I am having a lot of trouble with my tension. I am getting loops and "fur" on the back of the quilt!
My question is is it top or bobbin tension that is the problem?

If the top thread is having issues on the back of the quilt, it is probably the bobbin tension.
If the bobbin thread is having issues on the top of the quilt, it is probably the top thread tension.
One things to remember is that if you change the top tension, you may have to change the bobbin tension.
If you google adjusting the tension on a midarm or longarm you should get quite a few websites to read from. I really hate to change the bobbin tension, but sometimes you have to. I would start with the top tension. I hope this makes sense.
Good luck!

Did you remember to put the pressure foot down?

Is it a Pfaff??? I constantly had trouble with my midarm Pfaff. When you thread the machine, it's so closed in that you can't help but knock the tension knob...and it's VERY delicate. SO, I've had to write down where the tension is when I get it just right and look at that constantly. IF it's not the case as above -- did you remember to put the foot down?

If the problem is on the bottom of the quilt the solution lies in the top thread path. If the problem is on the top of the quilt the solution is in the bottom thread path.

Also, what thread are you using? Don't know about your machine but some only like certain threads....I know...all those wonderful threads and sometimes we can't use them. Try same thread in top and bobbin...cotton for some machines and poly works in others. I got best results with Isacord. And you don't find it everywhere. Also unthread everything and rethread....change needles if you think that might be an issue. Good luck. B

Could be both and could be the needle. Could also be the thread. It is hard to know with the information you provided.

It has to be one of the following:
Tension
Pressure foot up
Quilt is too tight on frame

I have a Pfaff Hobby Grand Quilter and had tons of problems until I figured out the above. Always do a test first before you start on the quilt, as each quilt sandwich is different.

I would rethread it and check to see if the bobbin thread has the right tension and rethread that also.

I had same prob this morning, took of feed dog cover and had a bunch of junk under there from sewing my husbands boat strap.

All better now.

Yes you are right on this. If it is causing problems on the bottom of the quilt the first thing I do is check to see if it out of the up take lever. If on the top of the quilt make sure your thread in the bobbin is through the tension. Rethreading both sometimes take care of the problem. Always thread your machine with the pressure foot up or your thread will not lay in the tensions right. (When the foot is down it closes the upper tensions)

First, what machine are you using? If it is a midarm, mine does not have a presser foot to lower. I was told to start with my bobbin tension. Once I had it just right, and as long as I do not change thread weight it stays fine.

1st. what machine
2nd size of needle
3rd thread, type and size
4th tension on quilt sandwich, ( I take it, it is on a frame)

I have the Gracie II frame and a baby lock Quilters Choice Professional machine that came with it.

I use #16 sharp needles

Thread is guttermans (sp?)

I have rethreaded the machine a million times with needle up and have been putting my pressure foot down each time.

Trying hard not to give up----seems worth it now to send the quilts out-but how long can the learning curve go on?

Start from scratch. Make sure there is no dust or lint in the bobbin casing or the machine. Make sure the needle is in right and the presser foot goes all the way down. Then re-thread. But wait till tomorrow when you are fresh.

If all is threaded correctly -then you need to tighten the top tension

I'm glad it's not just me having this problem. Seems every day the tension adjusts itself overnight. Some little gremlin comes to mess up my life!! Maybe it's the room temp. or atmospheric pressure. I too have started to ask myself why I ever bought a machine instead of paying someone else to quilt for me.

Not sure what system you are using, but once I set my bobbin tension, it is all the top that needs adjustment. If you see top thread on the bottom, tighten the top. If the bobbin thread is poking through on the top, loosen the top tension.
Superior threads has great tutorials online. www.superiorthreads.com