How can I fix this problem with my sewing machine?

Question

I know how to set up and use my sewing machine, but I'm no good at troubleshooting.

When I stitch a line with it, the top looks fine but the underside looks rough. Like the bobbin is feeding too much thread. Theres small loops and bunched up thread.

Any ideas how I can resolve this? I'm making a quilt for my nephews first birthday and I'm running out of time!

Answer 1

While this is your upper tension, you may not be able to fix it according to the type of machine you have.

I have been sewing for 50 years, my machine started doing this very same thing, I did all the normal checks, threading, cleaning, bobbin, you name it I tried it.  I broke down and took it in the shop.  :( I was told I had to much wear on my machine which as losen everything and since my machine is a newer machine with loads of junk, it can not be fixed.!  No joke, they told me I wore it it! And I haven't had it a full 2 years yet.  Plus this was a Brother's authorized dealer and repair store.

Answer 2

Along with what the experts tell you, take out the bobbin case and clean out behind it. Sometimes when you are making quilts you can get lint there which doesn't help your tension problems.

Answer 3

When it looks like the bobbin has gotten carried away, it is the top tension that is messed up not the bobbin tension. Frustrated experience here. Get a scrap piece of fabric, long one, and one notch at a time adjust your top tension, after each adjustment, sew a few inches, until it looks good. Definitely make sure your threads are all purpose if you are sewing something light weight,not canvas. Recheck your threading on machine and bobbin is in the right direction, but the rats nest on the underside is definitely top tension issues.

Answer 4

Lots of good tips, but Kay is correct -- if you've got loops and bunched up thread (birds nests) on the bottom, the problem is with the upper tension.  That's actually good, because it's the easiest to fix.

Answer 5

I also might try rewinding your bobbin, if it is not wound tightly it can cause this problem

Answer 6

FIRST, ensure that you are using equal weight thread on the top and the bottom.  If not, you will set your tensions wrong while trying to balance them.

OK then, set the upper tension at 4-5 and sew a line about 3 to 4 inches long and check the balance.  Usually, I don't recommend turning the s***w on the bobbin-case to adjust the tension as it is a very short s***w, will come out easily, and is easily lost.  If you must turn it, turn it only 1/2 turn as a maximum.  Put a full bobbin of 50wt thread into the bobbin case, thread through the bobbin tension, pull out about 6 inches of thread.  Now, gently let the bobbin case swing freely from the thread end and see what happens:  If the bobbin drops rapidly, your tension is too loose; if it does not drop at all, your tension is too tight.  Here's a nifty hint...while holding the thread end, slowly bounce your hand up and down a little bit.  The bobbin case should drop very slowly--about the same amount as you lift your hand.  Remember when changing the bobbin tension the old adage "Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey"   Hope this helps.  If not, you can contact me through ANSWERS protocol.

Answer 7

Adjust the tension which can be located on the arm of the machine or on the bobbin casing itself. Try playing with the upper one and if it gets worse moving one way (higher or lower) move it the other. It that doesn't work there is kind of a s***w on the side on the bobbin casing either tighten or loosen it and check the outcome by sewing on a piece of scrap fabric. Hope this helps you out.

Answer 8

Here are two links that might help you.

Answer 9

Several things to try.  

When you start sewing, hold on to your bobbin and top threads for a few stitches. (1/2 inch).

Re thread your machine - top and bobbin - you'd be surprised what a fixer that is.

Check your manual for adjusting the tension.  If your bobbin thread is riding on the surface of the fabric, your top tension is too loose.  Try several tension adjustments and if nothing works, call your machine dealer for advice.  You may need to get a cleaning/adjustment.

Answer 10

Before adjusting the tension, change your needle.  Once you start messing around with the tension,  if you aren't careful, it can throw everything out of whack.  If you are using a size 9 needle, try an 11.  Or if you are using an 11 try a 9.  Try a different spool of thread when you change the needle size.  Always start with the easy stuff.

Answer 11

If you've got loops on the bottom of the fabric, the top tension is wrong.  (Don't believe?  Rethread with two colors and sew.)

Chances are, you didn't get the thread into the upper tension when you threaded.  But let's do the full check:

- Unthread the sewing machine, top and bottom.

- Brush and vacuum (don't use canned air!) all lint out under the needleplate and around the bobbin case area.

- Moisten a fold of much-washed cotton fabric (a pillowcase hem is perfect!) with rubbing alcohol or unflavored vodka.  "Floss" the upper tension with this to get out any debris from cheap thread or coating that tends to build up from synthetic or glazed threads.

- Make sure the presser foot is up.  This opens the upper tension, allowing thread to enter it during threading.  With manual in hand, rethread the machine.  You can drop the presser foot to give yourself a bit more room to thread the needle after you've the thread has entered the upper tension.

99% of the time, all you really need when you see this problem is the last step -- rethreading with the presser foot up.

If you've been playing with the tension settings, normal tension is 4-5 on the tension dial.  If you've been playing with the bobbin tension, make sure the upper tension is set to 4, and then rebalance the bobbin tension.  Make sure you turn the bobbin tension s***w only 5 minutes at a time -- bobbin tension adjustments are usually minute.  Also, it's a good idea to put the bobbin case and the screwdriver in a plastic bag while you're working on it.  The tension s***w is very small and has the bad habit of hopping out of the case and rolling away, never to be seen again.

Also, when you start a seam, hold the thread ends for a couple of stitches.  That keeps you from getting thread caterpillars at the beginning of the seam.

Don't forget a new needle for each project.  It's amazing how many sewing gremlins disappear when a new needle is supplied!