How do I know if my bobbin tension is correct?
The thread should unwind just slightly and the bobbin case should drop an inch or two. If the thread unwinds without resistance and the case slips to the floor, your bobbin tension is too loose. If the bobbin case doesn’t budge, your bobbin tension is too tight.
Why is my thread looping underneath?
A: Looping on the underside, or back of the fabric, means the top tension is too loose compared to the bobbin tension, so the bobbin thread is pulling too much top thread underneath. By tightening the top tension, the loops will stop, but the added tension may cause breakage, especially with sensitive threads.
What settings should my sewing machine be on?
Most sewing is done in the 2.0 to 2.5 range. If you are foundation paper piecing, you may want to decrease your stitch length so that the paper tears away easier. Top stitching and quilting are usually done in the 3.0 to 3.5 range. Basting and gathering stitches are the longest, from 4.0 – 5.0.
How do you tighten thread tension?
Changing Bobbin Tension
You should see a small screw on the flat/closed side of the bobbin case. Turning the screw a tiny bit counterclockwise will loosen the bobbin tension; turning it clockwise will tighten the tension.
Why does my bottom thread keep jamming?
The tension could be too tight or too loose. Set the tension to the basic thread tension setting or adjust the tension manually. The combination of the needle size, thread size and fabric is incorrect. Be sure to use the correct size needle and thread for the type of fabric that you are sewing.
How do I stop my sewing machine from looping?
Looped stitches are usually caused by improper tension. If the loop is on the upper side, it may be corrected by loosening the top tension or by tightening the lower tension. If the loop is on the under side, it is usually best corrected by adjusting the upper tension.