Sewing question

[tncamper]

Check your bobbin, after you have done all of the above. Beside the tension being off, you need a new needle, they get dull, they also get bent. Do a little research on what type of sewing machine needle you need for the type fabric you are using. Different thread, acts differntly with between needle types. Always start your project with a fresh needle, it saves frustration.

I would def check your needle. A sharp needle make a world of difference.

[JohnSawyer]

+1 needle, and my cheapo brother I run a "1" tension when sewing light 1.1, unless I'm going through more than 2 layers.

[PuckerFactor]

Not to overload you with suggestions (The ones preceding this are great), but a large (14 or so) needle tends to punch the fabric down more than the smaller (9-11) needles. If you can, maybe try a smaller needle.

PF

[ironridger]

Thanks every one for all the suggestions, can't wait to get back at it today.:-)

[HURTHEART]

I would suggest you need to balance your thread, needle type, size, fabric, stitch length and tension. It might take awhile but well worth the time. Sewing has a learning curve like almost everthing else.

[Ramblinrev]

I would suggest you need to balance your thread, needle type, size, fabric, stitch length and tension. It might take awhile but well worth the time. Sewing has a learning curve like almost everthing else.

You have a point that is worth considering. However, in reality the balancing of all those things is so full of variables that _I_ don't think it has a major payoff for the home gear maker. I use large needles and regular size thread no matter what the fabric or stitch length is. The reason is very simple. I can get the stinking needle threaded more easily. I have some vision problems at times. If you have to change the thread and needle every time you change your stitch length or tension it would become completely unwieldly. There are those who have the charts of what thread is "designed" for what needle. That's fine. I have no problem with that if they want to take the specs that far. But I know from 50+ plus years in front of a sewing machine... there is a lot of leeway where you can still get good results.

[eflat7]

Don't try adjusting your tension too much at a time. Try a line and it if it doesn't look right, adjust your tension by one number at a time. It doesn't take much to get it right.

[Ramblinrev]

Don't try adjusting your tension too much at a time. Try a line and it if it doesn't look right, adjust your tension by one number at a time. It doesn't take much to get it right.

When troubleshooting make only one adjustment at time. If you are going to change your thread... do that and nothing else. If you are going to put in a new needle, do that before you do anything else. Making one change at a time allows for two things. It keeps you organized as to what you've tried and it allows you to go back if what you did makes it worse. Always a good idea to keep track of the changes.

[easyriver]

I use large needles and regular size thread no matter what the fabric or stitch length is. The reason is very simple. I can get the stinking needle threaded more easily.

I really like that philosophy. Then the machine can stay loaded" with the same thread/needle all the time. Then one has to figure out how any particular material needs to be dealt with.

I keep it real simple. I do everything with heavy black thread!

(No, not really, but I try to)


We need a sewing icon.

[Detail Man]

One more thing I remembered...cheap thread can cause problems as well. Use a good quality thread like Gutterman's that is 100% polyester.