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Hiro Chan Posted on Apr 15, 2015
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Bottom thread is still loose even if i try to balance the tension, how do i balance the thread tension?

Bottom thread is still too loose after adjusting thread tensioner

1 Answer

matty_w

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  • Singer Expert 631 Answers
  • Posted on May 11, 2015
matty_w
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Joined: Dec 16, 2009
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You bobbin tension CAN be adjusted. First, thread your machine with different colors in the top and bobbin, set your top tension at its default, and run a line of straight, and then a line of zigzag stitches, and compare the results at the top and bottom. You will be adjusting your bobbin to your top tension. If the top tension looks like a straight line instead of stitching and the zigzag looks like "chicken tracks" instead of a zigzag, but the bottom looks like a zigzag, your bobbin tension is too loose.

Remove the bobbin case, and locate the straight-slot screw. There are generally two; one is a Phillips and one is straight--you want the straight one. Leave the other alone.

The rule is "lefty-loosy, righty-tighty." If your stitching displays the above symptoms, it needs to be tightened, so turn 1/4 turn to the right--no more--then test again. You will need patience, but don't turn more than that. It is easy to do, but if you don't do it systematically, you can make things worse, and very slight adjustments can alter the stitching significantly.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Oct 29, 2007

SOURCE: sudden knotting under fabric

I have an Elna 2005 machine and had a similar but opposite problem whereby the tension up top was too tight - thread wouldn't pull smoothly. I found adjusting the feed dog lever slightly helped the stitches a lot, even though the needle tension up top is no better. Hope that helps! :-s

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Anonymous

  • Posted on Dec 14, 2007

SOURCE: Yet another stitch tension problem...

Thank you, thank you! I just tightened the screw on my bobbin case and that instantly fixed my thread tension problem. How on earth are you supposed to know about the little screw?! I thank you so much for the tip!

Anonymous

  • 124 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 01, 2009

SOURCE: euro-pro 464xc bottom tension loose

Welcome to FixYa!

Loose bottom stitches come from the top, not the bottom. Seems weird, but that's the way sewing machines work.

The dial tension should be set at the mid range and make absolutely sure that you have the machine threaded correctly. Both things will cause a sloppy bottom stitch.

Thanks!

If you find my solution helpful, I'd appreciate a FixYa rating....

Anonymous

  • 97 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 11, 2009

SOURCE: thread or bobbin tension

Thread tension. Beware of adjusting the bobbin screw. Pfaffs maintain their tensions just fine without adjusting the bobbin tension, unless you're using some crazy thick or fine thread. If you must change your bobbin tension, you would be well-advised to buy an extra bobbin case, because re-calibrating your tensions after changing them can be less than fun.

Increase your top tension, and your looping should cease. I normally keep my tension around 4.5. Also make sure you're using a good quality thread, and that there's nothing in the upper tension assemblies. Sometimes a tiny piece of debris can keep the top tension from applying enough tension, so turning the machine off and blowing some canned air in there can help as well.

Good luck,

-R

tflan

  • 26 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 13, 2009

SOURCE: bottom tension to tight

There's hardly any way to significantly adjust the bottom, or bobbin tension. There's just a small, flat spring attached to the side of the bobbin case, under which the thread runs. There's adjustment there. You need to adjust the top thread tension via the small thumbscrew that's against the plates on the top thread tension discs. Increase or decrease tension there until top and bottom threads are equally centered between layers of material.
You can adjust presser foot tension with the knurled nut at the top of the machine. I never had the kind of problem you mention though. I set my machine at about 6 stitches per inch or a little more (max is 5, recommended), and presser foot tension is only heavy enough to pull a single layer of material through.
Hope this helps.

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1answer

Janome 6500 Sewing Machine. CORRECT TENSION ON 6500 JANOME SEW MACHINE please.

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 ...

ManualsLib https://www.manualslib.com > ... > Instruction book

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
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How to fix the tension on the bottom part of the fabric with Jean material

With threading tension issues, first you start by checking the bobbin tension and once that is set correctly, everything is done using the top tension dial. This is explains in text article

What is Perfect Sewing Machine Tension? Perfect sewing machine tension occurs when the top and bottom threads are perfectly balanced. That means you shouldn't see any little loops on either the top or bottom of your fabric and the stitching should look even on both sides.

Sewing Machine Tension - Top 10 TIPS - Treasurie blog

The two top videos are excellent at explaining how to set bobbin tension, and how to diagnose where the issue is, top or bottom?

https://www.google.com/search?q=sewing+machine+tension

..
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White 1477. Can't get bottom stitches to right tension. It is almost a straight line, and top thread is perfects

Unfortunately, appearances are misleading. Tension is a tug of war, so if the bobbin thread lays on the surface of the fabric, it's because the top tension is too loose and is not pulling the bobbin thread up. Tension is correct when both threads meet in the middle of the fabric. Tighten the top tension and keep adjusting until the bobbin thread comes up into the fabric.
2helpful
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Can't get tension adjusted. Top loose, botton thread comes up over top fabric

bottom thread is loose, tighten the tensioner in the bobbin, (you might have to loosen the top to balance.) make sure thread was properly routed.


threading of bobbin sewing machine pictures Google Search




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0helpful
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The bottom thread shows on the top, and the top thread shows on the bottom evenly. Have rethreaded and changed needles. ???

To pull the thread through the material the thread tension for the top and bottom is too tight.
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0helpful
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The bottom thread on my brother ls-2125 is too loose how do i fix it

The tension may be incorrect, or the upper tension mechanism might be worn or damaged. Have you tried it on all the tension settings ?

Things you should always try when there is a thread problem; make sure the bobbin case area is well cleaned out, lint can cause many problems; try putting in a new needle; try a new spool of thread. Try rethreading the whole thing, a few times if need be.

Check every thread guide to be sure none of them has a nick or rough spot on it that may be damaging thread as it passes by. Change needles often, they get dull and worn and can cause issues. Even a brand new needle may sometimes have a burr in the eye, which will abrade thread and cause a lot of problems. Always have a few new needles on hand to try.

If it's still bunching up underneath after trying all that, the upper tension setting might be too loose. Tighten it, one setting at a time and stitch, check to see if things improve. If there is no setting on the tension dial that will give you a nicely balanced stitch, then it may need a new tension mechanism.

Some machines can be really picky about thread, so using very cheap thread can cause a lot of problems. If you've bought cheap thread, it's not worth the money saved.. buy good thread instead. The cheap stuff might do for hand basting maybe.

Brother has an excellent service department, one of the best I've ever come across, if all else fails.
0helpful
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Loose bobbin tension

the bobbin tension is set by that small spring plate that you pull the thread under after you put the bobbin back in the carrier / holder
a very small turn of that screw makes a big difference ob the tension unlike the needle thread tension
mostly the problem ( you never bothered to mention the symptom ) is bird nesting under the fabric which is the needle thread tension not tight enough
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How to thread the bobbin on a brother vx-810

The sewing on the bottom is loose because you don't have enough tension on the TOP thread. First, make absolutely sure you are threading the machine correctly. Next, while using 2 different colours of thread, tighten the top tension dial one number at a time and then checking the stitching, continue tightening the top tension until the sewing is even on the top and bottom of your cloth.
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I have a Singer 3140, and I have misplaced the book. I need to adjust the tension so that the threads are balanced, but have forgotten the correct procedure.

Get some scrap of the fabric you'll use.

Remember this phrase. Loops on bottom top tension too loose. Loops on top... top tension too tight. (or bobbin tension too loose)

In your case you need to loosen the top tension until you start to see loops on the bottom... then tighten it slightly.


Here's a manual for future reference
http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/652_288-974-972-244-2405-588-875-1195-3130-3140.pdf
1helpful
1answer

Sewing machine

The top tension pulls the top thread up. The bobbin tension pulls the bottom thread down. A balanced tension is an an even knot between the stitches.

If the thread is messy on the bottom, the top tension is non-existent or is too low. The top thread tension dial should be on 4 or 5. Pull the thread out and re-thread the machine with the presser foot up. If it is still messy, perhaps there is a burr on the bobbin case snagging the thread.
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