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Hey Guys ,I just got done modding my ENO DN. I put some grosgrain channels with some shock cord in it, so I can tighten up my floppy sides. The issue is on the back side of the stitching. The stitches are not loose but they look erratic. I have messed with the tension on my machine with no success. I'm starting to question my needle size or the power of the machine? I'm a newbie with the thread injector. So any help is appreciated!
Attachment 42280
Tighten your upper tension. Don't mess with the bobbin, unless you already did, in which case you will probably have to unmess with it. They look too long as well. Shorten them up a bit.
If that pic shows the back of the stitch, then your upper or main thread tension is too loose. Is it possible you didn't get the machine threaded correctly, or maybe the thread isn't in the tension disks correctly?
-Klauss
You could try flipping the bobbin over in the case, it might be in backwards. It does look like incorrect tensions though. If you don't have a bobbin tension gauge don't mess with it. If upper tension changes and flipping bobbin over don't fix it, find a technician with a bobbin tension gauge.
At least one of the thread tensions is way off.
Double check to make sure that the bobbin is inserted properly and that the bobbin thread is being fed out of the bobbin properly - not filling the bobbin correctly can throw the tension off in it.
Then check to make sure that you're threading the machine properly including making sure that you have the needle in the machine correctly.
One of the easiest way to find if you need to adjust the tension is to thread the machine with two different colour threads - one top and one bottom. Use two pieces of light coloured scrap or at least not the same colours as the thread. Set the thread length on 8 to 10 stitches per inch and run a straight line of stitching. The two threads should meet in the middle between the two layers of fabric.
Once you have the tension set on your machine you should rarely have to move it.
Most machines have bobbin tension adjustment in the bobbin case, usually a small screw.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pag
OTOH, a properly wound bobbin, properly inserted and threaded shouldn't hardly ever need adjusting.
I have never adjusted the bobbin tension. I'm not sure my machine has one. All I've done with the bobbin is load it with thread. I'll go over your suggestions of checking that the bobbin is loaded correctly. I have had the top tension dial as high as 8 and down to 4. I was under the assumption that would only affect the top threads, which are turning out nice. It's just the bottom. Again I'm learning by trial and error here. This is my wife machine that she dosen't know how to use either. So all I have is poorly worded instructions.
The two threads together form the combination that does a perfect stitch so by adjusting one you throw off the combination.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trees4Me
Good that you didn't even know that there was an adjustment on the bobbin..:) Means you didn't mess with it!
If you wound the thread on the bobbin yourself, it could be something as elementary as not having the threading right when the bobbin was wound. It sounds strange but the thread being improperly wound on the bobbin will mess up the tension when you're sewing.
If all else fails, you'll need to find a service tech who can adjust the tension for you and then show you how to wind the bobbin and thread the machine properly.
I just took another close look at the pic - there doesn't look to be any tension whatsoever on the bottom thread (the one that is shown clearly in the pic) and the top thread loops are showing through.
The only time I've seen something like that was when the bobbin either wasn't wound properly or there was no tension on the bobbin thread. Without knowing what machine you're using it's hard to describe but the bobbin thread should come out of the bobbin case and then be put through a very small 'catch' that applies tension to the bottom thread. When you pull it up through the hole beside the pressure foot, there should be 'some' (not extremely strong) tension on it - it should not just be free flowing - it's really hard to describe, sorry!
looking at your picture it's not the upper thread making the mess so the chance of it being upper tension goes down. Your bobbin may not be loaded correctly or your bobbin tension may be off. does your bobbin go in a case or is it a drop in bobbin? Loops like that can also be a scratch on your hook. I don't recommend attempting to adjust bobbin tension without the proper tools (like a towa tension gauge).
I'm new to this sewing thing to. I do.t want to hijack the thread, ha ha, but can anyone tell me how to make a button hole? The machine is 20 something plus yrs.with no setting for it.
Some machines had built in buttonhole features, other require a separate attachment to make bound buttonholes.Quote:
Originally Posted by ibgary
The only way to find out is to have to do that dreaded thing and read the operating manual for it ..:laugh:
If there's no instructions in the book for how to do it, it's safe to assume that you need an attachment.
If you don't have the manual for the machine, you can usually find them online as pdf files.
Read the owners manuel. Thanks. I'll do a search. I think its a Brother, or something I neverheard of.
If the machine has an adjustable zigzag buttonholes are easy. Set each side of the buttonhole to the appropriate side of the zigzag needle. Do one direction, switch sides on the zig zag and go the other way. Don't move the fabric, just the needle position. Small bar tacks on each end help strengthen the hole when it is cut.Quote:
Originally Posted by ibgary
If you only have a straight stitch then you need to do either a machine bound buttonhole or a welt buttonhole. Those are harder to describe. I am working ion getting a vid done to demonstrate the buttonhole with only a straight stitch.
I'm with those advising you to check the thread routing very carefully to be sure both the upper and lower threading is correct and the bobbin is inserted correctly.
What make and model is your machine? It could be important for giving more than general advice.
This is a great idea.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Old Boot
Both top and bottom tensions are adjustable. Don't be afraid of adjusting the bottom tension. But don't change the bobbin tension out of desperation, find the problem. You can also sew by turning the wheel by hand and watching closely. My take on your photo is that the tension spring that takes up the slack on the top thread is either bypassed or broken. Post a picture of your machine with thread in it from the top tension adjuster to the needle.
I can think of reasons to adjust the bobbin thread resistance. Since the overlock of thread should be pulled into the fabric layers, as you increase fabric thickness and layers, you might wish to increase bobbin tension. This increase in bottom thread tension will need to be counteracted by increased top thread tension. This can cause broken threads, thread fraying etc if you try to do this on a home machine that cannot handle these thread tensions. I use this as an extreme example.
On the other hand, you might be sewing a very light fabric. In order to avoid puckering of the fabric, or even drawing the thread up in the fabric, you may wish to lessen the bobbin tension, with a corresponding decrease in top thread tension.
At any rate, I would recommend that you get to know the tension on your bobbin carrier. If you know how much effort it takes to pull out thread when the bobbin is loaded and in the carrier, and it changes noticeably,:shades: then find the reason.
Here's the Machine I have. Didn't realize it was the Walmart El Cheapo special. I'll double check the bobbin tomorrow. Re-wind it and see if I can't figure out the issue based on your guys advice. Thanks again!
http://http://www.brother-usa.com/homesewing/modeldetail.aspx?PRODUCTID=XL2600i#.UKXMPY69K0c
How old is the machine and did you buy it new or is it a hand me down that's been sitting around. These cheaper machines are subject to extreme wear and tear from cheaper parts in critical places. The tensioning disks could be scored from use. With cheap materials it is doesn't take much to wear them beyond function. The tension spring could have weakened or broken. Use of heavy threads will increase that wear because there is simply more abrasion from a heavier thread. Poly threads are harder and more abrasive than cotton poly blends often used in garment construction. If the machine is more than a few years old or has been sitting in someones closet for for an extended time I wouldn't chase my tail too long trying to get it to work right. I would suggest a machine that is built for a heavier duty cycle.
Ok Guys I got it! I was just not loading the bobbin in correctly. I was missing the tension spring! OOOOPS! Learning curve. I did have to dial the tension as far as it goes. I think the thread I bought is pushing the limits of my crap machine. Curios what tread you all are using for you projects? The stuff I got is some polyester thread that was labeled as outdoor . I think it may be a bit overkill.
Does anyone here go to one of those ladies' "sewing circle" groups? Sounds like an excellent way to meet girls...
Good deal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trees4Me
Gutermann's Sew All, locally from Joanns, etc. or my prefered Gutermann's Mara 70...very strong but thin enough to work very well with home machines.
Ha Ha I've done this so that's why I knew:boggle:Quote:
Originally Posted by Trees4Me
The tension spring.......... Also I have put bobbins in backwards. The way the thread comes off the bobbin is part of the bottom thread tension. Nothing is worse than a bobbin that is wound badly. It will make you question all of your other variables before you find,
that one part of the bobbin thread has somehow crossed under another causing excessive drag.