tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post2154823286388537098..comments2024-02-17T15:05:36.279+00:00Comments on The Sewing Corner: "How to Get Your Sewing Machine Thread Tension and Stitch Quality Right"Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-20281930077795378942013-11-13T13:58:45.294+00:002013-11-13T13:58:45.294+00:00Hello Taylor,
Usually when that happens to my sew...Hello Taylor,<br /><br />Usually when that happens to my sewing, I have missed something in threading or the thread has come out of place somewhere. I was using a sewing machine at college the other day and it happened; someone had miss-threaded the bobbin.<br /><br />I have tried to learn how to service my own machine but the smell of the oil and the strength required with a screwdriver suggested to me that mechanics is not my forte. The information I used was from Trumble, but it wasn't all that helpful for me.<br /><br />This woman is quite good for beginners on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONcv50OoQYkSWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-13321945417765228042013-11-12T17:20:26.646+00:002013-11-12T17:20:26.646+00:00I forgot to ask - is there a how-to website or vid...I forgot to ask - is there a how-to website or video you would recommend for servicing & cleaning your own machine? I use a brother as well.Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08266379076513543639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-82733839807981539922013-11-12T17:18:32.117+00:002013-11-12T17:18:32.117+00:00Hi there! Thank you so much for this. I do have a ...Hi there! Thank you so much for this. I do have a question though... <br />Lately every time I sew, the thread seems to bunch or be too loose - I have changed the tension setting and each time there is something wrong with the sewing (one side will look perfect, but the other side is all knotted). No tension number works! I have cleaned out my bobbin & underneath. I also changed the needle, but I am stumped since I am using the same needle and thread type as when it was working perfectly. help!Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08266379076513543639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-91609254784407144912013-10-01T18:55:10.848+00:002013-10-01T18:55:10.848+00:00I am going to give the tension a try tomorrow - I&...I am going to give the tension a try tomorrow - I've been sewing with no issues and all of the sudden after like two or three stitches the needle won't hold the thread and comes totally undone - I cannot make any progress! I'm sewing with thick fabrics so I will try the tension. ARG!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14586651137215745768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-78404770281075808862013-09-29T14:52:47.357+00:002013-09-29T14:52:47.357+00:00Thank you so much for your help, just saved me loa...Thank you so much for your help, just saved me loads of time was about to start hand sewing as didn't think my machine could handle my heavy fabric but changed my foot and tension and voila all sorted, thanks again Rebbecca.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-28430597463132894142013-09-18T10:59:31.573+00:002013-09-18T10:59:31.573+00:00Thank you, thank you, after 2 days of messing I re...Thank you, thank you, after 2 days of messing I read your article! Changed the needle, no luck, altered the tension (I didn't actually think 4/5 were to use, bit like 100 mph on the car!), still no luck, one new reel of cotton later, perfect! <br />Guess I won't be buying anymore bargin packs of thread.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-68836667843677712112013-09-13T19:07:38.342+00:002013-09-13T19:07:38.342+00:00Hi,
Sorry it's taken so long to reply; I'v...Hi,<br />Sorry it's taken so long to reply; I've just started college. :)<br /><br />It sounds like the first thing you should do is change needles. Try a universal needle, size 80 or 90. If you still have now luck, try sewing with the fabric between two layers of tissue paper. Also, check the tension is on a "normal" setting (usually 3-5).SWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-48674302544977807072013-09-05T17:24:26.486+00:002013-09-05T17:24:26.486+00:00Ive read through all the comments to find someone ...Ive read through all the comments to find someone with similar problem to mine but no luck :( so i thought id comment myself.<br /><br />My sewing machine sews fine on majority of fabrics except for this one cotton T-shirt that i wanted to make. It was orginally an old t shirt that i wanted to change the cut of but the machine wont sew on it properly. I tried zig zag and straight stitch but it comes out loose and the thread doesnt even go through the fabric (i can pull it right out)<br />Its kind of stretchy and its 100% cotton, maybe because its too old? <br /><br />thank you in advance :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-32314883866074175182013-08-30T15:51:49.571+00:002013-08-30T15:51:49.571+00:00Sorry, I'm not an expert. :) All I can suggest...Sorry, I'm not an expert. :) All I can suggest is to get your sewing machine serviced; maybe it just needle a thorough clean out.SWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-23192526219628954332013-08-27T20:56:49.937+00:002013-08-27T20:56:49.937+00:00_Please help!
I was recently given a Kenmore Ultr..._Please help!<br /> I was recently given a Kenmore Ultra Stitch 6. When I try to sew zigzag (rehemming napkins) the tension slips the thred out and it subsequently breaks. Also the stitches do not look like satin stitches.Any suggestions before I tackle slipcovers for my camelback couch.<br /> carolmounier, Orlando, Floridacarolmounier@aol.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-53772007091989375542013-08-22T16:41:56.991+00:002013-08-22T16:41:56.991+00:00Thank you! :)Thank you! :)SWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-76480960034922529802013-08-22T16:41:34.914+00:002013-08-22T16:41:34.914+00:00It could be the tension, but better carefully reth...It could be the tension, but better carefully rethread your sewing machine top and bottom as the manual instructs first to make sure nothing is caught. If you don't have a manual, you should be able to find it on Singer's US website.<br /><br />If it is the tension, see which side of the material the tight thread is - if it's the top one, lower the tension; if it's the bottom one (and you dare), try lowering the bobbin tension. There will be a little screw somewhere on the bobbin case near a sort of metal flappy thing that holds the thread in place. Turn the screw about an eighth to a quarter of a turn anti-clockwise and see if that makes a difference. You can find out more about bobbin tension by Googling it; it's a of bit trial and error. <br /><br />Different machines take different fine tuning and even changing your needle size/type could make all the difference. Try a Universal size 90/14 needle.SWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-61442299743466197382013-08-19T05:52:01.068+00:002013-08-19T05:52:01.068+00:00Thank you so much Sabrina :)
What a brilliantly e...Thank you so much Sabrina :) <br />What a brilliantly explained and helpful thread. ..x Blessings from Millie x Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-45271638456216365722013-08-17T13:41:13.286+00:002013-08-17T13:41:13.286+00:00Hi, trying to take a hem up in 100% polyester dres...Hi, trying to take a hem up in 100% polyester dress. Material is catching and puckering - it the tension? I'm a total novice using a machine that was my mums. It's a singer 257 and the tension setting is 3-4. Should it be a higher number? Thanks in advance<br /><br />Maggie TMaggie Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02531270930109229367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-67030488939069072672013-08-13T08:27:35.660+00:002013-08-13T08:27:35.660+00:00Sorry I've taken so long to reply; I've ju...Sorry I've taken so long to reply; I've just moved house and we've only just got the Internet working again.<br /><br />First advice is to use a new needle and quality thread. The tension for thicker places must be a bit higher than the thinner places. I would say at least a 5 or 6. You will also find it helps to lengthen your stitch by a millimetre or two.<br /><br />When you sew over "speed-bumps" you usually have to have a humper-jumper or some rolled up fabric or something to keep the presser foot level and maintain the thickness of fabric under it. Otherwise it's like driving on road-wide pot holes; if you can imagine how unpleasant that would be you can imagine what the sewing machine is going through! :)<br /><br />Also, slow down at the thicker parts. It really is a lot like driving a car. :)SWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-25878446465135483392013-08-13T08:12:29.843+00:002013-08-13T08:12:29.843+00:00It's unlikely that you've broken it.
Firs...It's unlikely that you've broken it.<br /><br />First off, clean out the machine as the instruction book directs.<br /><br />When you start sewing, have long threads (about 5 inches) coming from the needle and the bobbin and hold them out of the way. If you don't, the bobbin thread can sometimes get sucked back into the machine and tangle up.<br /><br />If those things don't work, I don't know what do. Does your friend know if the machine was working properly when s/he lent it to you? When was it last serviced? Is it very old and has been in a damp place for a long time?SWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-17888531521007911212013-08-13T08:07:17.153+00:002013-08-13T08:07:17.153+00:00Hi,
The short answer is: I don't know. The onl...Hi,<br />The short answer is: I don't know. The only way to find out is to test on some scraps of fabric until it looks right. :)<br /><br />If it's thick, you would probably want a needle of at least size 90, a tension of at least average (the middle as marked on your machine), and a stitch length of at least 2.5-3.5mm. That's the starting point.SWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-77004129352550783922013-08-11T21:01:17.311+00:002013-08-11T21:01:17.311+00:00Hi,
Great tips!! Your tips have been soooo helpful...Hi,<br />Great tips!! Your tips have been soooo helpful in sewing my home decor cotton fabric. Now I am working with heavy upholstery fabric...some has a chenille pattern so it is thick. What would be the correct needle size, tension and thread length? I know you said to use a longer stich but am not sure how long. Any help would be so appreciated.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-30163912963263218432013-08-11T02:35:55.598+00:002013-08-11T02:35:55.598+00:00I was sewing a zipper using a zipper foot and the ...I was sewing a zipper using a zipper foot and the needle broke. I put a new needle in and the thread kept getting bound under the fabric, making the needle stuck. I changed the bobbin and rethreaded the machine several times and this continued to happen. It's a friend's machine and I'm worried I may have broke it. Any suggestions?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-17707260047284853692013-07-29T13:33:27.701+00:002013-07-29T13:33:27.701+00:00needle style is singer 2020, size 100/16needle style is singer 2020, size 100/16Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-47375646754360374202013-07-29T13:25:26.817+00:002013-07-29T13:25:26.817+00:00I am trying to sew denim, repair of some blue jean...I am trying to sew denim, repair of some blue jeans. But when I get into the multiple layers like the edge of pockets my top thread must break for some reason. I only have tension at around 3, which seemed fine at other places.<br /><br />This literally my first attempt at sewing. I borrowed the machine from a friend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-1494964184736916312013-07-17T16:55:00.139+00:002013-07-17T16:55:00.139+00:00Hi.
I'm really sorry, but I don't know wha...Hi.<br />I'm really sorry, but I don't know what to suggest about your sewing machine. Was it serviced by someone experienced with machines like it?SWBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09405842770477473159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-52908966879697672252013-07-16T21:29:24.457+00:002013-07-16T21:29:24.457+00:00Hi, i am trying to sew a thickish cotton fabric ( ...Hi, i am trying to sew a thickish cotton fabric ( hemmimg triple layer) but it keeps gagging underneath. I hear a like a clunking noise in the bobbin area and then the cotton reel spins around leaving lots of loose thread up top which then winds itself around the little pole it sits on. I have tried diffrent size needles, changed thread and tried tension both ways.I tried some stitching on thinner poly cotton and seemed to be fine . My machine is a basic old one straight stitch only & was serviced about 3 months ago.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-8939748268514376382013-05-31T23:28:15.922+00:002013-05-31T23:28:15.922+00:00THANK YOU! All I needed was to know whether to go ...THANK YOU! All I needed was to know whether to go higher or lower on my tension and yours was the only blog I could find that told me that in one simple sentence. I out the tension higher and it sewed through the strap I was working on so perfectly. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09070949144221204087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654617648396564641.post-27478015799807111882013-05-26T17:18:43.527+00:002013-05-26T17:18:43.527+00:00I really needed this! THanx!I really needed this! THanx!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com