Thank you SOOOO much!!! I bought my kid a vintage machine and it’s WAY off. I can clean, oil and lube it, but the tension was a mystery to me. Yeah, someone gave me all kinds of tricky techy advice that made it sound much harder than you did.
I watched this in the middle of the night (chronic insomnia), and took a couple of notes. This morning I adjusted the bobbin casing tension, and voila! My top and bottom tensions are balanced. Why did I wait so long to look this up?🤦♀️ Thank you for your easy explanation, and help!!
I spent a good part of yesterday and most of today trying to figure out why I had this mess of thread on the bottom of my fabric on my Juki. I went to all different sites to figure out what the problem was. One site helped me to diagnose what the problem was: it was pointed out that if you thread your machine and you can freely pull the top spool thread when the pressure foot is down then it is a top tension problem. I really didn't know exactly how to correct that. I was adjusting the tension on the machine with minimal to no results. But when you showed me that you have to rotate the knob up to 8 times it clicked. I was not turning the knob enough. It felt miraculous to have solved this very simple problem that I had struggled with to no end. I am sewing masks and it put me back a day. So thank you very much. My speedy Juki is new so I would have been very embarrassed if I brought it in for repair when it was just a flick of my wrist situation. Thanks again!!
We just got a new juki DDL-5550N And we were scratching our heads on why the top was coming thru the bottom, looked up TH-cam , and found y’all . Now gonna test the top tension ... wish us luck !!
Thanks for the videos, very awesome. I just fixed my bottom tension and now will have to check my top with this great advice! We are trying to fix some straps on swimwear by bringing in the back strap so it fits snugger. The material is different than we are used to and it also is going from sewing on seam to really thin to sewing on a seam within an 1-3 inches of material. Any suggestions on how to approach this?
OK so I just got a new to me Bernina 1530. Came from a sewing machine repair guy in Tx and its so fabulous. Haven't sewing since industrial machines as a teen; now I'm old. Er. So, with foot 1, which is
Thank you so much for making this process understandable. I purchased "blue jean thickness" thread, and instantly knew I needed advice. Speaking of which....I was hemming triple layer slacks (cotton, thin white mystery fabric, thin corduroy). They are for warm winter wearing. When I was sewing the fronts and backs I was fine tension-wise, but when I had to sew over the seams, it was a thread-fest of a nightmare on the bottom side. Top stitching looked great. How does one successfully transition between thinner and thicker?
Hello, thank you for your video! I indeed do have a question: I have two old singer 96k and am always struggling with the stitch. Very often the bottom stitch is just too loose and I don’t understand what the reason for that is. As well, what exactly does the tension spring do s opposed to the tension setting and how should I set it?
Thank you Steve, very helpful. I have a question if you don't mind. I have a vintage Kenmore machine, 1960's I would say. I have tried everything to get the tension correct but no mattter what I do I can still see the bottom thread on the top and the top thread on the bottom. Tried adjusting bobbin tension and top tension but nothing seems to help. Thank you Steve. Hope to hear from you. Terry
Hi Steve, I’m so glad I found u. I have a Juki DDL-8500-7 second hand. I loved it. I changed the thread out to a little heavier gauge and now it no longer wants to sew nicely. From the top it looks beautiful, under the fabric will be a birds nest. Also, could u give me a tutorial on all the other fancy computer stuff? I have no idea what those are for. Thanks, Kris
Thank you for this video. You have solved my issues with tension. Explanations were easy to understand. Subscribed to your channel to learn sew much more!
Love it! Tried to get an old kenmore 8 to work. The top thread is appearing loopy on the bottom. Nothing is tight. It’s 2 am and I give up...just for now. Thank you!!
I got another one :), If you whould like to do a video about how to check and adjust the needle to hook timing on that juki that you have in this video. I've allready search for videos about this problem, but i must say, your way of explain things it's absolutley great and easy to understand about what you're doing there :). I have this hook timing issue because i sew with a 135x17 needle, but i dont find needles for leather and most of them are made for 135x16 witch works great on my machine, but they are a bit shorter and i need to adjust the hoog timing to the needle.
This has been the best explanation I’ve found!! That said, I’m still having some trouble with my Tacsew 20U... it’s bird nesting, but I’ve finally figured out the issue is the little u shaped spring (right above the tension disk that the thread loops through... this “spring” moves back and forth with the thread while sewing) is getting stuck and not moving like it should, so it’s messing the tension up. Any advice? I have photos to clarification 😂
Steve, you're very clear in your explanations, thanks so much. Can you help me figure out how to fix my Brother Innov-IS 40 tension? It's so tight that the fabric won't feed, even though I've turned it all the way to the left (after watching your video). I put the feed dogs up and cleaned all the lint out, so that's not the issue. one more clue: The thread easily pulls through the needle when the presser foot is up but is very very tight when the presser foot is down. Thank you!!
You scared the crap outta me when you were turning the tension know so harshly!!! lol!!! I turn mine like 2 little clicks and thought that was right....obviously not! I'll be practicing this weekend. Thanks for great video!
Hi Steve. I have a Juki ddl 8700. I'm new to sewing. So I'm still learning my machine. However, my top stitch looks good but underneath the top thread has small loops and the bottom thread is a straight piece of thread. I've tried adjusting both and it doesn't help. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you in advance🤗
I commented on your bobbin video, but this answers it lol Thanks! My bottom thread is showing at the top. I’m using two different color fabrics, I work with thicker fabrics for handbags and pillows and it’s a headache how much I have to play with tension on my Juki DDL8700 🤦🏽♀️
This is super helpful and for me focused in the right place. In general I have my tension set pretty even but occasionally and sometimes after seeing over another seam (I quilt) it bunches a bit and then I can pull away a bit on the bunch to flatten and the stitch breaks. Any ideas? Thanks! 🙏
I love how straight forward your videos are. Can you talk a little about thread, needle size, and tension? I have a Juki DU 1181N and am struggling to find balance. If I’m using the same thread, do I need to keep checking my bobbin tension or should I be able to fix it with top tension adjustments? Thanks!
Hey there Steve. I have a Toyota 2260 EC1 series machine with a built in overlocker etc. straight sewing with it is great, but when I try to do anything fancy with it, like if I turn the dial to do ziz-zag stitches or one of the other stitches like blind hemming on the stitch pattern dial it wont work.. the stitches that appear on the the fabric look nothing like the diagram pictures on the machine at all, and the thread gets all bunched up in the dog feeders etc. I have done the bottom tension with the bobbin, but it doesnt make a blind bit of difference? I hope that you can help, Bless you from the UK x
awww thank you Steve dont worry about the late response, to be honest Ive scrapped the old machine now, and I've just invested in an all singing & dancing computerised one (whatever happened to keeping things simple lol). I love your tutorials and posts. Blessings to you and the family :-)
Any information on a singer 111 W155 I recently got one to do leatherwork on. I adjusted the bobbin, it was too close to the needle and it working great just learning to adjust the bobbin and top tension. Great video
Very helpful, thanks. I am trying to adjust the tension on my juki ddl 8700 so I can free motion quilt. I have stitch length at zero, feed dogs are dropped and I keep adjusting the upper tension, keep breaking top thread. I know the machine is capable, at one point I had it perfect, did a different project and now can’t seem to get the adjustment to where I once had it.
I love how you explain everything you do in your videos.I'm a fashion Major and I'm taking my first sewing class this semester. I have a Singer 3223 sewing machine and every time I try to sew on it, the thread bunches at the bottom of the machine and ruins the fabric. I've checked the tension from the bobbin and the at top of the machine but I'm having the same issue. What could I be doing wrong?
This helped me so much. My tension is still not right but at least I got over the fear of making adjustments. I have a Yamata FY1541S what threads are best to use and what brand is best t use?
Hi, love your videos, really greatful for them, one question, i have a double transport sewing machine with regular walkin foot, and i sew mediom to hard marterials like full grain leather or vegetable tanned leather. My question is how can i adjust the top tension to manage the pass from one layer of leather to a double layers of leather (i have to loose the tensiont when i'm on one layer and to tight when i'm on 2 layers ?
@@BagBuff I think i figured out about this issue. I've always glue leather with rubber-based glue, and never waited to completley dry. Because of this when i was stitch one layer of leather i got the tension perfect and when it crawl to 2 layers, unfurtunatley the glue that was getting sticky directly to the needle was playing with my tension. I've made some test with double adhesive paper and it works great now, same thing when i dont use glue at all. P.S. That Pfaff 1245 it's a great coumpound foot machine. I only have a walking foot one. It's a Jack 6380ECH-4Q fully automated and quite cheap.
Thanks for your tip, Steve. I have a Juki HZL 35Z and cannot locate this knob for the life of me. My seams are not correct, the top thread is popping into the lower seam. Could you please help me further. Many thanks for your help. Appreciate your time. Regards Natasha
You are the BEST!!! I have searched for solutions to issues ... thank you!!! However, .....I have a persistent issue...... I have a juki CP 180 and the thread pulls out on every third or so cut off .... is it a tension issue as the stitching looks okay?
Youre videos are so helpful! Thank u!! But how do u fix machine timing? I've played around with the tension n it's good, but I think the timing itself is off slightly so the stitches aren't consistent.
hi steve, i have made the adjustment and when i sew in a straight line its perfect. the only time the thread coming out on the top is when i sew corners. thats when i see thread coming out on the top. appreciate if you can share some tips on this. im using an industrial machine by the way, the material that im sewing is a medium to light weight tarpaulin. thanks in advance.
I have just started learning how to sew. Wanted to make roll up, canvas bags for drumsticks. I am using a Singer 500A, and Tarp Canvas (just heavy duty, green canvas). I was told to use 100% nylon thread and a wide stitch with a denim needle. The problem I have is that the top thread keeps breaking or bunching up on itself, or the needle keeps breaking. I have tried various bottom and top tensions per your videos, but am not making any progress. Not sure what else to adjust or change about equipment (thread type, needle size/type, etc.) Any help is appreciated! Thanks.
I am working on a juki 1541 and would like to know how to decrease the pressor foot pressure. I think that is causing the fabric to pucker. Maybe it's just the tension? I make bags with cotton/stabilizer/foam and also leather and or vinyl. I am hoping to use this machine to outer part of the bag, even when sewing the cotton/stabilizer/foam.
Do you have any info on vintage sewing machine set up. such as the Singer 66k, 99k 221k/222k machines. I set the bottom tension after watching your video in how to do it and it was easy like you said it would be.
Really grateful for your tips! Wondering if you had other tips to share. I’m doing upholstery with velvet fabric using a consew industrial machine. My stitches are perfect and well-balanced when a sew two or ever four pieces of fabric in pile. It’s also working perfectly when I do my piping in velvet. But when I join my pieces together, the piping with one piece of fabric, it’s a complete mess underneath! It seams like I’m having tension issue. But no matter how high I increase the tension on top, reduce the tension on the treat under, or ever reduce the tension on the presser foot, nothing works. I just don’t know what to try to adjust anymore. Thank for any tips I can try.
Could be a number of things. Either the piping is too thick or too thin for the machine. Sounds like a hook timing issue. I mean, not an issue, since it sees well with other fabric combinations. But you either need to have a mechanic set your timing for the material window you need, or pick up another machine for the piping job.
Hi Steve Love your videos I’m really having tension problems my bottom bobbin does the walk test but my top tension is all the way wound tight. But I’m not seeing the thread on either side. But my top stitches are crooked bottom Straight i’m Sewing leather. Soft but 4 to 5 ounce . I make moccasins i have a Chandler 406rb1 Hope you can help me
Wow tx this is awesome. So i just got an industrial sewing machine and ao far its been ok. Lately i noticed that when ever i press d back stitch lever its cuts my thread and this has been on for almost a week now. Pls help resolve 🙏🙏🙏😥
I recently got a Empisal 270D, I don't know if I didn't put things right but I can see the bobbin thread on the top too and the top thread on the bottom as well. How do I correct that?.
Hi I watched your bobbin tension video and was in my workroom playing around so the spool does it’s looser and going down slow like you showed and I still adjusted the top tension. My top stitch (Juki industrial leather walking foot Maschine DNU 1541) is great but the bottom one does not look right. Still too much of a straight line. I have tightened the top thread to the point where I can see the bottom thread in the little holes, (I used a contrast thread of the same thickness and brand ) and still does not look as good as it can be 🙄🤔😤. I subscribed to your channel. Very good tips! Thanks for your time!
Great stuff, I am sewing 2 different types of nylon strapping. One is slightly thicker than the other. When I sew the thicker material, the job looks great. But when I sew the thinner material I might get about 3 or 4 good pieces and then the thread starts to bunch on top or starts to unravel up the machine. What in the world? Can't seem to find a reason why this happens. Maybe you can.
Hi Steve, thank you for the excellent videos about top and bottom tension. I hope you still receive TH-cam comments... I was wondering where I could get a magnetic strip to hold bobbins like you have there. It looks so handy! I tried making my own with some magnetic tape but it wasn't strong enough, and I could not find an actual sewing notion. Is that something for only industrial machines (I do have a Juki but it's a TL 2010q home machine) or is it homemade?
Hi I have a vintage singer industrial sewing machine model 241-12 serial number is the AG series. I need as much info as I can get about this machine like how to set the tensions, were to put the oil and how do I get oil to run through machine ? Any thing would be lots of help thank you
Hi, love your videos. I have a question... I am sewing two pieces of very thin cotton together, and I just can't get the tension right. Someone said that a "knot" is tied at each stitch, when top and bobbin thread meet. If your fabric is thick, that knot is "hidden" between the two fabrics, but that if you're sewing very thin fabric, you're probably going to either show a tiny bit of bobbin thread on the top, or top thread on the bottom. I've tried and tried to get it right, but I'm thinking my fabric is just too thin... Yes?
So, i have a kenmore sewing machine, i forgot what model. Shes an old girl, 75 years old and still the best machine Ive got. Question is, how do I service it? Itd be nice to learn and be shown how to care for, lunricate, oil and know when its not functioning properly.
Ok so I’ve been getting my top stitch showing up underneath the fabric so I tighten up until that goes away. Now I have solid colors on top and bottom so my tension is good right??? But now my fabric is all squished up. So I loosen that tension knob just a little and my fabric is flat again but I have top thread showing up on the bobbin thread. Just in the corners of the zig zag. Literally just a dot in each corner. Is that ok or does the top thread have to be on top only and bottom thread on the bottom only. I don’t know anything. I’m new to this sewing deal and I’m having fun. I just don’t know what to do at this point. Thanx. Cool informative vid
Hello Sewing with Steve!! Okay so~ I have a Consew P1206RB Here's my problem... I get all kinds of 'bird nest' on the bottom side and I pull out my bobbin and it has come all unwound inside the bobbin case. Do you know why that is happening? Thank you Sewing with Steve... PS Love your videos. You are a great teacher thank you for your channel.
Is the birds nest happening when you start sewing? If so, you might just need to hold down your thread when you begin the stitch, and let go after a few stitches have been established.
Hi, I have a Textima machibe and strugalling with the whire adjusment. If i thight it as much as possible, it still gives me loose stitching on the botom.
I have an old Brother Boutique 761 that I'm pretty sure has top tension issues. I am NOT a pro sewer, I am a 72 yr. old violin maker that began at 12 yrs. old., but I am enjoying this newly-gotten machine a lot. The machine needed a lot of TLC but I've noticed its behavior is erratic in that sometimes it works fine for a couple of pant hems, then begins to jam on startup almost every time. The top tension adjuster is nothing like the newer machines; the mechanics are all different. At the beginning there was no top tension available at the disc level at all, and tightening the knob did nothing. I disassembled the gadget, and tried to get the spring to more closely affect the discs (the spring is like an old 50's rear leaf spring from a Bel Air or Biscayne). I'm not sure what the basic setup is supposed to be like to get it to feed properly, and I'm hoping that you can at least get one of my feet on the ground. I'm not the only one with one of these solid old machines, so if you decide to cover this topic you might reach a lot of people that are missing all the fun of fine-tuning your own clothing style and being independent of alteration shops. Enjoyed your video, and you seem to know what you're talking about. Thanks.
Hi Steve. Just bought a Kingstar walking foot industrial and am feeling a bit overwhelmed. My top stitch seems to be a little zig-zag. Any suggestions about what I can do to get it straight? Thanks for highly informative videos.
I'm working with a Husqvarna Viking H Class, E 10. I adjusted the bottom tension as you instructed on your other video, and the process is relatively similar, or the same, as it is on a Juki. But the top tension is a dial that goes up to 9, from right to left. Would this work the same, even with those minor details?
Hi Steve! Great instructions. I have just purchased a Juki DNU-1541S. My fabric is actually gathering and I see bobbin thread on the top and top thread on the back. I've adjusted for hours and can't seem to get it. Any suggestions? Lisa
Stephen Jones wow!!!!!! Problem solved! I tried the tension setting tutorials using denim instead and it's perfect. Thank you so much. I will be more mindful of the thread and fabric that I'm using. I look forward to more videos from you. Lisa
I have a juki 1181n I had thread stuck in my bobbin so I tried to take the bobbin hook out and broke it it have a new one I put in thought I had it but now a broke a needle and now I can get the bobbin out
Ok here is my question I have a Juki DDL-227 that I just bought. It would not sew so I set the timing now it sews but the stitch is loose on the bottom I have the upper tension almost bottomed out. Do you think the problem is tension or is my timing off I am running #69 thread Thanks Pete
I got a quilting frame and new machine for xmas juki tl2010q. Stitches were terrible. Getting better. Still too far apart, eyelash look too. What do i do?
Help! I have adjusted my top and bottom tension just like you have described and I am still seeing my bottom threads wayyyy too loose. I have a juki 8500 that has been unloved for 5 years so I am trying to nurse it back to health. Is there something else that could be affecting it? Could I maybe need a whole new top tension assembly?
Thank you so much, I have same machine but the problem is that whenever I want to start any stich the fabric looks tear and sometimes it does tear a little bit because of the heaviness of sewing when I back stich
I bought an industrial sewing machine it’s an Adler. There’s multiple thread tension knobs. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to fix the tension. When I sew a test piece of leather, my top thread snaps and I’m not even left with thread in the seam. do you have any suggestions? There’s 3 main knobs for tension
I have a Juki DDL-8700 and I’m trying to figure out what is this knob with the numbers on it that’s to the right of the machine. I’ve been trying to fix my tension but failing miserably.
I have bought a Brother PR 600ii 6 needle machine. 4 of the thread tensions are OK, but 2 I can't seem to get the tension right. I saw the machine working. What am I doing wrong? Thank you.
Thank you SOOOO much!!!
I bought my kid a vintage machine and it’s WAY off.
I can clean, oil and lube it, but the tension was a mystery to me. Yeah, someone gave me all kinds of tricky techy advice that made it sound much harder than you did.
I have double tension wheels. Do I treat them the same?
The top thread is loose but the bottom thread is ok
I can listen to you all day. Love how you talk
I’ve been messing with bobbin tension showing on the top for about 2 hours. Watched so many videos. Yours explained it PERFECTLY! Thank you 🙏🏻
I watched this in the middle of the night (chronic insomnia), and took a couple of notes. This morning I adjusted the bobbin casing tension, and voila! My top and bottom tensions are balanced. Why did I wait so long to look this up?🤦♀️
Thank you for your easy explanation, and help!!
Once again I’ve learned more in a tiny amount of time than I’ve figured out in my short time in this hobby. Many thanks! Very much enjoy your videos.
I spent a good part of yesterday and most of today trying to figure out why I had this mess of thread on the bottom of my fabric on my Juki. I went to all different sites to figure out what the problem was. One site helped me to diagnose what the problem was: it was pointed out that if you thread your machine and you can freely pull the top spool thread when the pressure foot is down then it is a top tension problem. I really didn't know exactly how to correct that. I was adjusting the tension on the machine with minimal to no results. But when you showed me that you have to rotate the knob up to 8 times it clicked. I was not turning the knob enough. It felt miraculous to have solved this very simple problem that I had struggled with to no end. I am sewing masks and it put me back a day. So thank you very much. My speedy Juki is new so I would have been very embarrassed if I brought it in for repair when it was just a flick of my wrist situation. Thanks again!!
We just got a new juki DDL-5550N
And we were scratching our heads on why the top was coming thru the bottom, looked up TH-cam , and found y’all . Now gonna test the top tension ... wish us luck !!
Thanks for the bobbin lesson, it fixed my tension. way too easy!
Thanks for the videos, very awesome. I just fixed my bottom tension and now will have to check my top with this great advice! We are trying to fix some straps on swimwear by bringing in the back strap so it fits snugger. The material is different than we are used to and it also is going from sewing on seam to really thin to sewing on a seam within an 1-3 inches of material. Any suggestions on how to approach this?
Wow you are so clear on your direction. I really liked the way you described tension. I finally get it! Thank you
OK so I just got a new to me Bernina 1530. Came from a sewing machine repair guy in Tx and its so fabulous. Haven't sewing since industrial machines as a teen; now I'm old. Er. So, with foot 1, which is
Thank you so much! I am so happy I found your channel! Recently purchased a Seiko industrial.
Thank you so much for making this process understandable. I purchased "blue jean thickness" thread, and instantly knew I needed advice. Speaking of which....I was hemming triple layer slacks (cotton, thin white mystery fabric, thin corduroy). They are for warm winter wearing. When I was sewing the fronts and backs I was fine tension-wise, but when I had to sew over the seams, it was a thread-fest of a nightmare on the bottom side. Top stitching looked great. How does one successfully transition between thinner and thicker?
Thank you for that great explanation. I now have my Juki's top and bottom tension working wonderfully!
You Have Great Videos, all very helpful as I have not been sewing in a while, I'm refreshing my memory on my Juki 1541-s Thanks Steve
Thank you so much , you solved my problem in three minutes . I was trying to fix the tension from the last two hours . Thanks once again
Thanks a lot Steve. I was having engine problems on my juki TL 2000 it was loopy on top so I tighten it up and it seems fine now thanks a lot
Hello, thank you for your video! I indeed do have a question: I have two old singer 96k and am always struggling with the stitch. Very often the bottom stitch is just too loose and I don’t understand what the reason for that is. As well, what exactly does the tension spring do s opposed to the tension setting and how should I set it?
Anything I can learn on a Consew 2206RB-14-7-DD. New to industrial machine and love your tension video
So happy we found your channel !!!!
Thank you Steve, very helpful. I have a question if you don't mind. I have a vintage Kenmore machine, 1960's I would say. I have tried everything to get the tension correct but no mattter what I do I can still see the bottom thread on the top and the top thread on the bottom. Tried adjusting bobbin tension and top tension but nothing seems to help. Thank you Steve. Hope to hear from you.
Terry
Hi Steve,
I’m so glad I found u. I have a Juki DDL-8500-7 second hand. I loved it. I changed the thread out to a little heavier gauge and now it no longer wants to sew nicely. From the top it looks beautiful, under the fabric will be a birds nest. Also, could u give me a tutorial on all the other fancy computer stuff? I have no idea what those are for.
Thanks,
Kris
Thank you for this video. You have solved my issues with tension. Explanations were easy to understand. Subscribed to your channel to learn sew much more!
Love it! Tried to get an old kenmore 8 to work. The top thread is appearing loopy on the bottom. Nothing is tight. It’s 2 am and I give up...just for now. Thank you!!
You are a life saver! Thank you so much!!! This was a huge help 🙏🙏
I got another one :), If you whould like to do a video about how to check and adjust the needle to hook timing on that juki that you have in this video. I've allready search for videos about this problem, but i must say, your way of explain things it's absolutley great and easy to understand about what you're doing there :). I have this hook timing issue because i sew with a 135x17 needle, but i dont find needles for leather and most of them are made for 135x16 witch works great on my machine, but they are a bit shorter and i need to adjust the hoog timing to the needle.
I just got a juki so happy I found your page
Brilliant delivery of info. Thank you.
This has been the best explanation I’ve found!! That said, I’m still having some trouble with my Tacsew 20U... it’s bird nesting, but I’ve finally figured out the issue is the little u shaped spring (right above the tension disk that the thread loops through... this “spring” moves back and forth with the thread while sewing) is getting stuck and not moving like it should, so it’s messing the tension up. Any advice? I have photos to clarification 😂
Thanks. A video on oiling the machine would be appreciated.
Thanks very much - great video. Helped us with our antique Mitsubishi!
Steve, you're very clear in your explanations, thanks so much. Can you help me figure out how to fix my Brother Innov-IS 40 tension? It's so tight that the fabric won't feed, even though I've turned it all the way to the left (after watching your video). I put the feed dogs up and cleaned all the lint out, so that's not the issue. one more clue: The thread easily pulls through the needle when the presser foot is up but is very very tight when the presser foot is down. Thank you!!
I'm trying to adjust top tension as it's missing stitches on a singer 328k, your video helped thank you 😊
Woot! So glad it helped!
You scared the crap outta me when you were turning the tension know so harshly!!! lol!!! I turn mine like 2 little clicks and thought that was right....obviously not! I'll be practicing this weekend. Thanks for great video!
Haha! Just rip on it! 🤙
Hi Steve. I have a Juki ddl 8700. I'm new to sewing. So I'm still learning my machine. However, my top stitch looks good but underneath the top thread has small loops and the bottom thread is a straight piece of thread. I've tried adjusting both and it doesn't help. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you in advance🤗
You are MAGICAL!!!!!!
My stitches are like unicorn trails!
YAAAAAASSS!!!!!!!
Steve. Just wondering if you could do a video on binding corners and curves on canvas, shadecloth,etc. Cheers and thanks for the info so far.
I commented on your bobbin video, but this answers it lol Thanks! My bottom thread is showing at the top. I’m using two different color fabrics, I work with thicker fabrics for handbags and pillows and it’s a headache how much I have to play with tension on my Juki DDL8700 🤦🏽♀️
100%. The thickness of the fabric is the main variable with tension. Glad you got your answer!
Thank you 🙏🏻 Can you also show how to fixed the skip stitching
This is super helpful and for me focused in the right place. In general I have my tension set pretty even but occasionally and sometimes after seeing over another seam (I quilt) it bunches a bit and then I can pull away a bit on the bunch to flatten and the stitch breaks. Any ideas? Thanks! 🙏
Not sure! I wish I had an answer for you
Thank youuuuu , im so glad i watch you
I love how straight forward your videos are. Can you talk a little about thread, needle size, and tension? I have a Juki DU 1181N and am struggling to find balance. If I’m using the same thread, do I need to keep checking my bobbin tension or should I be able to fix it with top tension adjustments? Thanks!
@@BagBuff Thanks SO much! I also just found your designing patters on Adobe Illustrator! I'm a big fan :)
Hey there Steve. I have a Toyota 2260 EC1 series machine with a built in overlocker etc. straight sewing with it is great, but when I try to do anything fancy with it, like if I turn the dial to do ziz-zag stitches or one of the other stitches like blind hemming on the stitch pattern dial it wont work.. the stitches that appear on the the fabric look nothing like the diagram pictures on the machine at all, and the thread gets all bunched up in the dog feeders etc. I have done the bottom tension with the bobbin, but it doesnt make a blind bit of difference? I hope that you can help, Bless you from the UK x
awww thank you Steve dont worry about the late response, to be honest Ive scrapped the old machine now, and I've just invested in an all singing & dancing computerised one (whatever happened to keeping things simple lol). I love your tutorials and posts. Blessings to you and the family :-)
Any information on a singer 111 W155 I recently got one to do leatherwork on. I adjusted the bobbin, it was too close to the needle and it working great just learning to adjust the bobbin and top tension. Great video
Very helpful, thanks. I am trying to adjust the tension on my juki ddl 8700 so I can free motion quilt. I have stitch length at zero, feed dogs are dropped and I keep adjusting the upper tension, keep breaking top thread. I know the machine is capable, at one point I had it perfect, did a different project and now can’t seem to get the adjustment to where I once had it.
I love how you explain everything you do in your videos.I'm a fashion Major and I'm taking my first sewing class this semester. I have a Singer 3223 sewing machine and every time I try to sew on it, the thread bunches at the bottom of the machine and ruins the fabric. I've checked the tension from the bobbin and the at top of the machine but I'm having the same issue. What could I be doing wrong?
Tension is always rough for me! Thanks for sharing
This helped me so much. My tension is still not right but at least I got over the fear of making adjustments. I have a Yamata FY1541S what threads are best to use and what brand is best t use?
Hi, love your videos, really greatful for them, one question, i have a double transport sewing machine with regular walkin foot, and i sew mediom to hard marterials like full grain leather or vegetable tanned leather. My question is how can i adjust the top tension to manage the pass from one layer of leather to a double layers of leather (i have to loose the tensiont when i'm on one layer and to tight when i'm on 2 layers ?
@@BagBuff I think i figured out about this issue. I've always glue leather with rubber-based glue, and never waited to completley dry. Because of this when i was stitch one layer of leather i got the tension perfect and when it crawl to 2 layers, unfurtunatley the glue that was getting sticky directly to the needle was playing with my tension. I've made some test with double adhesive paper and it works great now, same thing when i dont use glue at all. P.S. That Pfaff 1245 it's a great coumpound foot machine. I only have a walking foot one. It's a Jack 6380ECH-4Q fully automated and quite cheap.
Thanks for your tip, Steve. I have a Juki HZL 35Z and cannot locate this knob for the life of me. My seams are not correct, the top thread is popping into the lower seam.
Could you please help me further. Many thanks for your help. Appreciate your time.
Regards
Natasha
You are the BEST!!! I have searched for solutions to issues ... thank you!!!
However, .....I have a persistent issue...... I have a juki CP 180 and the thread pulls out on every third or so cut off .... is it a tension issue as the stitching looks okay?
Thank you! very clear. Watching the bottom now...
Youre videos are so helpful! Thank u!! But how do u fix machine timing? I've played around with the tension n it's good, but I think the timing itself is off slightly so the stitches aren't consistent.
Oooof. That’s a tough one to explain with text. You find a video that helped you with this yet?
hi steve, i have made the adjustment and when i sew in a straight line its perfect. the only time the thread coming out on the top is when i sew corners. thats when i see thread coming out on the top. appreciate if you can share some tips on this. im using an industrial machine by the way, the material that im sewing is a medium to light weight tarpaulin. thanks in advance.
I have just started learning how to sew. Wanted to make roll up, canvas bags for drumsticks. I am using a Singer 500A, and Tarp Canvas (just heavy duty, green canvas). I was told to use 100% nylon thread and a wide stitch with a denim needle. The problem I have is that the top thread keeps breaking or bunching up on itself, or the needle keeps breaking. I have tried various bottom and top tensions per your videos, but am not making any progress. Not sure what else to adjust or change about equipment (thread type, needle size/type, etc.) Any help is appreciated! Thanks.
Thank you so much for the lesson. Please what is the normal top tension number you can set. I am using PFAFF 63 machine, kindly guide me
wooowww thank you so much so helpful, my machine was troubling me, yet it was this simple
Thank you so much, please that knob ontop is used for what ?
I am working on a juki 1541 and would like to know how to decrease the pressor foot pressure. I think that is causing the fabric to pucker. Maybe it's just the tension? I make bags with cotton/stabilizer/foam and also leather and or vinyl. I am hoping to use this machine to outer part of the bag, even when sewing the cotton/stabilizer/foam.
Do you have any info on vintage sewing machine set up. such as the Singer 66k, 99k 221k/222k machines.
I set the bottom tension after watching your video in how to do it and it was easy like you said it would be.
Really grateful for your tips!
Wondering if you had other tips to share. I’m doing upholstery with velvet fabric using a consew industrial machine. My stitches are perfect and well-balanced when a sew two or ever four pieces of fabric in pile. It’s also working perfectly when I do my piping in velvet. But when I join my pieces together, the piping with one piece of fabric, it’s a complete mess underneath! It seams like I’m having tension issue. But no matter how high I increase the tension on top, reduce the tension on the treat under, or ever reduce the tension on the presser foot, nothing works. I just don’t know what to try to adjust anymore. Thank for any tips I can try.
Could be a number of things. Either the piping is too thick or too thin for the machine. Sounds like a hook timing issue. I mean, not an issue, since it sees well with other fabric combinations. But you either need to have a mechanic set your timing for the material window you need, or pick up another machine for the piping job.
Hi Steve Love your videos I’m really having tension problems my bottom bobbin does the walk test but my top tension is all the way wound tight. But I’m not seeing the thread on either side. But my top stitches are crooked bottom Straight i’m Sewing leather. Soft but 4 to 5 ounce . I make moccasins i have a Chandler 406rb1 Hope you can help me
Honestly I think this explains it.. and I will try this. Thanks
Wow tx this is awesome. So i just got an industrial sewing machine and ao far its been ok. Lately i noticed that when ever i press d back stitch lever its cuts my thread and this has been on for almost a week now. Pls help resolve 🙏🙏🙏😥
Thank darling you just fixed my Brother S-7100A-403 just now😀 hurrah
I recently got a Empisal 270D, I don't know if I didn't put things right but I can see the bobbin thread on the top too and the top thread on the bottom as well. How do I correct that?.
Hi I watched your bobbin tension video and was in my workroom playing around so the spool does it’s looser and going down slow like you showed and I still adjusted the top tension. My top stitch (Juki industrial leather walking foot Maschine DNU 1541) is great but the bottom one does not look right. Still too much of a straight line. I have tightened the top thread to the point where I can see the bottom thread in the little holes, (I used a contrast thread of the same thickness and brand ) and still does not look as good as it can be 🙄🤔😤. I subscribed to your channel. Very good tips! Thanks for your time!
Can you explain what the other tensioner is for, above the main thread tensioner please?
Great stuff, I am sewing 2 different types of nylon strapping. One is slightly thicker than the other. When I sew the thicker material, the job looks great. But when I sew the thinner material I might get about 3 or 4 good pieces and then the thread starts to bunch on top or starts to unravel up the machine. What in the world? Can't seem to find a reason why this happens. Maybe you can.
Hi Steve!
Is it important the rotating direction of the upper thread?
Thanks for the video!
Hi Steve, thank you for the excellent videos about top and bottom tension. I hope you still receive TH-cam comments... I was wondering where I could get a magnetic strip to hold bobbins like you have there. It looks so handy! I tried making my own with some magnetic tape but it wasn't strong enough, and I could not find an actual sewing notion. Is that something for only industrial machines (I do have a Juki but it's a TL 2010q home machine) or is it homemade?
Hi I have a vintage singer industrial sewing machine model 241-12 serial number is the AG series. I need as much info as I can get about this machine like how to set the tensions, were to put the oil and how do I get oil to run through machine ? Any thing would be lots of help thank you
Hi, love your videos. I have a question... I am sewing two pieces of very thin cotton together, and I just can't get the tension right. Someone said that a "knot" is tied at each stitch, when top and bobbin thread meet. If your fabric is thick, that knot is "hidden" between the two fabrics, but that if you're sewing very thin fabric, you're probably going to either show a tiny bit of bobbin thread on the top, or top thread on the bottom. I've tried and tried to get it right, but I'm thinking my fabric is just too thin... Yes?
Hey Steve. Is it possible to glue the tension spring back?
So, i have a kenmore sewing machine, i forgot what model. Shes an old girl, 75 years old and still the best machine Ive got. Question is, how do I service it? Itd be nice to learn and be shown how to care for, lunricate, oil and know when its not functioning properly.
Ok so I’ve been getting my top stitch showing up underneath the fabric so I tighten up until that goes away. Now I have solid colors on top and bottom so my tension is good right??? But now my fabric is all squished up. So I loosen that tension knob just a little and my fabric is flat again but I have top thread showing up on the bobbin thread. Just in the corners of the zig zag. Literally just a dot in each corner. Is that ok or does the top thread have to be on top only and bottom thread on the bottom only. I don’t know anything. I’m new to this sewing deal and I’m having fun. I just don’t know what to do at this point. Thanx. Cool informative vid
Hello Sewing with Steve!! Okay so~ I have a Consew P1206RB Here's my problem... I get all kinds of 'bird nest' on the bottom side and I pull out my bobbin and it has come all unwound inside the bobbin case. Do you know why that is happening? Thank you Sewing with Steve... PS Love your videos. You are a great teacher thank you for your channel.
Is the birds nest happening when you start sewing? If so, you might just need to hold down your thread when you begin the stitch, and let go after a few stitches have been established.
Hi, I have a Textima machibe and strugalling with the whire adjusment. If i thight it as much as possible, it still gives me loose stitching on the botom.
Dude great job. Where can I get the best price on a Japan made Juki.
I have an old Brother Boutique 761 that I'm pretty sure has top tension issues. I am NOT a pro sewer, I am a 72 yr. old violin maker that began at 12 yrs. old., but I am enjoying this newly-gotten machine a lot. The machine needed a lot of TLC but I've noticed its behavior is erratic in that sometimes it works fine for a couple of pant hems, then begins to jam on startup almost every time. The top tension adjuster is nothing like the newer machines; the mechanics are all different. At the beginning there was no top tension available at the disc level at all, and tightening the knob did nothing. I disassembled the gadget, and tried to get the spring to more closely affect the discs (the spring is like an old 50's rear leaf spring from a Bel Air or Biscayne). I'm not sure what the basic setup is supposed to be like to get it to feed properly, and I'm hoping that you can at least get one of my feet on the ground. I'm not the only one with one of these solid old machines, so if you decide to cover this topic you might reach a lot of people that are missing all the fun of fine-tuning your own clothing style and being independent of alteration shops. Enjoyed your video, and you seem to know what you're talking about. Thanks.
Hi Steve. Just bought a Kingstar walking foot industrial and am feeling a bit overwhelmed. My top stitch seems to be a little zig-zag. Any suggestions about what I can do to get it straight? Thanks for highly informative videos.
I'm working with a Husqvarna Viking H Class, E 10. I adjusted the bottom tension as you instructed on your other video, and the process is relatively similar, or the same, as it is on a Juki. But the top tension is a dial that goes up to 9, from right to left. Would this work the same, even with those minor details?
I need advice on jean thread, adding the Jean thread also in the bobbin has made it really loose. What is your advice with fixing the tension.
Have you watched my video on adjusting Bottom Tension?
I do carpet binding, and I have got a problem with the carpet rucking up. Is that to do with my sewing machine tension?
Hi Steve! Great instructions.
I have just purchased a Juki DNU-1541S. My fabric is actually gathering and I see bobbin thread on the top and top thread on the back. I've adjusted for hours and can't seem to get it. Any suggestions?
Lisa
Stephen Jones wow!!!!!! Problem solved! I tried the tension setting tutorials using denim instead and it's perfect. Thank you so much. I will be more mindful of the thread and fabric that I'm using. I look forward to more videos from you.
Lisa
Hi, wondered if you could demonstrate Jerome 539 tension
Thanks a lot
You are awesome my machine works perfectly by this trick 😘
Hi Steve. I have an old Singer 111W153. What does it mean when suddenly, the top thread keeps breaking?
Hi bro! I got a question for you
How to adjust the length of the needle thread when you have the thread trimmer function selected ?
Thank you so much for this video. It helps me a lot!
I have a juki 1181n I had thread stuck in my bobbin so I tried to take the bobbin hook out and broke it it have a new one I put in thought I had it but now a broke a needle and now I can get the bobbin out
Ok here is my question
I have a Juki DDL-227 that I just bought.
It would not sew so I set the timing now it sews but the stitch is loose on the bottom I have the upper tension almost bottomed out.
Do you think the problem is tension or is my timing off
I am running #69 thread
Thanks
Pete
I got a quilting frame and new machine for xmas juki tl2010q. Stitches were terrible. Getting better. Still too far apart, eyelash look too. What do i do?
Help! I have adjusted my top and bottom tension just like you have described and I am still seeing my bottom threads wayyyy too loose. I have a juki 8500 that has been unloved for 5 years so I am trying to nurse it back to health. Is there something else that could be affecting it? Could I maybe need a whole new top tension assembly?
Thank you so much, I have same machine but the problem is that whenever I want to start any stich the fabric looks tear and sometimes it does tear a little bit because of the heaviness of sewing when I back stich
You might need to adjust your foot pressure to be less, decrease your needle size, decrease thread size, or a combination of those!
I bought an industrial sewing machine it’s an Adler. There’s multiple thread tension knobs. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to fix the tension. When I sew a test piece of leather, my top thread snaps and I’m not even left with thread in the seam. do you have any suggestions? There’s 3 main knobs for tension
I have a Juki DDL-8700 and I’m trying to figure out what is this knob with the numbers on it that’s to the right of the machine. I’ve been trying to fix my tension but failing miserably.
I have bought a Brother PR 600ii 6 needle machine. 4 of the thread tensions are OK, but 2 I can't seem to get the tension right. I saw the machine working. What am I doing wrong? Thank you.
Bottom thread too loose I've tighten the knob it won't go any further still the thread shows with little loops. Hope you answer thanks!
How about Installing a new thread tension assembly, I have a juki ddl-555.
Where can I get genuine juki parts?