Singer CG550 Mechanical Sewing Machine Logo
Teresa TA Posted on Mar 17, 2016
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

I need elp with tension on singer cg550

The tension on my machine is way off help me set it please

1 Answer

R.A. Ellis

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Singer Master 12,731 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 17, 2016
R.A. Ellis
Singer Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Jun 12, 2012
Answers
12731
Questions
2
Helped
2619058
Points
59176

You didn't explain the symptoms. Is the thread bunching, looping, knotting under the fabric? Is the bobbin thread rising to the top of the fabric?

If it is bunching under the fabric, it is probably what is called thread nesting or bird nesting. There are several fixes, sometimes more than one fix is required to resolve the issue.

Be sure to clean under the needle plate, around the bobbin, and the feed dogs. If the machine has instructions for oiling, follow the directions using a fresh, good quality sewing machine oil and apply only 1-2 drops each spot.

Install a brand new needle. Make sure you are using a needle compatible with the thread and fabric being used. All About Needles
Best practice is to use the same thread in both the upper and bobbin. Also, avoid old or bargain bin thread. Spend an extra couple of dollars to reduce frustration and increase success with your machine. If you wish, you may use two different colors of thread to test so you can easily determine what is happening with the tension.

Remove the thread from the machine. RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning--the thread needs to be seated firmly in the tension disk. Verify that the correct thread path is followed (consult the owner's manual).

Set the upper tension to the midway point between high & low numbers (this is the factory standard and is a good place to start, but every machine is different and may need adjustment).

Confirm that the bobbin is installed in the bobbin case (turning the correct direction) and that the bobbin case is threaded properly.

Before beginning to stitch, hand rotate the handwheel one rotation and pull the bobbin thread to the top of the fabric. Then, gently hold the thread tails in the left hand and slowly begin to stitch.

Test.

If thread is bunching, looping under the fabric, the upper tension is too loose. Tighten it and retest. On most machines, the lower the tension number, the looser the tension.

If the bobbin thread is rising to the top of the fabric, the upper tension is too tight. Loosen the upper tension and retest.

Keep adjusting and testing until it is where you want it. Generally, tension is correct when both threads (upper & bobbin) meet in the middle of the fabric. FWIW, tension is static and should be tested and readjusted every time a new project is begun. The needle, thread, and fabric will affect the tension, so it is important to get comfortable adjusting the tension.

Also found the following reviews. Appears that some users have had tension issues with their CG550.

Amazon com Customer Reviews Singer CG 550 10 Stitch Commercial Grade...

..

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Inherited Singer 755..need info on factory settings.. was sewing okay.. started having tension issues.. now it's a MESS! Help, please..

Remove the top thread from the machine.
Install a brand new needle.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning.
Verify the top and bobbin thread follow the correct thread paths.

Top tension factory setting is usually around the midway point, but that may need to be changed depending on what you are sewing. Correct tension is when the two threads meet in the middle of the fabric.
0helpful
2answers

How to adjust the feed dog tension on Singer CG550? It isn't strong enough to hold the fabric in place - stitches are uneven. My old Kenmore had an adjustable button on top above moving needle pole.

you are referring to the walking foot tension
ask a sewing machine repair shop how to adjust it
could be a lock washer held in place by a set screw where you loosen off the screw and push it closer against the spring and re tension the screw
0helpful
1answer

Why is my Brother SQ9185 Sewing Machine thread bunching up on the back side of the fabric?

That is called thread nesting or bird nesting. Usually it is because it is threaded incorrectly (sometimes the thread jumps out of a thread guide or the take-up lever), the upper thread is not seated in the tension disk, or the upper tension is incorrect.

First thing, install a brand new needle.
Second, remove the upper thread, RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning--make sure the correct thread path is followed.
Third, check that the upper tension is set at the midway point between high & low number.

Test. Adjust the upper tension as needed. Re-test. Tension is correct when the upper and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

need elp with tension on singer cg550

..
0helpful
1answer

What causes skipped stitches

Several things can cause skipped stitches.
Incorrect Tension,
Dull needle,
Wrong type of needle,
Machine Timing.
0helpful
1answer

How to repair the bobbin winder on the singer cg550

if you have a top bobbin winder that is jammed the only way to f ix it if you can't replace it is to put some WD40 on the spindle and let it soak down then put an electric drill over the spindle and switch on slowly and it should free off, if it just not catching to wind a bobbin you may need to replace the winder rubber which means getting inside the machine
0helpful
1answer

I teach sewing. A student had a problem with bunched threads on the underside of the fabric. I have tried figuring it out and every so often the thread stops looping. While sewing on the cg550 singer...

Make sure you have the correct bobbin, 66 class. Check the bobbin case. These machines use the apollo bobbin case that tend to get broken and then the thread hangs up.
0helpful
1answer

How do i fix the timing on my sewing machine

To do it properly you'll need the service manual. You can buy one (it's dowloadable!) here:
http://www.sewnotretail.com/service-manual-for-singer-commercial-grade-cg500-cg550-cg590-sewing-machine/

I was having the same problem and this worked out beautifully. I also adjusted the needle drive shaft height before I reset the timing. While you're at it, check the hook timing belt tension.
0helpful
1answer

Have a CG 500......the stitches pucker.. I have adjusted .the tension..but the only way to prevent this is to put the tension on 0............then this does not make good stitch.HELP

Try rethreading the top thread thru the tensioner. Make sure the presser foot is in the up position during threading, and as you go thru the tensioner you may need to pull the thread back and forth lightly to help it settle in the tension discs.

Also check the type of bobbin being used. Drop in bobbin machines need bobbins with rounded sides (class 66).
0helpful
1answer

Lost spool cap/holder

my CG550 is running very slow I need help?
Not finding what you are looking for?

517 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Singer Sewing Machines Experts

Cindy Wells

Level 3 Expert

6688 Answers

Mike Cairns
Mike Cairns

Level 3 Expert

3054 Answers

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Are you a Singer Sewing Machine Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...