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Re: How do I adjust the tension on the bobbin Kenmore 10
Hi, if you really want to try it (and are prepared to have to take it in to have it properly readjusted), you'll take out the bobbin case, find the tension screw (it's usually on the end of a leaf-type spring) and tighten or loosen the screw. This is normally done in 1/8th turn increments or less. Be extremely careful in loosening the tension-- the little screw has a habit of jumping out of the case and promptly disappearing forever.
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Can be several causes. In typical probable order for rotary hook machines;
1.Top thread tension is too high (lower tension)
2.Top thread snagging at spool or elsewhere (for hoizontal spool use larger spool cap and/or machine not threaded per specific instructions)
3.Bent needle or barbed needle point (replace needle)
4.Needle not properly inserted into holder (see specific machine instructions)
5.Debris in shuttle hook/race (clean bobbin, hook, race)
6.Wrong bobbin (replace with proper machine bobbin)
7.Bobbin thread tension too high (reduce bobbin spring pressure, likewise top thread tension)
8.Poor quality or extremely light thread (if using cotton only thread, test sew with a polyester blend and see if problem goes away)
9.Bobbin case (replace bobbin case)
10.Machine timing. (check/adjust timing)
11.Burr in hook race, this can happen if a broken needle point jams in the race (remove burr or replace race)
12.Machine timing. (adjust timing)
13.Hook is worn or damaged (typically not a worn hook unless a few hundred hours of use, look for a barbed or bent hook point)
Watch following Singer video... see testing top thread tension. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7N4XaIV6ms
and following animation on generic rotary hook sewing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqRvljnNLFk
The thread tension dial is right above the needle. A higher number increases the tension (pulls the bobbin thread closer to the top of the fabric). A lower number decreases the top tension and allows more of the top thread to be pulled down to the underside of the fabric. FWIW, the standard setting is the midway point, but machines vary and change with age, so the tension may need to be adjusted with every project.
NOTE--when threading the top thread, be sure to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot.
Usually, tension adjustments are made to the top. The bobbin tension is adjusted mainly only when using a different weight of thread (either very thin or very thick). Very seldom is the bobbin tension changed.
Hello Sharon, Remove the bobbin case from your machine. On the side of the bobbin case you will find a single slotted screw. If you want more bobbin tension, turn that screw to the right. ( clockwise ) If you want less bobbin tension, turn that screw to the left. ( counter clockwise ) When you change the bobbin tension, you may also need to adjust your needle tension to match.
Load your Kenmore sewing machine with the right thread and bobbin thread for your project. If you use the wrong weight thread for your fabric or severely uneven weights of thread, this can cause the appearance of a tension problem when it is, in fact, a thread weight problem or a problem with your sewing speed. If you go too fast, you will break the thread. If you go too slow, you can cause loops. Uneven pressure can cause stitches to vary greatly.
Test your Kenmore sewing machine's tension by sewing on a piece of scrap fabric. If your tension is way off, then test on some basic cotton or a firm blend simply to get your tension right. Do not try to start adjusting your tension on silk or leather. Get a base adjustment on a more standard fabric first.
Look at the top threads and bottoms threads. If the tension is off on one side, it will usually affect the other side slightly. So select the side that looks more maladjusted to start adjusting the tension.
If the top thread is too loose or too tight, you will need to adjust the tension dial. This dial is usually located a few inches above the needle on the Kenmore machine body. Usually, your machine will have markings to indicate which direction tightens the tension. If these have worn off over the years, watch the dial as you turn it. If it appears to move toward the machine body, then it is tightening.
If the bottom thread is too loose or too tight, then you will need to open the door to the bobbin case. On some Kenmore models, there is a little screw near the bobbin case that can be adjusted slightly to adjust the tension. On other Kenmore models, there is a screw on the bobbin case itself--not on the bobbin, but on the bobbin's casing. This will also adjust the bottom thread tension. Adjust the bobbin thread tension to make slight changes.
If the thread is looping severely on one side, the thread weights might be off. For instance, look to see if you have a lightweight thread on the bobbin and a heavyweight one on the top. If the thread keeps breaking, the top tension or bottom tension could be too tight or the thread is too lightweight for the material you have selected. Check your combination of threads and material. Also make sure you are using the right weight needle and the right foot for the sewing step or project you are working on.
If your Kenmore sewing machine's tension is off severely or if you have not used your Kenmore in a long time, then you might need to take your machine in to be serviced. Sometimes, the inner parts need to be oiled or the entire machine might need to be cleaned and calibrated by a professional. If you sew a great deal or if your machine sits idle a lot, both situations will usually require some servicing to keep your Kenmore sewing machine and its tension in perfect working condition.
looped stitches are usually caused by improper tension. when the loop is on the upper side, it may be corrected by loosening the top tension or by tightening the lower tension (turn the tension screws on the bobbin a hair at a time)
since using the machine only a few times it is best to clean the machine from dust (can use a can of air) blow air into the bobbin area and between the tension disks and under the throat plate.
make sure the machine is threaded correctly and bobbin is evenly threaded
If You have a drop in bobbin you will have to remove the hook and adjust the tension, however try adjusting the top tension before you remove the hook.
When you see the bobbin thread on top of the fabric this can be on e of 2 things usually. 1) thath the top thread tension is too tight or that the bobbin thread loose. Remember the saying righty tighty, lefty loosey. If you have adjust the top tension and it has helped just not enough perhaps you need to try the bottom a small screwdriver to turn the little screw on the outside of the bobbincase may do the trick. only small adjustments 1/4 turn at the most at a time to the right to start with.
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