Thread Tension Dial Problems (6 Common Issues)
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Catie MacDonald
Thread Tension Dial Problems (6 Common Issues)
Even the most experienced sewists can attest that sewing machine tension dial problems can take an enjoyable project to the point of frustration. Here are 6 common tension dial problems you might encounter, to rescue you from the trouble and annoyance of fixing them.
- First, Rule Out Other Sewing Machine Problems
Before fiddling with your tension dial and causing unnecessary frustration, the most popular advice given in forums is to rule out all other problems. If your machine was working properly before but is now not stitching correctly, it is important to check several things before adjusting the tension dial. Here is a list of sewing machine settings to rule out before adjusting the tension:
Is the machine threaded correctly?
Remove the top thread and the bobbin thread and completely re-thread your machine, then test it out on scrap material. This simple step will often solve many issues. Be sure to thread your machine with the needle in the uppermost position and the presser foot up. Thread the machine slowly and carefully to be sure no steps are skipped.
-Does your machine need to be cleaned?
After removing your bobbin thread and top thread, use compressed air to clean out any lint and dirt from the machine.
-Do you need to replace the needle?
A worn-down needle struggling to go through the fabric can cause stitch problems that mimic tension problems. Be sure the needle is the correct size and thickness for the material. You may need to use a heavy-duty needle for thicker fabrics.
-Are you using the correct thread?
Check that your thread is the recommended weight for the material you are using. Too heavy thread for the material will cause slips. Low-quality thread can also cause problems.
-Is your sewing speed too high?
Sometimes more delicate fabrics need to be sewn slowly. Going too fast can cause slipped stitches and stitch problems.
- Visible Loops on the Underside of Stitching
One problem sewers experience is messy or looped stitches on the bottom of the fabric. The top stitches look fine but underneath is a mess. First, check the steps above to be sure your machine is threaded and maintained correctly. An incorrectly threaded bobbin is notorious for causing this problem. Problems on the underside of stitching indicate a top thread tension issue, often with the top tension dial set too low. After eliminating other causes, adjust the top tension dial slightly higher and try again on a sample piece of fabric. It is important to test your settings on the same weight and thickness of fabric as your desired final project.
Continue slightly adjusting the top tension higher and testing the results on test fabric until your stitches are uniform.
- Bobbin Thread Showing Through on Top of Fabric Stitching
Another common tension problem is when the bobbin thread pops through the topstitching and is visible. This can happen due to the top thread tension dial being set too high. After ensuring the machine is threaded correctly, adjust the top tension dial slightly looser and test out the stitching on scrap fabric. Again, ensure your test fabric is the same thickness and type as your desired final project. Continue adjusting and testing until you get the desired stitch.
- Fabric Puckers or Stretches After Sewing
If the sewing machine tension dial is too tight or too loose, the fabric can pucker or stretch under the seam. If puckering, lower the tension slightly and try again on sample fabric. If stretching, try increasing the tension.
Other causes of puckering or stretching:
-Presser foot too tight for material thickness
-Pulling on the fabric or feeding it in too fast when sewing
- Stitches Look Overall Sloppy or Non-Uniform
Although sewing machine users may immediately blame this problem on the tension dial, often skipped or sloppy stitches can be caused by other problems. Diligently rule out all other options before adjusting the tension, particularly if your machine was working well before. Especially if the top thread and bobbin thread both appear to be only visible on their respective sides, explore other options.
Once again, check the following items:
-Thread quality and type
-Is your thread the correct type for your material?
-Needle quality and type
-Inspect the needle - is it bent or worn?
-Fabric stretch direction
-If your fabric has stretch, sewing in certain directions can cause stitches to slip. Knit fabrics are notoriously difficult to sew uniformly, and are therefore usually recommended to serge instead of using a sewing machine.
- A Need to Adjust Bobbin Tension
If your machine has a removable bobbin case, the bobbin thread has an independent tension setting that may need adjusting. The removable bobbin case has a small screw that can be loosened or tightened with a screwdriver to adjust. This may need to be adjusted if it has been changed (accidentally or purposefully) in the past. Experienced sewists recommend adjusting this setting should only be attempted after eliminating all other possibilities, changed only very slightly, and tested diligently. Many users report never needing to make this adjustment through many different projects, so attempt this adjustment with caution. If your machine features a drop-in bobbin rather than a removable bobbin case, you are unable to change this setting without taking the machine apart. Therefore, it is unlikely the setting changed significantly from factory settings and rarely needs adjusting.
Top Tips When Adjusting The Tension Dial
When adjusting the tension dial, follow these tips to get the best results quickly:
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Make very slight adjustments, and test each adjustment out before adjusting further
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When testing adjustments, use the same material as your desired final project. Using extra scraps of the exact material is best. Different fabric thicknesses will sometimes require different tension dial settings.
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Have a tricky-to-assess problem? Use two different colors for the bobbin and top thread when testing. This makes it easier to see which thread is giving you trouble and easier to try different solutions. However, be sure to use the same brand and thickness of thread for both the top and bottom.
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Test the tension using a contrasting colored thread and fabric. Although often you want to go with a matching thread to blend seams on a final project, when troubleshooting tension problems it is easier to see what's happening if you use a contrasting thread color.
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Label each test sample. As you adjust and test, label each fabric piece with the setting used. This makes it easy to compare and contrast different adjustments.
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Keep a log with preferred tension settings for different materials and stitch types. If you often use a variety of fabric types or decorative stitches that require different tension dial settings, keep a list to save time when adjusting later.
The tension thread dial can be intimidating, but the big takeaway that experienced sewists will remind beginners is to try to eliminate all other problems before adjusting the tension dial. The second important point is to make very small adjustments and test frequently. A minor dial adjustment can make a big difference and is easier to manage and troubleshoot than a huge change.
If all options have been exhausted, it may be time to take your machine to an expert for an assessment. Sometimes the machine timing and feed mechanism can be faulty and need a tune-up.
Sources:
https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2015/10/13/how-to-achieve-ideal-sewing-machine-thread-tension**
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