When doing machine embroidery, the tension dial should be set somewhere between 2 to 6. If the stitches appear loose, turn the tension up one notch and embroider again.
What is normal tension on a Brother sewing machine?
Tension settings:
The standard tension setting is 4. Start with this, and based on what your test stitching looks like, tighten the tension (below 4) or loosen it (above 4). Typically on Brother machines, to loosen the upper thread tension, turn the dial left. To tighten it, turn the dial right (source).
What number should the tension be on a sewing machine?
As the bobbin thread tension is factory-set and wouldn’t usually be adjusted for normal sewing. So we’ll be talking only about the top thread tension since that’s where you’d usually make the adjustments. The dial settings run from 0 to 9, so 4.5 is generally the ‘default’ position for normal straight-stitch sewing.
Why is my bottom stitch not straight?
If your thread is pulled tight on the underside and not forming an even stitch then (counter-intuitively) it’s usually the top thread tension that’s wrong. Sometimes very lightweight fabrics such as sheers can get dragged down into the machine so it’s a good idea to use a straight stitch plate.
How do you adjust bobbin tension?
To tighten your bobbin tension, turn the tiny screw on the bobbin case a smidgen clockwise. To loosen bobbin tension, turn the screw counterclockwise. A quarter turn or less is a good place to start.
Why is my thread bunching underneath?
A: Looping on the underside, or back of the fabric, means the top tension is too loose compared to the bobbin tension, so the bobbin thread is pulling too much top thread underneath. By tightening the top tension, the loops will stop, but the added tension may cause breakage, especially with sensitive threads.
Why does my bottom thread keep bunching?
Your Thread Tension Is Too Tight
Sewing machine manufacturers suggest that you don’t mess with your bobbin thread tension too much, but you should adjust your upper thread tension if you keep getting bunched up thread underneath your fabric. If your tension is too tight, it can pull your thread and break it.
What tension should I use for thin fabric?
The standard tension setting on most sewing machines is 5, which is ideal for the majority of fabrics, you will need to set it tighter for lightweight fabrics such as silk and chiffon and looser for heavier fabrics such as denim or canvas.
Why is my machine not sewing straight?
Also, make sure your bobbin is in correctly (not backwards) and that the upper tension disks of your machine are threaded correctly. Make sure the presser foot is up when seating the thread through the upper tension. … If the timing is out, the needle thread is not meeting the bobbin thread in time to form a stitch.
Why is my zig zag stitch upside down?
Why is My Zig-Zag Stitch Upside Down? The first place to look after checking the tension would be the threading pattern. You may have mistakenly threaded the machine without raising the presser foot all the way to the top and the thread did not fully enter the slots, holes and follow the correct route.
Why does my top stitch look wrong?
Needles, threads, and fabrics: Different thread sizes and types on top and in the bobbin can throw off basic tension settings. A needle that’s too large or small for the thread can also unbalance your stitches, because the size of the hole adds to or reduces the total top tension.