Watson

As I sew the fabric, it seems to be curling upwards as it comes out of the back of the machine a bit, not laying straight on the bed. The tension seems OK.

Thread is the same on top and bobbin, I have re-threaded and it is a new needle.

If I run my hand over it, it lies flat.

Any ideas?

Watson

bearisgray

My first thought was that the tensions are too tight. But I really don't have a clue.

If you have some scrap, how about deliberately tightening the tensions (mark where you are starting from!) and see what happens?

gillyo

Are both fabric pieces on grain? Sometimes if one or both pieces are a looser weave and even slightly off grain they'll curl after they go thru the machine.
​​​
​​​​​

Tartan

Loosen your top tension a tad?

Watson

My fabrics are on grain...I'm really picky about that, but thanks for the suggestion as it might help someone else someday.

I'll try playing with the tension a bit.

It's very weird. I just cleaned it and then this started. Maybe all the lint was holding it together.

Watson

bearisgray

I just removed the needle plate on my sewing machine a few days ago. I had been faithful about brushing out the lint after each bobbin change - then i looked at the feed dogs - and there were little felt pellets in them. I removed them by picking at them with a pin. Be careful the lint does not fall into the "works" below.

bkay

A thought just occurred to me. Can the tension be balanced, but still too tight?

bkay

Jennifer23

Is your presser foot pressure a bit high? It might need adjustment, especially if you just gave it a thorough cleaning.

Jordan

Is this a new kind of fabric you are sewing on? I feel it is the top tension that needs to be loosened a little.

Pennyhal

Yes. You could have all the tension setting set to the same number, but if it is too tight for the fabric the fabric may not lay flat and get wavy fabric.