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Struggling with sewing machine tension? Learn how to adjust sewing machine tension for perfect stitches with this easy-to-follow guide.
First, check the manual for your specific sewing machine to see what the recommended tension settings are for the type of fabric you’re using.
Next, thread your machine and test sew a few stitches on a scrap piece of fabric. If the stitches are too loose, increase the tension by turning the tension dial clockwise. If the stitches are too tight, decrease the tension by turning the tension dial counterclockwise.
Once you’ve found the right tension setting, you can start sewing your project.
Here are a few tips for adjusting sewing machine tension:
- Use a light touch when threading your machine. If you pull the thread too tightly, it can cause the tension to be too high.
- Make sure the needle is inserted correctly and that the thread is not caught under the needle plate.
- Clean the lint trap regularly to prevent it from clogging and affecting the tension.
- If you’re still having trouble getting perfect stitches, consult your sewing machine manual or a qualified sewing machine technician.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Balanced tension creates stitches that look the same on both sides of the fabric.
- Too much tension can cause puckering or skipped stitches.
- Too little tension can cause loose stitches or thread loops.
- Make a test seam with two different colored threads to check your tension.
What is Sewing Machine Tension?
Sewing machine tension is the amount of thread that can go through your machine at a time.
It’s determined by both the upper and lower parts of your machine.
You’ll know when you have achieved the right tension when your stitches are even and don’t have any loops, puckering, knots, or loose threads.
What to Check Before You Adjust Tension
Before you reach for the tension regulator, check your threading to avoid common tension problems.
Also, inspect your machine for:
- Dirt and debris
- Damaged parts
- Incorrect needles & thread, fabric & stitch length
How to Adjust Sewing Machine Tension
Sewing machine tension is the amount of thread that can go through your machine at a time.
- Balanced tension creates stitches that look the same on both sides of the fabric.
- Too much tension can cause puckering or skipped stitches.
- Too little tension can cause loose stitches or thread loops.
- Adjust the tension until you get the desired results.
Sewing Machine Tension Problems and How to Fix Them
So many things can affect the tension that it’s worthwhile to run through the following checklist in the order given before you reach for the tension regulator:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bobbin thread shows on top | Bobbin tension too loose | Tighten bobbin tension |
| Needle thread shows on bottom | Bobbin tension too tight | Loosen bobbin tension |
| Uneven stitches | Needle size or thread type is incorrect | Use correct needle size and thread type |
| Fabric puckers | Fabric is too thick for needle size | Use a larger needle |
Sewing Machine Tension Chart
To achieve perfect stitches, you’ll need to know how to adjust the tension on your sewing machine.
- Make a test seam with two different colored threads.
- Adjust the top tension until the stitches are balanced.
- Adjust the bobbin tension until the bobbin thread is hidden.
- Restitch the seam and check your work.
Correct Tension on a Sewing Machine
When the tensions are balanced, the stitched line looks good on both sides of the fabric, and the seam is at its strongest and most elastic.
To spot unbalanced tension, look for visible knots or loops at the end of each stitch.
If the bobbin thread shows on the right side, the needle tension is too tight or the bobbin thread, too loose.
Upper Tension (or Needle Tension) is Too Big
If the bobbin thread shows on the right side, the needle tension is too tight or the bobbin thread, too loose.
There are a few things you can check to fix this:
- Make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly.
- Check the bobbin tension.
- Try a different needle thread.
- Use a lighter weight fabric.
- Sew at a slower speed.
- Clean your machine.
Upper Tension (or Needle Tension) is Too Small
When your upper tension is too small, you’re seeing the upper thread on the bottom side of your fabric.
This means the upper tension isn’t providing enough resistance as the thread passes through the tension discs.
Adjust the tension dial slightly clockwise, tightening tension discs together for more pull on upper thread.
Check again – if bobbin thread shows on top fabric, loosen lower bobbin tension.
You want balanced tension with no visible threads on either fabric side.
Overall Tension is Too Tight
Having addressed upper tension problems, you’re likely dealing with overall tension being too tight if both sides of the seam show the needle thread. This indicates the bobbin case spring and bobbin tension are too tight, restricting thread flow.
To correct, slightly loosen the bobbin tension screw and test again. Recheck needle tension as well, lowering it if the tension remains too tight.
For precision adjustments, consult your manual on calibrating thread tension overall, correcting imbalances between needle tension and bobbin tension.
Overall Tension is Too Weak
Your stitches exhibit excessive looping on the underside of the fabric when the tension is too weak overall.
- The bobbin tension being too loose
- Using lightweight fabric with thick thread
- Forgetting to insert the bobbin case before sewing
Adjusting the bobbin tension, matching thread to fabric weight, and properly inserting the bobbin case can help resolve an overall tension that’s too weak.
Bobbin Tension
You’ll also need to check your bobbin tension when adjusting sewing machine tension.
The bobbin tension is controlled by a small spring inside the bobbin case. This spring puts pressure on the thread as it comes out of the bobbin area.
To adjust, locate the small Phillips head screw on the side of the bobbin case. Turning this screw clockwise will tighten bobbin tension, while turning it counterclockwise will loosen tension.
It’s best to make very small, incremental turns to this screw and always test with a scrap piece of fabric first.
Properly balanced bobbin tension is vital for achieving symmetrical, balanced stitches with no loose threads on the underside.
Play with both bobbin and upper thread tension using test seams until you have evenly tensioned top and bobbin threads for flawless sewing.
Thread
With inconsistent thread, you’ll struggle to balance your sewing machine‘s tension.
Using thread that varies too much in 1) thickness, 2) fiber content, or 3) quality across the top and bobbin can prevent you from dialing in the right settings.
To set your sewing machine up for tension success:
- Use thread from the same manufacturer and line in the top and bobbin. This ensures the most consistency in thickness and fiber content.
- Select a thread weight suited to your fabric type. A very fine thread will behave differently than heavier thread on the same fabric.
- Inspect thread quality and discard any old, brittle or tangled spools. Knots and fraying can interfere with ideal tension.
Following these simple thread selection guidelines will help you achieve balanced stitches.
Needles
You’re gonna run into tension troubles if you don’t use the properly sized needle for your fabric.
The size of the needle needs to be matched to the weight of the fabric and the type of thread you’re using.
If the needle is too small, it can cause the thread to break or the stitches to pucker.
If the needle is too large, it can cause the fabric to stretch or the stitches to be uneven.
Fabric
Fabrics with a loose weave or high thread count often require more tension than tightly woven fabrics.
Here are some tips for adjusting tension based on fabric type:
- Lightweight woven fabrics: use a medium tension setting.
- Medium-weight woven fabrics: use a slightly higher tension setting.
- Heavy-weight woven fabrics: use a higher tension setting.
- Stretch fabrics: use a slightly lower tension setting.
Speed
The speed of your sewing machine can also affect tension.
When you sew at a fast speed, you may end up with uneven tension in your stitches. This means that the top and bottom threads aren’t being pulled evenly, resulting in a messy stitch appearance.
On the other hand, if you sew at a slow speed, you might experience too loose tension where the threads aren’t being pulled tight enough to create strong and secure stitches.
To achieve balanced tension regardless of the sewing speed, it’s important to make adjustments accordingly. If your fabric is puckering or there are visible knots or loops on both sides of the seam when sewing at a fast speed, try slowing down while maintaining consistent pressure on both upper and lower thread tensions for even results.
Here’s an example table showing how different speeds can impact tension:
| Speed | Tension Result |
|---|---|
| Fast | Uneven Tension |
| Slow | Too Loose Tension |
Remember that finding balance between stitching pace and appropriate thread tensions will help ensure perfect stitches every time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I don’t adjust the tension?
If you don’t adjust the tension, your stitches might be:
- Uneven
- Unbalanced
- Your fabric might pucker.
How do I know if my tension is too tight or too loose?
If your stitches are puckering, the tension is too tight.
If your stitches are loose and the bobbin thread shows on the top of your fabric, the tension is too loose.
What can I do if my tension is still not correct after adjusting it?
Even after adjusting your tension, it may still be off.
Check the tensioner springs, the upper tension discs, and the speed of your machine.
What is the best way to test my tension?
The best way to test your tension is to stitch a test seam on a scrap of fabric.
Make sure you use the same thread in the bobbin and through the needle.
What are the most common causes of sewing machine tension problems?
The most common causes of sewing machine tension problems are:
- Using the wrong thread and needle size.
- Ensure you use the same type of thread in the bobbin and needle, and choose the correct needle size for your fabric.
Conclusion
Perfecting your sewing machine tension takes practice, but with this guide, you’ll be sewing like a pro in no time.
To begin, thread your machine and set the stitch length and width.
Next, adjust the tension of the top thread.
To do this, turn the tension dial on the top of your machine until the thread appears to be coming out of the needle evenly.
You may need to adjust the tension slightly as you sew, depending on the fabric you are using.
Once you have the top thread tension set, you can adjust the tension of the bobbin thread.
To do this, remove the bobbin case from the machine and turn the tension screw until the thread is coming out of the bobbin case evenly.
Replace the bobbin case and test your stitches.
The stitches should be evenly spaced and the thread should not be puckering or pulling.
If the stitches are too loose, increase the tension slightly.
If the stitches are too tight, decrease the tension slightly.
Continue to adjust the tension until you achieve the desired results.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to perfect your sewing machine tension and sew like a pro in no time.
