Stitch issue

**sandmaker** · 01-05-2015, 10:02

A week before Christmas I started working on a new project. It was the first time I had worked with HyperD, and either out of ignorance or confidence (I had been sewing a ton of things leading up to Christmas) I didn't run any test stitches. The stuff was a little slick but seemed to sew fine. Then when I inspected my stitches I noticed a problem; the stitches on the bottom looked like they had been pulled too tight. I was trying to figure out why this happened but since I'm still new at this thread injecting thing I came here to the community's collected wisdom.

Here's what the top looks like:
IMG_0801.jpg

And this is how it looks on the bottom:
IMG_0797.jpg

I was using a new needle, although it was a universal point and I've read now that some folks suggest using a sharp point needle on our light weight fabrics. The universal point needles have done well by me so far and I've done 1.1, 1.6 and 1.9 nylon with them.

Thoughts on what happened?

**Scotty Von Porkchop** · 01-05-2015, 10:18

The top tension it too low, simply tighten it up until the stitches are balanced.

**PapaSmurf** · 01-05-2015, 10:25

The loops you see from the bottom view are a result of low tension of the top thread. Increase top tension until the stitches are pulled evenly through the fabric. Although you can visually inspect the stitches to confirm that your tension is correct, you should also get in the habit of running the stitches through your fingers periodically while you sew to make sure top and bottom tension is balanced.

**miyanc** · 01-05-2015, 10:59

2 solid experts who know better then me. i have the same issue with my 15-91. if i use 15 or more stitches per inch it gets better. if i go to 6 per i get birds nest and in between i get what u have. the problem i have is that i have adjusted both top and bobbin tension (not recommended if you dont have too). i am looking into a new bobbin case and or reworking the top thread tension. Hope yours is easier then mine.

**sandmaker** · 01-05-2015, 14:26

Thank you for the quick replies everyone. I had a feeling it might be a tension issue, but still wanted to ask since I've used lighter weight fabric and not seen this problem.

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

you should also get in the habit of running the stitches through your fingers periodically while you sew to make sure top and bottom tension is balanced.

This is great advice PapaSmurf. Thank you.

**dannyvp** · 01-05-2015, 14:37

I need to learn some more I guess, I don't see an issue. I'd hate for you guys to see my stuff!

**gmcttr** · 01-05-2015, 15:25

Originally Posted by dannyvp

I need to learn some more I guess, I don't see an issue...

In the second photo, you can see the loops from the top thread are at the surface while the bottom thread lays flat on the surface. If the bottom thread were cut, the full length of it could be easily pulled out.

tension.jpg