Setting the tension .... questions
 

OK, our latest acquisition (MW Signature) is very sensitive about the tension settings and she, gotta be a she, does not like C&C Dual Duty XP Heavy thread. Try to sew with it with the tensions set normally will get you a horrible birds nest underneath. To get it to sew we have to run the tension almost all the way tight Anyway when we drop back to normal thread we have to drop the tension back to 3 or so, it is that sensitive.

So here is my questions:

For general sewing;

A: Do you have a favorite thread you use as a "standard" when you set your tensions? If so what would that be?

B: Do you have a favorite material to test the tension on when you adjust one? If so what would it be?

C: Do you have any machines that require the tensions to be radically reset for each thread you use? If so do you keep spare bobbin cases for them, or just adjust them as you go?


Just curious, as I've got three machines that have goofy tension problems right now and they are driving me to distraction.

Joe

joe are you running the thread right off the pins on the machine ? in working with so many different machines and brands. I had nothing but tension problems.. I then went to my home made stand and cone spools. which are a good two feet above the machine and 3 feet away.. this put a belly in the thread,, which works as a buffer for the jerking motion and tension problem were gone

not saying it was a 100% cure , it sure did help

I had a few tension probs. with my main workhorse (1950's Pinnock). I now stick to Gutermann thread and metal bobbins. I always test on 100% cotton and denim (my two most commonly used fabrics). If I need to use a radically different thread/fabric I keep spare bobbins for aside for that purpose. I have also started keeping a notebook by my machine and when I get a "perfect" result, note down exactly where all the dials are at, the needle brand and size and thread/fabric details.

notsureif,

Yes I was using thread mounted on the machine. I didn't think to try the remote cone stand since it was just a standard sized spool. I will give that a try.

earthwalker,

Not a bad idea keeping a notebook of settings. Thanks.

Joe

A: I usually use a Gutterman cotton thread. 50 wt. Since I will be sewing with cotton thread 95% of the time, I set the machines with that consideration.

B:I use 2 layers of quilting cotton. Most people tend to use a thicker material. But, again, this is what I'm going to be using the machine for and it's what I want to look the best.

C: No.

Candace,

What is the difference between "quilting cotton" and other cottons?

Joe

There are different weight cotton fabrics. Not all are good to use in piecing quilt tops. Some are too heavy, some too light. Some are just right. Just ask Goldilocks.

Ummm, didn't Goldilocks get crosswise of the three bears and end up scrubbing their dishes and mopping the floors??? Just kidding, where do I find Goldilocks, I don't remember seeing that name.

Joe

She's in the woods right now, probably scrubbing floors like you said. She's kind of busy.

I was talking to our LSMG today about the MW and the heavy C&C thread. He said that machine was not designed to handle that heavy of a thread, but should sew with it.
Sew, if I insist on using that thread for piecing my denim quilt parts I guess I'll have to use other machines or put up with adjusting the tension all the time on this one.

Joe