I CAN'T FIND MY MANUAL AND THE THREAD TENSION IS OFF. CAN YOU SEND ME THE PAGES THAT TALK ABOUT H0W TO ADJUST THE TENSION ?

It sounds like you may need to adjust the tension on the bobbin thread. Check the bobbin case to make sure that it is properly placed in the bobbin holder, as well as make sure the tension on the thread is correct. If the thread still won't pick up, you might need to adjust the upper tension as well. I recommend referring to your machine's manual for specific instructions on how to adjust the tension.

Hello Mary Jane,
Are there loops on the underside of the stitching? This means that the top tension is too loose -- increase the needle tension.

Are there loops on the topside of the stitching? This means that the top thread is too tight -- decrease the needle tension.

The user manual refers to this on pages 30 and 35. The manual is available free at

http://www.pfaff.com/SiteMedia/PFAFF/Products/Machines/creative-line/creative1_5/Manual/creative_1-5_manual_EN.pdf

Please give be a thumbs up if this is helpful, otherwise please provide more information.
Happy Stitching
Sewingirl/

This machine has an electronic thread tension control. You'll only be able to adjust the tension for the current stitch, until you turn off the machine or change your stitch selection. Press the Setting button and use the Up/Down arrows on the wheel to get the move the setting selection box on the Thread tension line, if needed. Use the Left/Right arrows on the wheel to increase or decrease the tension. Press OK (the center of the wheel) to save this tension. Test the tension on a scrap of your project and repeat the steps until the thread tension is appropriate for the project. Press Info when in the sewing mode to see the current thread tension.

The manual for the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0 (and a couple of other models in the Expression line) is available from Pfaff here: http://www.pfaff.com/SiteMedia/PFAFF/Products/Machines/Support-manuals/expression_2_3_4-manual-EN.pdf?ext=.pdf . See page 2:16 (page 28 of the PDF) for the details. Pages 2:10-2:11 show the buttons for the Expression 4.0.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

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

there is a manual pdf down load from manualslib.com that explains where the thread tensioner is and how to adjust page 17 of 46 pages
it shows how to thread the machine correctly
the tensioner is a wheel at the top of the machine that turns 0- 6 notches to the left or 0- 6 notches to the right ( 12 possible tensions)
download the manual( free) as it explains probably better than the user manual
it is for your machine
I found it by going google and typing in--how to adjust thread tension on a janome memory craft 3500 and found that manualslib site

According to the manual, you should not need to adjust the bobbin tension (and I located other sites which stated the bobbin tension cannot be adjusted on this machine). Apparently, all the tension adjustment is accomplished through the upper thread::
"EN Thread Tension Upper thread tension Basic thread tension setting: "4". (1) To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next number up. To reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number down. A. Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing. B. Thread tension too loose for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to higher number. C. Thread tension too tight for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to lower number. D. Normal thread tension for zig zag and decorative sewing. Correct thread tension is when a small amount of the upper thread appears on the bottom side of fabric. Lower thread tension The bobbin tension has been set correctly at the factory, so you do not need to adjust it. Please note: - Proper tension setting is important for strong seams. - There is no single tension setting appropriate for all stitch functions, thread or fabric. - A balanced tension (identical stitches both top and bottom) is usually only desirable for straight stitch construction sewing. - 90% of all sewing will be between "3" and "5". - For zig zag and decorative sewing stitch functions, thread tension should generally be less than for straight stitch sewing. - For all decorative sewing you will always obtain a nicer stitch and less fabric puckering when the upper thread appears on the bottom side of your fabric. 1 A B C 22 D"

Doing further research, I found this statement on a machine review site:
"After reading reviews online from where I've bought my drop-in bobbin machines, I think many of the negative reviews are due to the bobbin thread coming up without laying across the bobbin. It can cause the stitches to look very sloppy and no amount of tension adjusting can fix the stitches."

There are several machine review sites wherein 4423 owners stated their disappointment in the 4423's performance. Some said the machine failed almost immediately and others said the machines developed problems when sewing heavy fabric.

Firstly, have you got an Elna metal bobbin? it should be solid on the bottom and have 7 holes on top. It is essential that you always use it this way, wind it with the holes on top and load it into the bobbin holder the same way.


Have a look at the image above, you need to load the bobbin in and click the thread into the tension spring so it doesn't lift back out when you pull the thread upwards. There should be an audible click as it goes in.

If you can't get it right or this image is just too small, feel free to email me and I'll send you the image and talk you through it, I have a TSP machine too. [email protected].

Also, check my tip on bobbin winding here http://www.fixya.com/support/r10598580-winding_bobbin_correctly it is important to get a good even tension onto your bobbin as you wind the thread on, you may need to manually add some tension to the thread as it winds off the spool, as I've described in my tip. I sold these machines for Elna and customers would bring them in complaining of problems with their machine. Almost aways, it was the needle in backwards, bobbin upside down, thread/lint buildup in the bobbin race or badly wound bobbin that was the problem.

Hope this helps you Gaylene, but if not, please email, I may be able to send you the relevant manual pages.

This is usualy a thread tension problem. Adjust the upper thread tension first. If tightening the upper thread tension doesn't work, then adjust the bobbin holder (lower thread tension) check with the user manual for your specific machine for the correct procedure.

Is the thread clipped into the tension spring correctly and is the bobbin winding in the correct direction? Check your manual to see which way your bobbin winds.

There is good basic information on the www.sewing.about.com pages that are very helpful with threading, bobbins etc.

I always do the "Dangle" test with a bobbin case system, you should be able to suspend the bobbin by the thread and it should dangle in the air, so tension enough to hold it, but you should also be able to gently pull on the bobbin case and the thread should release when you pull. If you adjust the tension screw on the bobbin case, always , only a quarter turn at a time to adjust. Use a small screwdriver to do this adjustment and only change it a very little, test again, until you get it set right.

basic tension instructions apply...bottom tension should be moderate, thread should pass when holding thread and dangle the case. Top tension should pull bottom thread JUST to the top side of fabric. thread bobbin case counter clockwise.