Help with zig zag (on an applique) problems
#1
Help with zig zag (on an applique) problems
I don't know why this is happening. I was using one machine and switched to another to avoid the problem but it still is happening - even on a completely different machine.
My zig zag I'm using to outline/adhere an applique is showing top thread on the bottom and bobbin thread on top. It's only happening on the edges, but it seems random. I have a satin piece of fabric adhered with pellon to a fairly heavy interfacing. I have tried changing the tension, the needle etc. Not sure what to do now. I will add pictures, but could use some advice asap. Hope someone has the answers :-(
My zig zag I'm using to outline/adhere an applique is showing top thread on the bottom and bobbin thread on top. It's only happening on the edges, but it seems random. I have a satin piece of fabric adhered with pellon to a fairly heavy interfacing. I have tried changing the tension, the needle etc. Not sure what to do now. I will add pictures, but could use some advice asap. Hope someone has the answers :-(
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I'm not sure, but it seems to me you need to tighten both bobbin and top tensions. I would use a testing sample of the same fabrics and thread to see if this helps.
The zigzag stitch is the one that tells you whether your tensions are adjusted properly. Imbalances that do not show up on a straight stitch will show up on a zigzag.
Edit: I also see that the issue is on the curve. Bobbin thread is pulled up on one side of the curve; top thread is pulled down on the other side of the curve. I am wondering if the thickness of your fabric/stabilizer combination plays into this....
On second thought, you need the gold thread to look perfect on the top, right? I think the solution is to loosen the top tension *slightly* and tighten the bobbin tension. That will allow the bobbin thread to consistently pull the top thread down, whether it is on an inside or outside curve. It doesn't matter if the top thread shows underneath.
Sorry for the rambling. Have not had enough coffee yet today.......
The zigzag stitch is the one that tells you whether your tensions are adjusted properly. Imbalances that do not show up on a straight stitch will show up on a zigzag.
Edit: I also see that the issue is on the curve. Bobbin thread is pulled up on one side of the curve; top thread is pulled down on the other side of the curve. I am wondering if the thickness of your fabric/stabilizer combination plays into this....
On second thought, you need the gold thread to look perfect on the top, right? I think the solution is to loosen the top tension *slightly* and tighten the bobbin tension. That will allow the bobbin thread to consistently pull the top thread down, whether it is on an inside or outside curve. It doesn't matter if the top thread shows underneath.
Sorry for the rambling. Have not had enough coffee yet today.......
Last edited by Prism99; 09-25-2013 at 09:16 AM.
#5
My Bernina did the same thing last week. I tried every tension setting I had and still got the thread difference. I called the Bernina shop and was told to use the same color in the bobbin and top. That worked. It only did this with the zig zag stitch.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,198
With my Bernina, there is a hole in the "finger" of the bobbin case. When satin stitching, the instructions say to run the thread through the hole before inserting the bobbin case and bringing the thread up.
Be sure that before you start adjusting the tension, you mark where the original settings were so that you can return them after you have finished the project. A fine point Sharpie will work on the bobbin case to show where the screw was originally set.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,535
The same thread in top and bobbin will hide the imbalance. I would rather do that then fiddle with tension for hours and still maybe get a boo boo when you least expect it. I almost always set my bobbin tension a little tighter than it needs to be on satin stitching. I like the top thread to be pulled to the back a bit for a pretty top look.
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