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Is it normal??

Is it normal??

Old 12-22-2012, 01:01 PM
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Default Is it normal??

If you are using the same kind of thread on your longarm machine each time, is it normal to have to adjust the tension with ever change of color? I've been having to re-adjust every time and I've never had to do that on my regular sewing machine. Just wondering if it was me, my machine or common occurance.
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Old 12-22-2012, 01:22 PM
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I am a newbie at LAing and am finding a LA machine is totally different from a regular machine. Your tension does have to be adjusting frequently. When I first got my new machine and tried on my own I got frustrated with it because it was not sewing like I thought it should. Then when the dealer came out and watched me sew she gave me lots of tips and good info. My problem was in the way I am moving the machine and what the stitch regulator was set on. I am doing a lot better now and am improving.
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Old 12-22-2012, 02:04 PM
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I haven't noticed this myself, but I've heard that some colors of the same kind of thread need different tension because the dye make the thread thicker.
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Old 12-22-2012, 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by dunster View Post
I haven't noticed this myself, but I've heard that some colors of the same kind of thread need different tension because the dye make the thread thicker.
This is especially true of black
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Old 12-22-2012, 10:08 PM
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Even how full the bobbin is can affect a LA.
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Old 12-24-2012, 02:31 AM
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In the short time I've had my LA, I've found the same thing. Different colors of the same thread have different properties. Black is the worst offender, because they've run it through the dye vat several times. And yes, it gets frustrating. I find it is usually with the cotton threads that this happens. I don't have it so much with the polys. This is why I primarily use the Glide thread...consistency. I don't know the technical side of how they make their thread, but it's the most consistent that I've found.
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Old 12-24-2012, 06:14 AM
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Yep.....totally normal. I will empty a bobbin and fill it again using the same thread, winder and everything. When I put it on the TOWA gauge the tension will need to be adjusted. I figure it's the nature of the beast.
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Old 12-24-2012, 06:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Sewgood View Post
Yep.....totally normal. I will empty a bobbin and fill it again using the same thread, winder and everything. When I put it on the TOWA gauge the tension will need to be adjusted. I figure it's the nature of the beast.
What is a TOWA gauge? Do I have one? Or is it something you buy?
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Old 12-24-2012, 06:50 AM
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The Towa is a tension guide. You have to purchases it. It was one of the best investments I made to go along with my long arm. A little pricey but worth the $75.00.
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Old 12-24-2012, 07:54 AM
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Originally Posted by charhend View Post
The Towa is a tension guide. You have to purchases it. It was one of the best investments I made to go along with my long arm. A little pricey but worth the $75.00.
Where can I get one? It might be just the thing that will keep me from pulling my hair out!!
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