Sewing Machine Tension
Sewing machine tension adjustment is controlled by devices that separately control the needle thread and the bobbin thread, putting varying amounts of tension (or strength) on the threads they control to form a strong, balanced stitch. Sewing machine tension can be tightened or loosened to affect the needle thread, the bobbin thread, or both.
Balanced Machine Stitches
Machine stitches should look the same on both sides of the seam when you sew patchwork pieces together or when you machine quilt through the quilt’s top, batting, and backing. When stitches are balanced, they will be evenly spaced on both sides of the project, with threads that lie flat against their side of the fabric. The little knot formed between stitches (at each indentation between them) should be invisible, buried in the layers. If either thread pulls easily out of the seam when you tug at it, you know there’s a sewing machine tension problem.
If Bobbin Thread Is Visible on Top of the Piece Being Sewn
Bobbin thread’s appearance on top of the piece you are sewing could mean a couple of things:
The tension that controls the thread coming through the needle is too strong, pulling the bobbin thread to the top.The tension that controls the thread coming out of the bobbin is too weak, allowing the needle thread’s tension to take over.
If Needle Thread Is Visible on the Bottom Side of the Piece Being Sewn
If the needle thread appears on the bottom side of your patchwork or quilt, it could mean a couple of things:
The tension that controls the thread coming out of the bobbin is too strong, pulling the needle thread to the underside.The tension that controls the thread coming through the needle is too weak.
The answers to both situations are factual, but they aren’t truly helpful. Let’s look at one way to troubleshoot the problem before you make changes to the sewing machine’s needle or bobbin tension settings:
Are You Using the Same Thread in the Bobbin and Through the Needle?
A sewing machine usually offers the best results at ’normal’ or ‘automatic’ tension settings when the same threads are used through the needle and in the bobbin:
We typically use the same threads in both places when sewing patchwork. If you are not, switch out one or the other and try again.We often do not use the same threads on the top and bottom when we machine quilt, so tension adjustments will probably be necessary.
Make Sewing Machine Tension Adjustments
No matter what the problem, start by adjusting the top (needle) tension:
If you’ve determined that more tension (strength) is required for the needle thread, turn the tension knob (or digital setting) up just a bit (refer to your manual).If the bobbin needs a little more pull, lower the needle thread’s tension setting.Test another seam. Is it better, but maybe not entirely accurate? Change the setting and try again.
Changing Bobbin Tension
Many people are hesitant to change the tension of their bobbin, but you might find that step offers the best results when you’re machine quilting. You should see a small screw on the flat/closed side of the bobbin case. Turning the screw a tiny bit counterclockwise will loosen the bobbin tension; turning it clockwise will tighten the tension. Some quilters keep two bobbin cases on hand, leaving one as-is from the factory and using the other when they need to make adjustments. If you have just one bobbin, use a permanent marker to draw a fine line directly across from the slot of the screw before you move it―that step will show you where to set the screw when it’s time to return to normal tension. Be sure to test your machine quilting stitches on a practice quilt sandwich (with the same basic top/batting/backing) before you stitch through the layers of an actual quilt.
