Sewing: why and how to adjust the tension of the sewing machine? : Current Woman The MAG

In sewing, and especially when you are just starting out, there are a number of parameters to master before cutting and stitching… Adjusting the thread tension is a risk that even the most seasoned fear. Before touching anything, know that:

1 / The tension adjustment can act on the bobbin thread (bottom thread) and on the needle thread (top thread) by managing the force with which they are held so that the seam is solid and sufficiently tight. Depending on the textiles and threads used, it may be necessary to vary this tension.

2 / Your stitches will be balanced if they are all the same size, identical on both sides of the fabrics and properly tightened. If the stitches are uneven or form loops, if the needle thread is visible on the reverse side, or the bobbin thread protrudes from the right side, the tension may need to be readjusted.

If the bobbin thread is visible at the place of the seam it means that the tension controlling the upper thread passing through the needle is too tight. It either pulls the bobbin thread up, or the tension controlling the lower thread coming out of the bobbin is too loose. The upper thread tension then takes over.

If the needle thread is visible on the reverse side of the seam, it means that the tension controlling the lower thread is too tight pulling the needle thread down. Or the tension controlling the needle thread is too weak.

How do I adjust the tension of the sewing machine?

To help you, get the instructions for your sewing machine. If you do not have it in print, check the Internet, there are often the manuals that we are missing.

1. Remove the spool and needle thread. Also remove the bobbin and its casing and clean any dust that may have accumulated in the mechanism.

2. Re-thread the wires properly, checking that no dirt is blocking the wire passages. Do not hesitate to check that the needle is suitable for the fabric and that it has not already been used too much (it may be time to change it).

3. Be aware that "normal" or "automatic" tension will work best if the needle and bobbin threads are of the same quality (best if they come from the same spool).

Adjust the needle thread tension

The needle thread tension is usually adjusted with a numbered dial, directly on the machine. Increasing the tension (upper number) will tighten the stitches. Decreasing it (lower number) will make them looser.

If really no adjustment of the needle thread tension gives a satisfactory result, it is possible to adjust the tension of the bobbin thread. However, this is delicate handling which depends on your machine (vertical or horizontal bobbin, removable housing or not …), refer to the user manual of your device.

Read also :

⋙ DIY sewing: how to make washable wipes and their storage bag?

⋙ How to customize your clothes when you are zero in DIY?

⋙ Easy DIY: sew a princess crown