<!-- from fixya rte -->Advice on how do I adjust tension - Janome Sewing Machines

Tension is most often adjusted at the top tension dial. Only in extreme cases where the top tension does not make the needed adjustments would you need to adjust the bobbin tension. Also, bobbin tension is very sensitive and can easily throw your machine into a tizzy.

Basically, sewing machine tension is simply a tug-of-war between the top and bobbin thread. When they are equally matched, the threads will meet in the middle of the fabric. This is the optimum tension for most sewing. If the bobbin thread is coming up to the top of the fabric, the top tension is too tight--loosen it. If the top thread is going to the underside of the fabric, the top tension needs to be tightened. The higher the number on the dial, the tighter the tension.

FWIW, tension is static. It is not one of those, set it and leave it forever deals. Whenever the fabric, needle, thread are changed, there's a good chance the tension will need to be tweaked.

Understanding Thread Tension Threads

The right tension on an overlocker will vary depending on the result that you want. The standard tension for just a plain 4-thread overlock stitch would generally have all the thread tensions set at the halfway mark between the high and lower number. From that point, you may need to tighten or loosen each thread tension to get all the threads to stitch evenly.

Probably the best advice would be consult your owner's manual. It should have instructions on adjusting the tensions and what to look for.

Another suggestion would be to search YouTube for a video that shows how to adjust overlocker tension.

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Besides the other advice here, check your bobbin case. At first I didn't get my thread hooked into the bobbin case properly and had problems that looked like the bobbin tension was not adjusted properly. I have to take the case out, put in the bobbin to make sure it's caught properly and then put it back into the machine. This is what worked for me.

hi there
1 - are you sure you are use DBx1 needle ?
2- check tension spring for bobin case it's not open too much gust pull the threrad you will feel light tension not too much not too losse.
3 - check timing between needle and hook is ok orno?
best regards
ashraf abozid
[email protected]

Hi Mary! These old Singers are such wonderful machines! I'm always glad to hear from someone who loves them and uses them--they will last practically forever with very little ever going wrong.

Sounds like your upper tension is a little loose. I like to use different color threads on top and in the bobbin, to make the stitches easier to see. Also, are you using size 12 needles and 50 wt thread when you're adjusting the tension? Sometimes having a larger (or smaller) needle and/or thread can throw the tension off just a bit. Also, make sure the pressure foot is up when you're threading the machine but down when you adjust the tension and that you only adjust the tension in tiny increments.

You may need to adjust the bobbin tension--but that very seldom needs to be adjusted.

It's also possible that there's a bit of thread or lint caught in the tension disks or in the bobbin area.

Please let me know if these suggestions work.

Happy Sewing!

Robbie

Try raising the presser foot lever when you thread the machine so the thread can seat into the tension control.

first thing to do is lodge a complaint
and send all emails via ebay so it is recorded,
if you paid via pay pal you may have some kind of guarantee. over lockers can be very sensitive and may require some thing as simple as adjustment or lubrication or at worst a service.
threads breaking are caused buy poor thread quality or over tension,or wrongly threaded.
Over tension can be caused by the the tension guides being rusty or stuck. pull the thread through the tension guides to see if it is moving with some minor friction. hope this helps

This is a tension problem.
In addition to the top thread having a tension adjustment there is the facility to adjust the tension of the bottom(bobbin) thread.
Both these tensions need to be correct to get a balanced stitch and to stop the loose threads underneath the cloth.
It is almost impossible to explain how to adjust the bottom tension you need to be shown.
Somewhere in your manual it should explain how to do this.

Hi,

Is it a three or four thread machine?

A three thread has little strength used as a seam.

On a four thread,basically, it is a tension problem. You need to ensure that the presser foot is in the up position before threading. The correct path is followed for all threads. You are using good quality thread. Reset the dials to 'normal tension' #3 or 4 .... then slowly work your way from there. The manual should offer advice on which tension to adjust to correct a particular problem.

Good luck!