Tension
 

I am Losing My Mind due to tension issues with my machine. I have a baby lock quilters choice. It is about 10 years old. I have changed the needle, changed the type of needle, changed the thread and type of thread, use different fabrics, sewn through 2 pieces of fabric and through a quilt sandwich (fabric and batting (using 1/4 inch foot and walking foot as appropriate), always use same thread in bobbin and machine, retread machine and I even screamed at the machine. I keep getting very loose on the back or a nest or thread breaks. I increased tension on the electronic part of the machine and that helps sometimes briefly but is Not the solution.

I am am out of ideas. The only thing I am holding off doing and maybe should is taking a screwdriver to the bobbin case. I was told that is a last resort or not to do it.

can anyone help me? I am so frustrated!!! Thanks. Jocelyn.

When I had a similar problem with my machine I finally took it in to the dealer for repair. My machine had never had tension problems which was one of the things I love about it, so when it started acting like that I was very upset. Of course, this happened right before I had a class coming up and really needed my machine. The shop called me back the next day to pick up my machine and they only had to do a thorough cleaning. Yea! I do clean my machine ever time I change the bobbin but it had gotten lint in areas that I couldn't reach, apparently. That was last summer and knock on wood, no more tension problems. Good luck to you, I know how frustrating that is.

I agree with Sue. Clean it Well. I like a paint brush and a pipe cleaner to get as much lint as I can find. Floss out your tension disks. Don't forget your bobbin case. If it has a little arm that the screw holds on? Run a thin needle/pin under there. It gets linty too and can affect your tension. Hope you solve your tension probs! I had trouble with my long arm for over a yr. Finally it just went away. Maybe I was holding my tongue out just right....

Also try a diff bobbin. Sometimes they get out of round and don't spin well.

Usually when the tension issue is on the bottom, it means a problem with the top tension--in the case of too loose/nests of thread, it usually means the top threading is wrong, the take-up tension spring may need flossing (with non-waxed dental thread), etc. But I have to say that when I was having a heap of similar problems with my Singer travel machine, it turned out to be a bent bobbin take-up arm. since it was a drop in bobbin, it required a repair trip.

Recently, mentoring some high school kids, one of the machines was having similar issues and when I checked the bobbin, it seemed to basically lacked any tension pulling the thread from the case so I tightened the case screw and that solved the problem. I know we are trained not to mess with the bobbin tension screw, but you might try that.

The bobbin case and upper tensions are adjustable for a reason. That is so you can take control of your tension when sewing on many different fabrics and applications. The bobbin tension will naturally loosen with the vibration of the machine. It's up to you to tighten it yourself or pay a tech mega bucks to do it for you. If it's nesting on the bottom, it's usually the top tension that has an issue. Unless.... there's a burr on your hook, or your bobbin is bent or damaged, or the timing is off. If the upper tension isn't tightening, there could be lint in between the disks. Good Luck! I hope you can get your machine sewing.

It it's ten years old, it also could be that some of the springs need replaced. Try replacing the bobbin case, too. If it has fallen on a hard floor, sometimes it's slightly bent and not easily seen. Good luck.

Check your Take Up Lever to see that your thread is in or staying in your take up lever. Also floss your top tension disk...lint in there can cause this problem.Best wishes for a quick fix

I would take it in for servicing. Be sure to take samples of the problem you are having.

I had some tension issues a month or so on on a Janome. I didn't want to mess around with the bobbin tension either. I took it to the dealer for a maintenance/service. It works fine now. He very may well have adjusted the bobbin case, but it was worth it to me.

Unscrew the bobbin case area and clean it out very well. This is the area that the bobbin case sits in. It is possible that it is full of lint. I had to do this with my Janome about a month ago, for the same reasons you describe, and my machine is perfect now. I was amazed how much lint was in it. There is a screw driver supplied with your sewing machine that is meant for this.

I learned with my BL Quilter's Choice that it helps to have the tension a little loose on both top and bottom. See Jamie's Wallen YouTube on adjusting the bobbin. The reason is due to the speed of 1500 stitches per minute, so the looser tension helps the thread move more smoothly with the fast moving needle. I check my tension each time I change the brand, thread weight, etc. I upgraded to a mid arm machine recently and still keep the tension same as before.

Though I would rather spend my money on fabric and thread I do have my machines professionally cleaned and adjusted regularly so that I don't encounter this type of problem. I have BERNINA machines. I have an 1130 that I have had for more than 30 years. The technician says he has never seen a machine any more used than this one. I used to make draperies professionally. And yet, with regular maintenance it works perfectly. I clean it regularly as I sew. However, when he takes it apart I am amazed at all the lint in places I can't get to. I think you need a trip to the dealer as a beginning point.

Jocelyn, how did this turn out?
Patti

There is nothing more frustrating than tension issues! Hope you get it solved.

It's just a screw. I turn it all the time. I start with it very loose and tighten a little at a time until it has some resistance. Just don't take the screw out, you will lose it!

it is usually the top tension that needs tighten up