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-   -   Top thread tension at zero but (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/top-thread-tension-zero-but-t38858.html)

fabric-holic 03-07-2010 07:38 AM
I have a Pfaff 2170.
The top thread has been breaking on me that past 2 days.
I've changed needle to a topstitch needle, I've rethreaded the machine again and again, etc.
So for a test, I thought I'd rethread again, lower the top tension to zero, and pull on the thread through the needle to see if it slid through easily.

It doesn't. It still has resistence with the presser foot up and/or down. Is that normal?

cutebuns 03-07-2010 07:42 AM
No it is not normal, when the presser foot is up there shouldn't be any tension as well as if it is set to 0, there is something caught or the thread is sliding some where it shouldn't, unthread it, I would take the end piece of where the light it and give it a good cleaning, run a pice of scrap fabric through the tension disks and try again,

deranged_damsel 03-07-2010 07:43 AM
it sounds like your tension disks are stuck! maybe time a for a good cleaning

Maride 03-07-2010 07:44 AM
Have you tried with a different thread? I would do that and if it doesn't work, change to a large hole needle. Even with the tension down to zero, you will feel a little resistance on the thread, because the thread is going through te mechanical components of the machine. Are you sewing on cotton? You fabric could also e a factor to the breaking.

fabric-holic 03-07-2010 08:11 AM
Originally Posted by Maride
Are you sewing on cotton?
Yes I am.
I'll unthread it and do some more cleaning. Thanks.
D*** it--- wouldn't you know it would act up when I'm trying to get a quilt finished by next weekend :(

BellaBoo 03-07-2010 09:37 AM
It plays havoc on the machine when the tension is adjusted with the feed dogs down. Always have the feed dogs up when adjusting the tension setting or making any new button selections. IT's a good habit to get into.

Prism99 03-07-2010 10:12 AM
You can use *unwaxed* dental floss to clean between the upper tension discs. As someone else mentioned, you want the presser foot up when you do this. If there is a piece of thread caught between the discs, this should clean it out.

fabric-holic 03-07-2010 01:54 PM
Originally Posted by BellaBoo
It plays havoc on the machine when the tension is adjusted with the feed dogs down. Always have the feed dogs up when adjusting the tension setting or making any new button selections. IT's a good habit to get into.
I never knew that! Oh oh...I've been fiddling with the tension all day with the feed dogs down. I hope I can get it right again or I guess I'll have to take it into the shop.

You guys are sooo smart. Thanks!

littlehud 03-07-2010 06:53 PM
I had no idea. Thanks for letting us know.


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