I can't shorten the stitch. Is there some combo thing I need to do?

Since you indicated the machine has been cleaned and lubed, that is probably not the problem unless the stitch length lever is sticky or the feed dogs are hanging up somewhere. Suggest perhaps directing heated air from a handheld hair dryer into the internal mechanics (focus on the stitch selector lever and the feed dog mechanics) and see if that loosens anything.

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Bobbin tension is one of the biggest problems most sewing machine operators have. Check information sent for assistance on this.

this is likely a timing adjustment... use caution! what make and model do you have? this will determine what this screw does.

Hi there, there are a number of possible issues/solutions if your top stitch is loose 1. check to make sure it is actually in between the pressure discs on the tension dial...it's sneaky and will sometimes jump out to the front or the back but look like it's still in place. 2. Loosen the bobbin tension, sometimes even if the top is loose, you can counter that with a more loose bobbin tension. 3. Check the spring in the tension dial. PAY ATTENTION TO HOW THINGS COME OFF,THEY HAVE TO GO BACK ON IN REVERSE ORDER...With that being said, twist the knob counter clockwise until it comes off, then check the spring to see if it is damaged or if the 'spring' in the spring has gone on vacation. While you're there, clean all the bits with a clean dry cloth. Some threads are bonded/coated and leave a residue behind that can affect tension. 4. Another option is to wrap the thread around the tension dial twice, you may have to loosen the tension at that point ...just a bit at a time. 5. Make sure it is threaded properly, you may have missed something along the way (I am notorious for that, even though I've been doing this for a few centuries), the thread broke, or came out of the needle, it may have undone itself further back than you realized. That's all I've got, hope something helps, good luck.

It means that your top thread tension is tighter than your bottom thread, and it's pulling your bobbin thread up. You loosen your top thread by turning the dial towards the "S." You should only have to loosen it by a maximum of one number; if it's more than that, you may have to adjust the bobbin thread tension.

You do that by first turning off the machine and removing the embroidery unit. Turn the tension dial to S. It helps to use a different color top and bottom thread, with the scrap fabric a third color. Run a straight stitch and zigzag stitch and examine them. If one size of the zigzag looks like "chicken tracks" or one side of the straight stitch is a straight line, it means that side is too tight. Take a look at your user's manual on page 11. If your top tension is on "S" and it is the side that is too tight, you will need to tighten the bobbin tension, to match the top tension. Tensions are a BALANCE.

The next step needs to be done systematically and carefully. If you don't, you can really make things worse. Set your mind to doing everything step by step--don't get tempted to jump ahead. Take the needle plate off and take out the bobbin case, and locate two screws on the side. One is a Phillips screw--leave it alone. The other is a straight screw--that's the one, and you will need a tiny screwdriver to adjust it.

The rule is "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey." Remember, you are trying to match the top tension! Give the screw on the case no more than 1/4 turn, reinsert and retest. You should see at least a little improvement. Keep doing that until you have balanced your stitches, and DON'T jump ahead! The difference between too tight or too lose is often a very small turn of that screw--especially when you're close.

Which stitch are you using?

To check thread tension for straight stitches, use different colors of thread in your top thread and bobbin. If the top thread shows on the bottom of the fabric, turn the dial counter-clockwise (towards a lower number). If the bottom thread shows on the top, turn the dial clockwise. Do not adjust the tension too much (for example, go from 2 to 2.5 if increasing the tension) at a time; test another set of stitches. Alternatively, you can adjust the bobbin tension in the reverse directions. However, it's very easy to damage the set screw in the bobbin case so do this as a last resort. Since this is a vertical bobbin case, put the bobbin in and hold onto the thread. If the thread moves when you dangle the bobbin case, tighten the screw. Loosen the screw if the thread doesn't pull out of the bobbin when you hold the unit.

For zig-zag decorative stitches lower the tension until the puckering stops. Usually the top thread will show on the bottom of the fabric.

If the tension is not changing when you turn the dial, make sure that the presser foot is down. The sewing machine may need repair. The tension mechanism depends on a spring and that can break. See the Singer site for a parts breakdown and contact your Singer dealer for the parts.

If the top and bottom fabric are not moving at the same rate, you can get a different type of puckering. You may want to get an even feed foot if there are several layers of fabric.

The manual for the 3116 is available from Singer: http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/438_3116.pdf .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Hi. I think I know what you mean--the top thread looks like it's just laying across the fabric, right? This is because either the top tension is too tight or the bobbin tension is too loose. (Either condition will look the same.) Try it with a different color thread in the bobbin, you can easily see the bobbin thread cross the top thread on top of your fabric. Here's what to do:

1. since you should hardly ever need to adjust the bobbin thread, we'll start with the top thread.
   
2. Make sure you thread the machine with the pressure foot UP (opens the tension disks) but adjust the tension with the pressure foot DOWN (closes them so they will adjust). Use a size 12 or 14 needle and good-quality thread (it does make a huge difference!)
   
3. With different color thread on top and in the bobbin, stitch an inch or so and check the stitch.
   
4. Slightly loosen the top tension (move the dial so the numbers go lower). Don't move it a lot, just a little bit.
   
5. Stitch again and check. Repeat this process, stitching, checking, and gradually adjusting the tension dial until you don't see any of the bobbin thread on the top (or very, very little) and don't see any of the top thread on the underside (or very, very little).
   
6. IF this doesn't get the balance adjusted, then you'll have to play with the bobbin tension. (But generally, once this is set, you shouldn't have to mess with it again.)
7. There is a tiny screw on the bobbin carrier that tightens or loosens a very small metal strip (where the thread exits the carrier). To tighten the bobbin tension, screw this just a tiny bit to the right. (Turn it to the right to loosen the screw, to the left to tighten it.) Again, just make a small adjustment each time and recheck your stitches.
   

Few things about sewing are more frustrating than stitches that aren't balanced!

Sure hope this helps!


Robbie

the bobbin case has a small screw on the side for adjusting the tension, use a tiny screw driver to finely adjust the tension and sew on a scrap until the stitch looks good always turn the screw clockwise to turn the tension up and counter clockwise to loosen it

What needs to be adjusted? First of all make sure you have it threaded correctly. There are a lot more holes and threading points than an household sewing machine. If it is the tension that needs adjustment you will see the tension dial just above the needle slightly to the left. It's the grey knob. Turn it clockwise to tighten the tension. Turn it counter clockwise to loosen it. Thread with two different colors of thread, one color in the bobbin, another color for the spool. Sew a line of stitching...if you see the top spool thread pulling to the underside then you will need to tighten the tension. If the bobbin thread is pulling to the top side then you will need to loosen the tension. If you want to adjust the stitch length then turn the dial that has numbers on it. #2 is pretty small stitches, I use #3 for most sewing and #4 and 5 for topstitching or basting. Good Luck! Hopes this helps.

You can adjust the length of the Zigzag (Satin)
Stitch using the buttonhole fine-adjusting screw. You will find it right above your stitch selection dial.

> For a longer stitch length, turn the
buttonhole fine-adjusting screw with a large
screwdriver in the + direction.
> For a shorter stitch length, turn the
buttonhole fine-adjusting screw with a large
screwdriver in the - direction.

Hope this helps