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Balancing Needle Thread Tension
Correct tension
The ideal straight stitch will have threads locked between
the two layers of the fabric, as illustrated (magnified to
show detail).
If you look at the top and bottom of the seam, you will
notice that there are no gaps. Each stitch is smooth and
even.
Turn the dial to alter the needle thread tension. The
higher the number, the tighter the tension.
Results depend on:
– stiffness and thickness of the fabric
– number of fabric layers
– type of stitch
q Needle thread (Top thread)
w Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
e Wrong side of fabric
r Right side of fabric
Tension is too tight
The bobbin thread shows through on the right side of the
fabric and it feels bumpy.
Turn the thread tension dial upwards (to a smaller
number) to loosen the needle thread tension.
t Thread tension dial
Tension is too loose
The needle thread shows through on the wrong side of
the fabric and it feels bumpy.
Turn the thread tension dial downwards (to a larger
number) to tighten the needle thread tension.