HELP!!! What have I done to my bobbin case?
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: In the mountains near Black Hawk, CO
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I was getting ready to machine quilt a baby quilt, so I got out my practice sandwich. Big eyelashes on the back. So I tightened the top tension and it was getting better, but still not there. I cleaned out the bobbin race area and adjusted my bobbin tension a half screw lighter. Had to do it 3 times to get the thread coming through easier. Adjusted the top tension down a little to match, and now I'm breaking thread. It's WAY off. My bobbin case was marked, so I adjusted back to the original setting, but I'm still breaking thread. Help me before I have to take my baby to the doctor!
#3
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
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I hold the bobbin case in one hand, then take the thread coming out of it and hang it from the thread with the other hand. The thread should not come out more unless it is jerked. If it has to be jerked hard for the thread to come out, the tension is too tight. If you can't hold the bobbin case by the thread without more thread coming out, the tension is too loose.
Once you are sure the bobbin tension is approximately right, you will have to readjust your top tension. It is probably too tight now. Test the tension balance by using your widest zigzag stitch. This will show a tension imbalance more clearly than a straight stitch.
Also check to make sure that the thread coming off the spool is not getting hung up on the spool. You may also need to clean between the upper tension discs; a tiny piece of thread caught in there will cause the tension to be too high and the thread to break while sewing.
Once you are sure the bobbin tension is approximately right, you will have to readjust your top tension. It is probably too tight now. Test the tension balance by using your widest zigzag stitch. This will show a tension imbalance more clearly than a straight stitch.
Also check to make sure that the thread coming off the spool is not getting hung up on the spool. You may also need to clean between the upper tension discs; a tiny piece of thread caught in there will cause the tension to be too high and the thread to break while sewing.
#4
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: In the mountains near Black Hawk, CO
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Same thread top and bottom, new needle, everything that can be reached with small brush is now lint free. Same bobbin that was working just fine before I thought I was smart enough to mess with it.
#5
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: In the mountains near Black Hawk, CO
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ok...it's working again. Went on chat and got some great advice (clean it-duh!) That one stupid teeny tiny piece of thread in the bobbin case finally showed itself and I got it! Thanks for the help!
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