Thread Tension Settings Demystified!
07-05-2012, 12:40 PM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 2,078
Thread Tension Settings Demystified!
Here's a great article that goes into detail about both upper and bobbin tension settings.
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...nsion/page/all
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...nsion/page/all
07-06-2012, 06:39 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Mena, Arkansas
Posts: 1,351
A few things not in the article:
1) When changing the upper tension dial, the presser foot must be lowered to engage the tension.
2) When making a sewing test, it is best to use the same thread in the upper and bobbin, including the same color. Believe it or not, dye content can affect the tension. I would never have thought that, but Ray White made a believer out of me.
3) To test for balanced stitches, sew the best seam you can get on the straight or cross grain. When you think you have it, make the same seam on a double layer on the bias. Holding both ends of the seam, pull and try to break the thread. If both or neither of the threads break, your seam is balanced. If the top thread breaks, loosen the top tension. If the bobbin thread breaks, tighten the top tension.
4) It is possible to have a balanced tension and still have the tension too tight or too loose.
5) If you are using different threads, for example bobbin thread in the bobbin and quilting thread in the top, repeat the test. My experience has been that when using this combination, I need a much lower top tension than when both threads are the same. Your mileage may vary.
1) When changing the upper tension dial, the presser foot must be lowered to engage the tension.
2) When making a sewing test, it is best to use the same thread in the upper and bobbin, including the same color. Believe it or not, dye content can affect the tension. I would never have thought that, but Ray White made a believer out of me.
3) To test for balanced stitches, sew the best seam you can get on the straight or cross grain. When you think you have it, make the same seam on a double layer on the bias. Holding both ends of the seam, pull and try to break the thread. If both or neither of the threads break, your seam is balanced. If the top thread breaks, loosen the top tension. If the bobbin thread breaks, tighten the top tension.
4) It is possible to have a balanced tension and still have the tension too tight or too loose.
5) If you are using different threads, for example bobbin thread in the bobbin and quilting thread in the top, repeat the test. My experience has been that when using this combination, I need a much lower top tension than when both threads are the same. Your mileage may vary.
07-06-2012, 09:18 AM
#8
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 2,078
Originally Posted by k9dancer
A few things not in the article:
1) When changing the upper tension dial, the presser foot must be lowered to engage the tension.
2) When making a sewing test, it is best to use the same thread in the upper and bobbin, including the same color. Believe it or not, dye content can affect the tension. I would never have thought that, but Ray White made a believer out of me.
3) To test for balanced stitches, sew the best seam you can get on the straight or cross grain. When you think you have it, make the same seam on a double layer on the bias. Holding both ends of the seam, pull and try to break the thread. If both or neither of the threads break, your seam is balanced. If the top thread breaks, loosen the top tension. If the bobbin thread breaks, tighten the top tension.
4) It is possible to have a balanced tension and still have the tension too tight or too loose.
5) If you are using different threads, for example bobbin thread in the bobbin and quilting thread in the top, repeat the test. My experience has been that when using this combination, I need a much lower top tension than when both threads are the same. Your mileage may vary.
1) When changing the upper tension dial, the presser foot must be lowered to engage the tension.
2) When making a sewing test, it is best to use the same thread in the upper and bobbin, including the same color. Believe it or not, dye content can affect the tension. I would never have thought that, but Ray White made a believer out of me.
3) To test for balanced stitches, sew the best seam you can get on the straight or cross grain. When you think you have it, make the same seam on a double layer on the bias. Holding both ends of the seam, pull and try to break the thread. If both or neither of the threads break, your seam is balanced. If the top thread breaks, loosen the top tension. If the bobbin thread breaks, tighten the top tension.
4) It is possible to have a balanced tension and still have the tension too tight or too loose.
5) If you are using different threads, for example bobbin thread in the bobbin and quilting thread in the top, repeat the test. My experience has been that when using this combination, I need a much lower top tension than when both threads are the same. Your mileage may vary.
Another technique I use when making major changes in the type of thread I'm going to use is to set the bobbin tension where I want it, so the thread pulls out easily, but not freely, then set the top to match. My rule of thumb on this one is that the bobbin tension should allow me to just be able to pick up the bobbin, case and all, by the thread without it unwinding, but only require a very slight tug to get it to feed out.
07-06-2012, 06:10 PM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Mena, Arkansas
Posts: 1,351
Originally Posted by azwendyg
All very good points, Stephanie. I always use #3 as my 'final check'.
Another technique I use when making major changes in the type of thread I'm going to use is to set the bobbin tension where I want it, so the thread pulls out easily, but not freely, then set the top to match. My rule of thumb on this one is that the bobbin tension should allow me to just be able to pick up the bobbin, case and all, by the thread without it unwinding, but only require a very slight tug to get it to feed out.
Another technique I use when making major changes in the type of thread I'm going to use is to set the bobbin tension where I want it, so the thread pulls out easily, but not freely, then set the top to match. My rule of thumb on this one is that the bobbin tension should allow me to just be able to pick up the bobbin, case and all, by the thread without it unwinding, but only require a very slight tug to get it to feed out.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dora Taggart
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
8
04-25-2011 09:09 AM
