FMQ bobbin thread pulled up at pivots
08-03-2023, 08:42 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 417
FWIW when I get into tension issues I find corrections go best when I stop, rethread, dust and reseat the bobbin.
I then stitch on a test piece of similar construction to the quilt. I adjust EITHER the bobbin tension OR the top tension first, stitch a bit and decide what to do from there, checking both back and front.
Sometimes it takes a bit of back and forth.
I also find on some machines as the bobbin gets to only 1/4 full, the tension changes.
I then stitch on a test piece of similar construction to the quilt. I adjust EITHER the bobbin tension OR the top tension first, stitch a bit and decide what to do from there, checking both back and front.
Sometimes it takes a bit of back and forth.
I also find on some machines as the bobbin gets to only 1/4 full, the tension changes.
08-03-2023, 10:47 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,354
Another thing I have done, is to buy a second bobbin case to use for different things. Like if I am doing the actual quilting and using a very fine thread, I can adjust that bobbin case for that specific thread, then when I want to get back to piecing, I can change the bobbin case back to that one. Oh, if you do that, remember to label them!
08-04-2023, 06:02 AM
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
Originally Posted by Frodowisebrandytook
Thank you so much! These replies have all been very helpful, and I think I’ve solved the issue!
There was indeed a hole in the bobbin casing arm that I had never noticed before. That actually helped me out a lot! Also, upon carefully studying my thread path, I noticed that my thread seemed to be snagging a bit on the hook that fed into the tension disc. it always wanted to get looped around.
I also increased the tension on the bobbin case a little bit, although this was a bit of a last resort. For me, my biggest tension issues have always come after I tried to adjust the bobbin. For some reason, that always ends up blowing up in my face. Not this time!
Again, huge, thanks to all of you. You have saved my project!
There was indeed a hole in the bobbin casing arm that I had never noticed before. That actually helped me out a lot! Also, upon carefully studying my thread path, I noticed that my thread seemed to be snagging a bit on the hook that fed into the tension disc. it always wanted to get looped around.
I also increased the tension on the bobbin case a little bit, although this was a bit of a last resort. For me, my biggest tension issues have always come after I tried to adjust the bobbin. For some reason, that always ends up blowing up in my face. Not this time!
Again, huge, thanks to all of you. You have saved my project!
As for your issue with the thread wrapping around a thread guide before the tension discs, this can be a couple of issues. If you are using cones and a thread holder for the cone, try using a thread net. You can go to any florist and ask for the netting the flowers come in (same thing), they will happily give it to you as they normally just throw them away. You place the net over the cone and it helps the thread feed more evenly.
Another issue that can cause this is check the spool cap you put on the spool after mounting it on the spool pin. They can get little abrasions that will snag the thread which causes your top to tighten up and then suddenly let go causing all kinds of tension headaches. If your machine is from the 80's it is entirely possible the spool caps are worn and you may need to invest in a new set or use a different sized one. My Bernina came with 3 different spool caps and I use them depending on what kind of spool I am using. I rarely use the largest size one as the few spools of thread I have (I mostly use cones) are the tall skinny kind.
