Fixing tension problem - thank goodness for the internet
 

Yesterday when I sat down to sew and relax and try a new quilt block, I started sewing and my needle broke and the thread from the spool was at the end and the tail got caught up somewhat in the machine. I changed the needle and cleaned up the thread, put a new spool on did a few turns on the wheel to make sure all was okay and moving with no clunks, which was all good. I started sewing my block together and noticed when I checked the seams that the tension was all wonky with loops on the bottom and I could pull the bobbin thread right out. I played with the upper tension to no end and was not getting anywhere, so then I moved onto the bobbin tension thinking that might be the culprit. Nothing I did would correct the situation - this went on for about 2 hours or so. I gave up.

Late last night I was on the computer before going to bed and of course was looking for suggestions and tips. I came across a few - There was a suggestion that it had to be the top tension causing the problem and that perhaps the tension discs were not closing because of lint buildup,etc. It suggested putting a few knots in a length of thread and running that through the tension discs back and forth to clean out lint. That's what I did first thing this morning. I ran this thread through both discs and finally about the 5th time - something popped out - turns out it was a clump of thread that must have been caught up in there.

I rethreaded the machine and it was now sewing correctly and the tension discs were now doing their job again!! Winner winner chicken dinner!!! no costly trip to the service shop! I will always remember this tip from now on and will probably make it part of my maintenance routine when I do routine cleaning to the machine.

Just wanted to pass along - never know when it will come in handy for someone else :)

I'm always grateful for any tips when it comes to anything sewing. Actually, anything at all.

I had heard of using dental floss through the disc. Putting knots in the thread is a better idea. TY

Thanks so much. I've been fighting broken thread and nesting for past few days. I'm going to see if this helps. (fingers crossed)

I use *unwaxed* dental floss for this; never thought about using sewing thread with knots in it. Glad it worked!

thanks for the great tip

I'm not following. Where did you connect the thread to and how did you do this? Thanks.

Yay! Glad you shared this, as I never would have thought of that.

You "floss" between the tension discs, similar to flossing between teeth. In other words, you are holding the knotted thread in both hands and moving the thread between the tension discs to dislodge any lint or broken threads caught in there.

Same here, but next time it will be knots. Always grateful when someone shares a tip.

Another idea, I had a problem with the tension and rethreaded, change the bobbin, changed the needle - all of these steps several times, still having a problem. Took the machine in, lo and behold, I needed to use a different type of needle. I was using an embroidery need, but trying to do FMQ. The style and purpose for embroidery needles is different from FMQ. Put in a Microtex 90/14 and machine worked like a charm.

Where on the net did you find this idea? I need help with my long arm skipping stitches.... !

This might mean you are going too fast not letting the threads make the stitch.......either raise speed on knob or slow down "driving".

I just kept Googling and reading everything. Most of the tips had to do with rethreading the machine, changing size and/or types of needles, or changing type of thread. I had done all of those. I messed with both the upper and lower tensions and realized my top tension was never getting tighter, even on #9. I just figured it had to go into the shop, as it is a Viking and there is no way to access the parts like on older sewing machines. I thought I had cleaned out the discs by running a piece of fabric as best as I could between the discs, but with no way to actually see them, I could not be sure if they were clean or not.

But one of the tips was for the knotted threads (I used a length of about 18 inches or so and knotted it 3 or 4 times, just regular thread, but I think maybe next time I may use buttonhole thread since it is thicker) and I thought what the heck, give it a try...

Just persistent Googling and reading.

It would be a good idea to start another thread with this question, being sure to specify the brand and model of longarm you are using. Skipping stitches can be related to going to fast, and can also be related to not having the needle pushed all the way up in the shaft (which throws the timing off a little). Your thread combination can also be involved.

Thanks for sharing your tip. I'm going to include this in my cleaning routine.

Ooh, another quilting use for all that dental floss I don't use! I already use it to help me hold my longarm needle high and tight while I'm tightening the needle screw.

Now I can floss my tension disks with it too! Great idea!

You can run the edge of a crisper dollar bill down the tension disks also. I was taught this in a class.

Connie