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I have to sew on 200 cards and I'm about to throw my machine out the window. I finally got it to quit breaking the thread, and now my stitches are all loopy in the back...really really bad. I know it's something with tension, but I don't know what...how do I adjust it? Less or more?
On that note, I'm quitting for the night and going to bed, just thought I'd ask to see if anyone could help a poor non-sewer...lol
first try cleaning your machine from the little dust bunnies that can clog it up, then rethread your thread. If you still get the loops in the back, the tension is too loose.
first try cleaning your machine from the little dust bunnies that can clog it up, then rethread your thread. If you still get the loops in the back, the tension is too loose.
I'd say use scrap piece of the same CS you are using and just try it out. Start at the lowest setting of tension and work up. It is like with different fabric thicknesses. Different CS different tension. And yes, make sure when you are done to clean the dust from the CS out of your machine. Your machine should have come with a little booklet and most likely you can find some trouble shooting tips in it.
I had this problem for a while and found that the thread I was using wasn't the right kind of thread. It was becoming loose in the bobbin and then causing all sorts of headaches. I've also had this problem occur when the bobbin is "wound" properly, ie: when the thread hasn't been wound onto to it properly, or if it hasn't been inserted properly. And even a simple thing like it not being threaded properly can also cause these problems. Of course, it depends on the machine. I agree with the other posters too about lint build up - that's a huge headache that can be so easily prevented. I'd start there like the others have said and work few all your options.
I had this problem for a while and found that the thread I was using wasn't the right kind of thread. It was becoming loose in the bobbin and then causing all sorts of headaches. I've also had this problem occur when the bobbin is "wound" properly, ie: when the thread hasn't been wound onto to it properly, or if it hasn't been inserted properly. And even a simple thing like it not being threaded properly can also cause these problems. Of course, it depends on the machine. I agree with the other posters too about lint build up - that's a huge headache that can be so easily prevented. I'd start there like the others have said and work few all your options.
Hey, Shannan! When my sewing machine does that, I first check to see that the thread is threaded properly. Then I check to make sure the bobbin thread is going the right way. If all of that is correct, then I take a piece of scrap cardstock and start sewing and adjusting the tension until I get the results I like. Nine times out of ten when I get loopy thread, the thread is not threaded properly.
Good luck on those 200 cards!
__________________ Yvette You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. -- Maya Angelou Yvette's Paper Garden
I had the same problem and had to break out the manual to properly thread the machine and wind the bobbin. Made a huge difference. Then I played with the tension.
I'm a fan of your gallery so I bet your cards will be gorgeous!
Thanks for all the tips, ladies!! I'll try hmmmm maybe a new needle? lol
And then I'll clean it and go thru the 30 year old manual again to make sure I've deciphered the directions to threading it. I know it's not my bobbin this time because that was the prob last time, so I bought a pre-wound bobbin. Eliminated the middle woman (who wasn't doing it right). I'll let yall know how it goes...fingers crossed!
Never could sew well on fabric - always want to throw the dang machine out the window or right through the glass - can't even imagine sewing on paper. Hope things are working out better now - those same issues are the ones I check out when trying to sew on fabric and I get nowhere fast. Hope you have much better luck.
If your stitches are "loopy" on the back side, then you don't have the machine set at the right tension. Check your owner's manual...and if you are like me and don't know where your owner's manual is, start at 4 and experiment until your stitches are nice and even. Naturally, having a new, sharp needle helps, as well as a clean, well-oiled machine. Best of luck.
Well, I was thinking about this tension question. Is it the top thread that is causing the loops? It is sometimes hard to tell if you are uhe same color for your top and bottom thread. If it's your top thread that is loopy, then it definitely needs to be tightened. There is also a tesion screw on the bobbin itself, but in all my years of sewing, I have rarely adjusted that. Sewing on paper is fun!
Definitely take all of the thread out of the machine top and bobbin first. If you have a piece of smooth nylon cord, hold both ends and push it in between the tension disks and use a "flossing" motion to make sure there's not thread stuck in there. Rethread, being sure to pull the thread so that it engages when you go through the tension disks.
Have you used prewound bobbins successfully in this machine? If not, that could be the problem. Make sure that you are seating the bobbin so that the thread comes off in the correct direction.
Also, if your bobbin goes in a metal bobbin case -- the kind that has the little slot and the tension screw, sometimes a wad of lint can get in that slot and you will not be able to see it. If you will take a small piece of cardstock and "floss" that slot from the innermost crevice to the outside opening, it will dislodge anything stuck in there. The problem sounds very much like a threading issue and that the thread is not being engaged by the tension correctly.
Good luck.
Billie
Thanks for all your help!! My machine was NOT threaded properly...I missed a couple steps...oops! I also found out that my thread was getting stuck in that little groove on the top of the spool. So I turned it around and all is well!! I also adjusted the tension back from 4 to 1. Works like a charm!
I need some Sewing Machine help!!
