Comments | diy_pads: sewing machine going wierd..?

missmarauderr in diy_pads

sewing machine going wierd..?

Nov 10, 2009 23:32

I bought wayyy too much fabric to make pads so I was thinking of making extras to give away to the less fortunate. However after my eighth one the sewing machine started going wierd. I was using the zig zag stitch thing, hoping to make them more durable, however the stiches started going wierd and the back strings ( from the bobbins) were showing ( Read more... )

stitching tips, sewing machines

Comments 9

msartysta November 10 2009, 13:01:22 UTC

It sounds like the tension is a bit out of whack.

Take the bobbin out and "re-install" it.

Check the tension dial-usually located on the top of the machine- and make sure it is set on auto.

luna__wolf November 10 2009, 13:01:54 UTC

Before you do anything else, I would re-thread the machine (including the bobbin). Threads can sometimes get snagged on/come out of the mechanism inside, and that can throw everything off.

If that doesn't work, your tension is probably off. It could be that you accidentally nudged the tension dial while you were sewing. Try turning the dial to a higher number and see if that helps. Good luck!

krasota November 10 2009, 16:03:17 UTC

I need a "yeah, that" button. :)

ljoa November 10 2009, 16:12:42 UTC

Clean the thread path also, lint between the tension discs can cause tension problems.

arwen_17 November 11 2009, 02:44:34 UTC

your lower (bobbin) tension is off. i've heard that you should NOT tighten/loosen your top tension if you can help it- and i've done it. it's HELL to get back on. there is probably a flat-head screw on the bobbin- tighten it slightly and see if you can get your tension back to normal. it sounds like it's loosened- which is probably typical with normal use and the vibration of the machine.

luna__wolf November 11 2009, 12:32:53 UTC

i've heard that you should NOT tighten/loosen your top tension if you can help it

Really? I fiddle around with it all the time to accommodate different types of sewing. On my machine it's just a dial: if you move it and don't like the result, you just turn it back to where it was.

I find it more of a pain to change the bobbin tension, since you have to take the bobbin case completely out of the machine, and there are no numbers to refer to. But yeah, it does loosen with use and you do have to tweak it once in a while.

I guess all machines are different. *shrug*

melisjesus November 11 2009, 04:49:05 UTC

Yes, tension! Whenever my machine starts acting a little loopy, I fiddle with the tension.

This is my go-to page for tension fixing:
http://www.ca.uky.edu/HES/fcs/FACTSHTS/CT-MMB-213.pdf