Originally Posted by
quiltedsunshine
So many times, we get called on longarm tension problems. And when we look closely, the thread isn't actually between the tension disks. Longarm tension disks don't open when you lift the presser foot, like a domestic machine. You really have to pull the thread into them. When you adjust the tension on a domestic machine, a quarter of a turn is a lot. But when you adjust the tension on a longarm, you can crank the knob half-way around, and it won't make as much difference because the screw is so fine.
Good Luck!
I second this! I got a Sweet Sixteen about a month ago and the tension drove me nuts until I discovered that I hadn't "flossed" the thread properly into the tension disks. You do really have to pull hard until you hear or feel it click. Hard enough that you think you'll break the thread. Once I realized this, I went back to the bobbin tension, followed the manufacturer's directions for that, then tried it with my thread properly flossed - perfect!
My trainer also taught me a neat trick. If you want to set your top tension back to what's considered factory tension, tighten it all the way, then loosen it six full turns from that. If you're not sure you're doing full turns, put a little dab of white out on the little dot on the tension knob so you can see better. What you think is a full turn might actually be a half or 3/4 of a turn.