2 3
START SEWING
Stitch Formation
Reverse
side
Upper thread
Bobbin thread
Reverse
side
Upper thread
Bobbin thread
Reverse
side
Upper thread
Bobbin thread
18
Surface
1.
How Stitches Form
Stitches are formed when the upper thread
and the bobbin thread interlock between the
fabric layers. Stitching is well balanced when
the needle thread appears on the top and the
bobbin thread appears on the bottom.
2.
Thread Tension Dial
The Thread Tension Dial has a range of
settings between 0 and 9. Most of your sewing
will be done with your Thread Tension Dial set
between 3 and 5. It can be adjusted to a higher
number for more tension on the upper thread,
if the upper thread seems too loose. It can be
adjusted to a lower number for less tension on
the upper thread, if the bobbin thread seems to
be showing on the top side of the fabric.
Adjusting Tension
Surface
Thread tension can also be adjusted for
various sewing techniques. For basting (see
Appendix), you can loosen it to a lower number
so that the stitches can easily be removed. For
gathering, you can turn it to a higher number.
Surface
When you sew, if you see large loops
3.
on the underside of the fabric, this is actually
an indication that the upper thread was
not threaded correctly, as it has no tension
controlling it. For information on how to correct
this, see the Troubleshooting and Maintenance
section of this manual.