nest under the fabric big loops of thread top side looks good...

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.

the machine may need to be serviced, the needle bar may need adjusting, also could be something wrong with the motherboard

1. . re-thread your machine with a rainbow of colors. (important that you remove the existing threads if you are not sure it is threaded properly.) make sure you are lifting the presser foot while rethreading.
2. Sew a good 6 inches.
3. Look to see which threads are the offenders and tighten the co-responding tension knobs a little.
4. Sew another 6 inches. Examine the result. Adjust tension again if needed.
5. Work this way until you have the stitch balanced.
   
6. Finally when your stitches are perfect. clip the threads at the spools in back. And tie on the coordinating colored thread for your fabric.

Get used to this procedure since it is common to have to adjust tensions when you change fabric. Good luck!

try a new needle--one that is for the fabric being sewed
then try to adjust the top thread tension again, if the stitches remain loose and the tension won't adjust then the tension knob needs to be checked to see if there is something wrong with it.
also check to make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly into the bobbin case, if the bobbin is not turned the right way in the bobbin case the sewing machine will not stitch correctly.

Hello

Adjust the tension

Load your sewing machine with one color on top, threaded through the needle. Load the second color thread into the bobbin and thread.


Fold the scrap fabric in half, and sew a straight stitch at least 2 inches long. Look closely at the seam. If you see loops of the bottom color thread on top of the fabric, proceed to Step 3. If you see loops of the top color thread on the bottom of the fabric, proceed to step 4.


Loosen the top tension. Since the top tension is so tight, it is pulling the bottom thread up through the fabric. Loosen the top tension by turning the numbered knob on the front of the sewing machine counterclockwise by one number.


Tighten the top tension. Since the top tension is too loose, the bottom thread is pulling the top thread down through the fabric. Tighten the top tension by turning the numbered knob on the front of the sewing machine clockwise by one number.


Sew a straight stitch 3 inches in length. Check the stitching. It is perfect if the threads meet in the middle, and you can only see the top thread on top and the bottom thread on bottom. If it still needs adjusting, go back to step 2 to repeat the needed steps.


Using two different colored threads makes it easier for you to see which thread is being pulled.

Always use proper precautions when working with electrical machines.

Hi, my wife and I just bought a Juki HZL-E80... I love the machine. I had a problem like you discribe...This problem can come from two sources...one the bobin has been installed improperly. ...or been wound incorrectly by not haveing adjusted the Bobbin tension ...I did the tension adjustment with the screwdriver supplied with the machine accessories. Also...this is a biggie...the auto matic needle threader works great...but I discovered that when I preformed this function..that I over looked the thread holder that keeps the thread even with the needle....so, the solution is to thread the needle then be sure to check that the thread coming down from the spool is placed behind the little wire holder above the needle...I hope this helps you ...because it is a wonderful machine.....Bill & Donna Bramble...Caldwell Idaho...