Perfect tension?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 115
Has anyone found this?
I can't seem to find it on my machine. I've tried all the variables. Even reduced to moving the dial a smidge at a time. But still, one or the other thread comes thru on the other side. As a result, I'm stuck using white thru out the quilt, instead of a color that will blend in more. :-(
Does this happen to others as well???
I can't seem to find it on my machine. I've tried all the variables. Even reduced to moving the dial a smidge at a time. But still, one or the other thread comes thru on the other side. As a result, I'm stuck using white thru out the quilt, instead of a color that will blend in more. :-(
Does this happen to others as well???
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Central PA
Posts: 1,920
Perhaps the problem it is your bobbin tension. Provided you have a bobbin casing that is not a drop-in-type, try holding the casing thread by the tail and allow the bobbin casing with thread caught in the hooks, to hang downward. Give it a little shake as you would a yoyo. If it does not slide at all, then you need to turn little screw on the side of the bobbin approximately "15 seconds" (as in a clock) counterclockwise. Continue 15 seconds at a time until it slides slightly, a little at a time when you shake.
However, if it slides too easily, then you need to tighten the same screw (clockwise) 15 seconds at a time until it slides a little when you yoyo.
I know, I know, we are told not to mess with the bobbin tension, but there are times when it is necessary. This may be your problem.
Suz
However, if it slides too easily, then you need to tighten the same screw (clockwise) 15 seconds at a time until it slides a little when you yoyo.
I know, I know, we are told not to mess with the bobbin tension, but there are times when it is necessary. This may be your problem.
Suz
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 115
I have a Janome Truth Heart which has a drop in bobbin.
I'm not all that worried with this quilt as it's a kids quilt and it actually looks kinda cool against the red background. But I'm sure I'll have quilts in the future where that won't be so desirable.
I had my class with the store that I purchased the machine from last week and she wasn't even able to find the right combo. She finally gave up and told me to just play with it until I figured it out.
I'm not all that worried with this quilt as it's a kids quilt and it actually looks kinda cool against the red background. But I'm sure I'll have quilts in the future where that won't be so desirable.
I had my class with the store that I purchased the machine from last week and she wasn't even able to find the right combo. She finally gave up and told me to just play with it until I figured it out.
#5
I think Suz is on the right track - one suggestion for those who can adjust their case's screw tension - Before you pull out the screwdriver, mark the original with a dot of white-out or a Sharpie. It sure makes life easier when you set it back for regular sewing.
I have a drop-in bobbin, too. Tension hasn't been an issue so far, so I would have to look it up in the manual. I find it helps to switch the machine to zig-zag when adjusting tension. The differences show up better.
I have a drop-in bobbin, too. Tension hasn't been an issue so far, so I would have to look it up in the manual. I find it helps to switch the machine to zig-zag when adjusting tension. The differences show up better.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,474
wow i just had that problem last week and i wrote in and got some things to try i tried to move my tension i went from a # 4 to almost a # 5 and it worked a little better but then i tried differant speeds and found out a med speed on the pedal
i hope this works
i hope this works
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 616
don't dismiss your thread and/or your needle as potential issues. i have a janome and had a heck of a time with machine quilting and tension until i took it to the store and he showed me the difference in threads. BIG difference. and he also said i need to be replacing my needle way more often. Better too often than not often enough. now i stock up when notions are on sale!
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 115
My needle is brand new. I had been using the all purpose needle before. :oops: So this was the first day using the new quilting needle.
The thread was purchased at Hobby Lobby. i believe it's Coats Cotton.
I'll keep in mind to buy different thread for the next quilt and see how that works.
It matters what pattern is chosen when choosing the tension? Interesting.
The thread was purchased at Hobby Lobby. i believe it's Coats Cotton.
I'll keep in mind to buy different thread for the next quilt and see how that works.
It matters what pattern is chosen when choosing the tension? Interesting.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: My favorite place in the world is Lake Erie Region USA
Posts: 2,743
Can you get local help with the machine you are using? I found an 80 year old man taught me a whole lot about my singer !! Just in for a checkup and he was full of information !
Chairjogger
Chairjogger
#10
the answer is ... all of the above.
seriously, when i just jump into the quilting without doing a sample sandwich to test my thread and needle choices and my tension settings, i very often get less than thrilling results. (which explains why i so rarely post closeups of my projects. :lol: )
seriously, when i just jump into the quilting without doing a sample sandwich to test my thread and needle choices and my tension settings, i very often get less than thrilling results. (which explains why i so rarely post closeups of my projects. :lol: )
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