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Posted on Sep 07, 2009
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My upper thread keeps getting tangled in the bobbin. i can'tfind my manual. Thanks

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  • Master 1,126 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 07, 2009
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  • Brother Master 1,388 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 07, 2009
Hassy
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Please TRY the solution BEFORE giving your considered rating.
Specific detail on bobbin case adjustment (with picture) near halfway down reply, the remainder will help you achieve a balance of top and bottom tensions.

Ensure that all is clean and free of lint and jams, this is the most likely cause....now for tension troubleshooting .......

This solution is for tension problems...if you cannot form any sort of stitch, the issue is quite different, so please let me know if you need a different problem solved.....

It is quite long, but just work through each section in order.

The "knotting 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 not 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 not 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 not recommend fiddling with bobbin tension without good reason, it may end up with missing small screws 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 (not 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 no 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 screw in the middle of the metalwork....

my upper thread keeps getting tangled in the - 4c76dc1.jpg ...the other screw at one end is holding it all together, so beware....it is not 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 no 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 screw 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 cannot 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....no 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 (another 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 consistent diameter with good thread, and less compensating to be done by your tension plates and less thread breaks

Best Wishes
Martyn
Bargain Box in Australia

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4 Related Answers

Anonymous

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  • Posted on Jun 11, 2009

SOURCE: Futura 350-can't pick up bobbin thread and upper thread is caught

your needle may be in backwards

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Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 12, 2009

SOURCE: upper thread keeps breaking bobbin thread grtting cut on bobbin,

I have a esanta-model ESI-2. I am home-bound. I love making quilts. I know my machine needs some oil, could someone pleaSE TELL ME WHERE AND HOW TO OIL MY MACHINE? Thank you in Advance, Jude [email protected]

Anonymous

  • 23 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 13, 2010

SOURCE: I can't keep the lower thread from getting tangled

Ensure that you have routed the bobbin thread properly. Also, if the bobbin case is not installed properly it will give you this problem. Ensure that the protrusion is touching the spring on the body of the machine.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Sep 29, 2010

SOURCE: The lower thread is tangled. Upper thread is

The top thread is fine but the thread on the botton is a mess sometimes is has to be cut out

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I have a babylock emp6 and it starts stitching the design then stops and says check upper or bobbin thread. THe threads seem fine it stitches a bit then says the same thing what can the problem be?

If your Babylock EMP6 embroidery machine starts stitching a design and then stops, displaying a message to check the upper or bobbin thread, there are a few potential causes for this issue:
  1. Thread tension: Improper thread tension can cause stitching issues. Ensure that both the upper and bobbin threads are properly threaded and the tension settings are adjusted correctly. Check the machine's manual for specific instructions on setting the thread tension.
  2. Thread breakage: Check both the upper and bobbin threads for any signs of breakage or tangles. A broken or tangled thread can cause the machine to stop and display the error message. If you find any issues, rethread the machine and ensure the threads are properly seated in the tension discs and bobbin case.
  3. Bobbin issues: Check the bobbin area for any obstructions, such as lint or tangled thread. Clean the bobbin case and ensure the bobbin is correctly inserted and spinning freely. If the bobbin is wound unevenly or has any defects, replace it with a new one.
  4. Needle issues: A bent or dull needle can cause stitching problems. Check the needle for any damage and replace it if necessary. Make sure you are using the correct needle size and type for the fabric and design you are stitching.
  5. Machine maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are important for the smooth operation of the machine. Clean out any lint or debris from the bobbin area, needle plate, and thread path. Lubricate the machine as recommended in the manual.
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I am having trouble getting the bobbin to function properly during sewing.

It could be the top thread is the problem. Might try removing all the thread. Consult the owner's manual for threading instructions. RAISE the presser foot BEFORE threading the upper thread so the thread will seat properly in the tension disk. Re-thread from the beginning carefully following the instructions--do not miss any spots or thread guides.

If top thread is still creating a mess of loops under the fabric, try tightening the upper tension. The tension is ideal when both upper and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

...
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How do I reassemble drop-in bobbin case for Brothers XL 2600 free arm?

Do you have some pictures of the area involved. I know how to put these things back but I can't think how to explain it to you.. pics might help me show you.

Brother has an outstanding service department, and if you don't have a manual, they should have one. Should have a pic of how it goes together.
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I keep getting error E6 on Brothers CS 6000i- I cleaned the thread several times and when I try to restart sewing it happens again. I've removed the bobbin and re-threaded and it keep jammin and beeping....

The motor locked up because the thread is tangled.
Solution:
Remove the tangled thread before continuing the operation.
Clean the bobbin case to remove the tangled thread.
After cleaning the bobbin case, insert the bobbin case properly.
If the needle is bent or broken, replace the needle.
Then, thread the upper thread properly, and continue the operation.
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Machine is showingE6

The motor locked up because the thread is tangled. Remove the tangled thread before continuing the operation.Clean the bobbin case to remove the tangled thread. After cleaning the bobbin case, insert the bobbin case properly. If the needle is bent or broken, replace the needle.Then, thread the upper thread properly, and continue the operation.
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I am using my new brother CS-60001 sewing machine for the first time and I can't stop the bobbin thread from tangling. I feel the machine is threaded correctly, the bobbin thread is tightly wound and...

Hi. You "feel" that the machine is threaded correctly? You should probably completely pull the thread out and start over, making certain that it is threaded correctly. Once that is done, double check to make sure the thread is pulled all the way into the tension discs. Make sure also that you have lowered the presser foot. Is the bobbin inserted in it's case correctly? Every aspect is critical to proper function. You may also want to revue your manual.
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I can't keep the lower thread from getting tangled. I have rewound bobbins, cleaned the bobbin case, made sure the bobbin case is in the correct position, and played with the upper thread tension. When...

Ensure that you have routed the bobbin thread properly. Also, if the bobbin case is not installed properly it will give you this problem. Ensure that the protrusion is touching the spring on the body of the machine.
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My sewing machine keeps getting jammed when sewing. the top stitch keeps getting tangled in with the bobbin thread and jamming up the machine.

Hello,
Here are a couple of things to try.

* Un-thread your machine and remove your bobbin. Clean any loose thread or lint out of your
bobbin case. Re-thread your machine, reinsert and re-thread your bobbin.

* Change your bobbin
There could be a nick along the edge of your bobbin spool that’s catching your thread as you
sew.

* When you start to sew a seam, grasp the upper and bobbin thread tails. Hold them back
and out of the way as you sew your first couple of stitches. This will keep them from getting
caught in your machine.

I hope this helps.

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