How To Tell If Your Bobbin Tension Is Correct
Imagine you’re in the process of sewing a new dress. You’ve got the fabric all cut out, and you’re starting to sew the pieces together. As you stitch, you begin to notice that the seams aren’t looking as even as you would like them to. You may think that your stitches are crooked. Still, after checking them closely, you realize that the problem is actually with your bobbin tension.
Bobbin tension is an integral part of sewing, as it helps to ensure that your stitches are even and looking their best. If the tension on your bobbin is too loose, you will end up with stitches that are too big and gaps in between them. On the other hand, if the tension is too tight, your stitches will be too small and closely packed together. Either way, the end result isn’t going to be what you’re hoping for.
How to tell if your bobbin tension is correct is an important skill to have, as it will ensure that your stitches are even and looking their best. So let’s dive in!
What Is Bobbin Tension and Why Is It Important?
Bobbin tension is the amount of pressure that is applied to the thread as it winds around the bobbin. This tension helps to keep the stitches even and looking their best.
If the tension is too loose, you will end up with stitches that are too big and gaps in between them. On the other hand, if the tension is too tight, your stitches will be too small and closely packed together.
If you’re having trouble with your stitches looking uneven, the chances are that your bobbin tension is not set correctly. This is why it is so important to understand what bobbin tension is and how to adjust it properly. By doing so, you’ll be able to sew beautiful, even stitches every time.
How to Tell if Your Bobbin Tension Is Correct
There are a few different ways to tell if your bobbin tension is set correctly, and we will explore them in detail in this article.
Visually Inspect Stitches
The first way to check your bobbin tension is by looking at the stitches themselves. If the stitches are even and there are no gaps in between them, then the tension is probably set correctly.
On the other hand, if the stitches are uneven or there are gaps in between them, then the tension is most likely too loose and needs to be tightened.
Manual Thread Inspection
Another way to tell if your bobbin tension is correct is by holding the thread in your hand and gently tugging on it. If the thread slides easily through your fingers without breaking, then the tension is too loose and needs to be tightened. On the other hand, if the thread feels tight or breaks easily, then the tension is too tight and needs to be loosened.
How to Set Your Bobbin Tension
First, you will need to find the adjustment screw on your sewing machine. This is usually located near the bobbin case or under the stitch plate. Once you’ve found it, turn the screw clockwise to tighten the tension or counterclockwise to loosen it.
Next, insert a bobbin into the machine and thread it through the tension guide. Then, pull on the thread until there is about 6 inches of it hanging out of the needle.
Now, gently tug on the thread while holding onto the end of the bobbin. If the thread breaks easily, then the tension is too tight, and you’ll need to turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise. If the thread slides through your fingers without breaking, then the tension is too loose, and you’ll need to turn the screw clockwise.
Once you’ve found the sweet spot, re-thread the bobbin and test it out on some scrap fabric to make sure the tension is still correct.
Troubleshooting Bobbin Tension
Adjusting your bobbin tension can help improve the quality of your stitching. While it may seem like a daunting task, it’s really not that difficult to do. You just need to know what to look for and have the right tools on hand.
If you’ve followed the steps above and you still can’t get the bobbin tension right, then there are a few other troubleshooting techniques you can try.
Is The Bobbin Positioned Correctly
First, make sure that the bobbin case is inserted correctly into the sewing machine. If it’s not, then the tension will be off no matter how many times you adjust it. Next, try using a different type of bobbin. Some machines work better with certain types of bobbins, so it’s worth experimenting to see if you can find one that works better with your machine.
Inspect The Tension Disc
The next thing you need to do when adjusting your bobbin tension is to take a look at the tension disc. This is the small, round piece of metal that sits underneath the bobbin case. If you see that the tension disc is loose, it is likely that your bobbin tension is too low. To tighten the tension disc, simply turn it clockwise with a screwdriver.
If the tension disc is already tight, or if you are having difficulty turning it, then your bobbin tension is probably too high. To lower the tension, you’ll need to loosen the tension disc by turning it counterclockwise.
Test Stitch on Scrap Fabric
Once you have adjusted the tension disc, you will need to test your stitching on a scrap piece of fabric. If the stitches are still too loose or too tight, simply adjust the tension disc again until you’re happy with the results.
A Few Other Things To Consider
If you are having difficulty getting your bobbin tension just right, there are a few other things you can try.
Check the type of thread you are using. Some threads are thinner than others and may require different tension settings. If you are not sure what type of thread you should be using, consult your sewing machine manual or ask a knowledgeable salesperson at your local fabric store.
If you are still having trouble getting the tension right, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member for help. Or, you can always take your sewing machine to a professional for a tune-up. They will be able to take a look at it and adjust the tension for you.
Final Thoughts on Bobbin Tension
As you can see, there are a few things you need to do in order to adjust your bobbin tension correctly.
To sum up, troubleshooting bobbin tension can be a bit of a trial and error process. However, by following the tips and advice in this article, you should be able to get your machine sewing smoothly in no time. Don’t forget to test your stitches on a scrap piece of fabric before moving on to your final project. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be a pro in no time!
We hope this article was helpful in teaching you how to tell if your bobbin tension is correct. Happy sewing!
