Sewing Tension

topic posted Wed, July 29, 2009 - 8:45 AM by  Robin
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The most I've done with a sewing machine is hem pants. Now I'm trying to make a mermaid style skirt (fitted at the hips and thighs and flares below the knee) with stretch fabric. I cannot get the tension proper. Is there anyone in San Francisco who could come help me for a fee?
posted by:
Robin
Minneapolis
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  • Check your sewing machine manual to see what setting it recommends for stretch knits. If it doesn't, the zigzag (as mentioned) will work. Most of your tensions will be between 3-5, but check your bobbin to make sure it has proper tension. I had this same trouble and had my bobbin threaded incorrectly, but if there's improper tension on it, it will affect the thread. To check the bobbin tension, take it out (bobbin in holder), hold it by the end of the string, then give it a gently "drop", keeping your grip on the end of the string. It should drop about 2-4 inches on its own if the tension is good. If it doesn't drop like this, your tension is too tight. If it drops to far (mine fell to the floor!), then it's too loose. In both cases, you'd need to adjust the small screw (loosen or tighten) on the bobbin. Good luck to you!
    • Teriki, you may have saved my sanity, what few shreds of it I had left! I've been going absolutely insane with thread tension issues, and getting nowhere with the upper tension adjuster. But your instructions for checking the bobbin tension made it so easy to see that it was the problem, and how to adjust it perfectly! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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