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  • Thread Tension-How do you know when you have it right?

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    Old 05-03-2011, 01:44 PM
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    Red thread on the top and Blue in the bobbin. Red shows as a dot on the underneath of the cloth. It doesn't matter what the tension is on, the red dot still shows. I am messing with some older machines and a 15 clone. Figured this was a tension problem not a vintage problem. HELPPPPPP :lol:

    Just realized I didn't change the needle out. Nope that's not it. I am stumped.
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    Old 05-03-2011, 01:47 PM
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    I would say that sounds pretty good. Can you see any blue on the top? If so, that would be perfect.
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    Old 05-03-2011, 01:49 PM
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    no this happens all the time & I really think it is unavoidable. I think maybe a smaller needle might help the problem a little bit since it won't be poking such a big hole in the fabric for the thread to show thru. But really tension sounds good.
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    Old 05-03-2011, 01:50 PM
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    Originally Posted by ptquilts
    I would say that sounds pretty good. Can you see any blue on the top? If so, that would be perfect.
    So I am supposed to see blue on the top also? I thought it would be jsut red on the top and just blue on the bottom? Even more confused.
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    Old 05-03-2011, 01:51 PM
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    Originally Posted by Izaquilter
    no this happens all the time & I really think it is unavoidable. I think maybe a smaller needle might help the problem a little bit since it won't be poking such a big hole in the fabric for the thread to show thru. But really tension sounds good.
    I am going to try a smaller needle. Thanks

    Edit-I guess I never noticed the small dot as I always used the same color thread in top and bottom. Thanks so much for the prompt replies.

    Lauren
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    Old 05-03-2011, 04:33 PM
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    Do you have your presser foot up when you put your thread through the tension thingie. I think ideally your threads should meet in the middle so you shouldn't see any dots, top or bottom. It sounds like your top tension is a little loose or your bottom is a little tight.
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    Old 05-03-2011, 04:48 PM
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    Have you adjusted the bottom tension? Sounds like it might be a little tight, pulling the top thread down.

    Some machines just don't make an *exact* balanced stitch. I love my Bernina 1230, but have learned not to try to quilt with one color on the top and one on the bottom; even if it goes awhile being perfectly balanced, sooner or later I will get some "dots" on one side or the other.
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