Odd tension problem on my 201
 

Hi all! I have an odd tension problem. When I use reverse, the top tension pulls the bobbin thread up from he bottom. Switch back to forward stitching and the stitches are perfect. Any suggestions on what I need to do? Here's a photo:

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Christine,

Is your 201 close enough to your computer to read over your shoulder? Maybe it's joined my Kenmore in being naughty.

Seriously, I don't know why that would be doing that. Other than the feed dogs everything runs the same weather in forward or reverse. Or, it's supposed to.

Joe

Hmmmmm....that IS odd! Can you sew with no fabric or thread and then look to see what is happening with the feed dogs in reverse? Are you positive that everything is threaded correctly, needle in the proper way, etc?

Yes, I checked the manual to be sure it was all correct. This is my first 201 so I'm not as familiar with it as, say my 15-91, 66-16 or the FW I've had in the past. I'll take the race out and see if something might be caught in there.

The fabric sample looks like a loose weave. Is it? Have you tried it on other fabric weights? Replaced the needle? Are you using a quality brand of thread, like Guterman or Superior, not something purchased at Wal-Mart?

Do you have the needle threaded correctly, next try to increase thread tension to a three.

Oddly, I solved the problem by taking the hook out and cleaning both pieces really well. There was a sticky, thick brown film between the 2 pieces, like 3-in-1 oil had been used in the past. The film was only between the 2 pieces, not the top or sides of the hook, only in between. Very strange. Everything else was clean, spotless really.

At least the stitches are back to normal. Dang... I suspect 3-in-1 oil was used in other areas as well. It looks like I need to soak her innards in kerosene one of these days.

Thank goodness I didn't have access to 3in1 oil when I bought my first machine or I would've been in trouble. I guess people just think, "well, it's oil, isn't it? So I guess I'll just use this can...." glad you got it straightened out!

Lube it well with Tri-Flow now, and you'll not need to soak it in kerosene.

Joe

What does the Tri-flow do to the hardened film that machine oil can't? I'm not familiar with Tri-flow.

My 201 sews a little stiffer than my 15-91. The difference is slight, but since I know what a Singer machine is supposed to feel like, it bothers me to have the machine drag, even though it is only slight. I keep wanting to push the knee lever harder but it already has the pedal to the metal. If I didn't have my other Singers I wouldn't know the difference.