Tension Problems Solved The Easy Way

Before adjusting the tensions on your sewing machine always

• change your needle first to see if it corrects the problem.
• Be sure to check between the tension discs for built up lint or dirt.
• Make sure the thread has not slipped out of the tension discs.

Sewing machine tension problems can be identified by the following symptoms:

Loose Tension

• Loops on bottom of fabric.
  When you see loops on the bottom side of the fabric you are sewing, the most common cause is the top tension is too loose. Increase the top tension a number at a time until the loops disappear.
• Loops on top of the fabric.
  Loops on the top of the fabric is normally caused by the top tension being too tight. If the top tension is too tight, the bobbin thread cannot pull the top thread into the fabric causing looped stitches on the top side of the fabric. This can also occur if the bobbin thread has come out of the bobbin case tension. If this is not the case, you may have to increase the bobbin tension by turning the tension screw clockwise slightly.
  

Tight Tension

If the top tension is too tight , the bottom of the fabric will show well defined stitches while the top of the fabric will show the needle thread laying on top of the fabric.

If the bobbin tension is too tight, the top of the fabric will show well defined stitches while the bottom of the fabric will show the bobbin thread laying on the bottom of the fabric.