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Machine Troubleshooting
 The “Tensions” of Tension
Johnny Herring
Production and Technology Manager
Proto Stitch Wizard
Nothing can cause a quilter more tension than having tension problems. From my experience, there are no “magic” solutions or “cure alls” for tension problems. Some threads, batting, and materials will require extensive adjustments to tension, while others will be a smooth transition. The best solution is the one that works for you and your machine.
I strongly suggest that you invest in a thread tension gauge and keep notes. When you find a thread tension that works on a particular material and thread, check the tension reading with the gauge and write it down. By using this method, when you use this same combination of material and thread again (and you probably will) you will be able to use the gauge and preset the tension to exactly what worked well the last time. Use of the gauge will save you enough trial and error time in just a short while to more than pay for itself. It would also be beneficial to share your notes with each other on an Internet bulletin board or within your guild.
To distinguish tension breakage from a burr breakage, examine the broken thread end for shredding. If shredding is present, you probably have a burr on the needle or hook assembly which would call for replacing one or both of those. If your top thread is breaking, first check your bobbin tension. While bobbin tension rarely needs adjusting (if it is set correctly at the factory) it could be the culprit. If the bobbin thread tension is too tight, it could be causing you to have to adjust your top thread so tight that it is breaking the thread just to get acceptable looking stitches. To check the bobbin thread tension, remove the bobbin casing from the machine with the bobbin still in it. Now, hold the bobbin thread with one hand and let the casing/bobbin assembly dangle freely. If the tension is right, the casing should not drop. But with a moderately sharp bobbing motion of the hand holding the thread, the casing/bobbin should drop a little each time just from its own weight.
Once you have the bobbin tension set correctly, setting the top tension is just a matter of putting a practice piece on your machine and stitching to check whether your top and bottom thread interlock is hidden within the batting layer of your quilt. If it is, then you’re set to quilt. If it’s not, then check to see which side of your quilt has a “railroad track” look. If the tracks are on bottom, then tighten your top tension a small amount. If they are on the top, loosen the top tension slightly until you get the desired results. It’s always better to use the least tension possible to get the desired results on the appearance of your stitches.
If you find it difficult to get enough tension on the top thread, you may want to try using an extra round or two on your roll tensioner, or perhaps wrapping the thread around your thread guide if you haven’t already. If you are using a roll tensioner on your machine that has felt pads, try replacing them, but NEVER oil the felt pads. This action will render your roll tensioner useless and you will be forced to replace the felt pads. You may also try doubling the felt pads. Be creative, and don’t be afraid to ask others that own the same make of machine. They may have experienced the same problems in the past and have a quick easy solution for you. Remember, in quilting as with anything else, “practice makes perfect”.
Good Luck and Happy Quilting!
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