thread problem when machining...help!

[shelly322002]

ive been having a problem with the TOP thread when machine quilting. when i turn my work over, the TOP thread showing underneath is looped and loose, and the bottom thread lays flat... why??? is it a tension problem? to tighten the top tension do i increase or decrease the tension number? goodness knows! any ideas??? help please anyone!

[auntjana]

It is a tension problem - it could go two ways -

first - the top tension is too loose and or the bobbin tension is too light.

Rule # 1 - only do one thing at a time -before moving anything - make notes of where it is set at - so you have a reference to go back to.

try to tighten the top tension and see if that fixes it. If it doesn't - go back to the original setting of your machine and adjust the bobbin.I use a small tipped permanent marker - Make a mark on either side of the small set screw on the bobbin case - only turn the set screw a small amount - about 1/8th of a turn - test sew - if that fixes it - good - if you feel it needs to be tightened more - then only a small turn further.

It might take both to be tightened - but pay attention where you start from so you can always go back to start all over again if necessary.

Good luck
Jana

[shelly322002]

thanks jana, i will certainly have a look at this tomorrow and play around. tension is a bug bare to me! love jacquie.x.

[gmaann]

Before you adjust the tension, rethread the machine - both top thread and bobbin. Usually when I have a problem with thread bunching up on the underneath, it is because my top thread is improperly threaded - or caught on something! You might also try using a new needle and cleaning the bobbin area of lint.

[purrfect-lady]

Is your machine oiled? Also, bargain threads can cause problems. Make sure you have a good quality thread. There is a very recent post on this site about thread if that's a question. Good luck! This can be frustrating, (ask me how I know!) but you've gotten some great trouble shooting ideas here.

One thing I do is keep a list of things to try when having a problem. I have it posted on my wall for quick reference. Saves me time.

[1quiltinnana]

Sounds like a Tension problem to me too. I have been there and it is so frustrating. I used a sample I made and tried different tensions on my machine until I found the right one for my quilt. It takes a little time, but, well worth it and I also changed needle sizes to find the right one for my quilt, the thread and machine. Good Luck!!

[shelly322002]

These are all great tips ladies! thanks so much!! i will try all of them!
Thanks again, love Jacqui.x.

[IowaGal]

also, on my pfaff, which I have this trouble ALOT make sure you use premiu thread. Cheaper thread and my machine do not play well together. Sulky or YLI works best for me.

[grannyQuilts1]

when mine did this i found a big gob of lint under the bobin case. cleaned it and it worked great. that is when i learned to ck that area after every couple of bobbins when i am quilting.
Barbara

[somari]

If bobbin tension is too tight the upper will 'birds nest underneath and vice versa. I always adjust the bobbin first because it has less latitude. Then I adjust the upper to that. Also I don't cheap out on thread!