Sewing Machine Thread Tension - Updated

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  • čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
  • Learn how to correct thread tension so that your stitches come out perfect no matter the type of fabric you're sewing with. This tutorial shows you how to adjust upper and lower thread tension to solve your stitching woes.
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    Sewing machine used was provided by Spiegel.
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Komentáře • 528

  • @opheliamaples
    @opheliamaples Před 3 lety +264

    I've been hand-sewing for years and have bought myself a sewing machine to speed things up, but the thread tension issue has been driving me bonkers! Thank you for the video. I was about ready to throw my machine out the window 😅

    • @nashr5519
      @nashr5519 Před 2 lety +8

      I was feeling the same way you did😂

    • @MyFictionalChaos
      @MyFictionalChaos Před 2 lety +18

      Sewing machines are kind of complex from what i gather. It is a lot more than just the tension. You think the machine speeds up the process but there is a lot of troubleshooting and learning

    • @opheliamaples
      @opheliamaples Před 2 lety +6

      @@MyFictionalChaos So true. It's a whole new skill-set. Hopefully, once I get pass this learning period, speed and ease will pick up. Fingers crossed!

    • @dorosweet
      @dorosweet Před 2 lety +5

      That's me right now the only difference is I feel like throwing on the person who sold it for me

    • @anncoleman9555
      @anncoleman9555 Před rokem

      It

  • @whitemagehealing8126
    @whitemagehealing8126 Před 9 měsíci +19

    This is the ONLY place I have seen someone show me what is happening using two different color threads and explain the different scenarios. Most places just say, "your tension is too tight or loose", when I'm trying to look up why I keep getting tangles. So, I always ended thinking, "Well which one is it!? Loose or tight?!" This video very clearly showed me what each means and how to fix it! Thank you so much!

    • @literallyselina
      @literallyselina Před 2 měsíci +1

      The different colored thread is huge. Every other example uses the same color which is NOT helpful!

  • @TisEyerish1
    @TisEyerish1 Před 4 lety +100

    Thank you...this was a wonderful tutorial! I am 73 and have been hand-sewing since age 6, and using a sewing machine since age 12. I'm sure you can appreciate how many different types and models I've used during the course of my life, but you have taught me things in this video that I never knew. For example, I never knew there was a little spring looking part on the front-loading bobbins that the thread should go through! My mother never showed me that! She made just about every dress my sister and I wore when we were kids...and girls wore dresses more than pants back in those days! I now have a somewhat computerized machine in that it offers 60 different built-in stitches but I am unable to program it. I have been having a lot of difficulty with the upper tension (it is a top loading bobbin, so I now know I don't need to worry about it, thanks to you :) ) Watching this tutorial once had me adjusting it in the blink of an eye. So, again....thank you from the bottom of my heart!

  • @fatemafaith5450
    @fatemafaith5450 Před 3 měsíci +6

    I keep coming back to this video whenever I have tension problems. Thanks a lot, it’s the best and most informative video on CZcams

  • @emmielou72
    @emmielou72 Před 2 lety +4

    OMG! I am starting to sew again after approximately 40 years and couldn't get my old, but barely used Husky Viking to zigzag. You showed the exact issue I was having and I fixed it! I couldn't believe it because tension is such a major sewing issue. Now I may also dust off my beloved Singer 201! Thank you!

  • @dingusmcscrungophd5219
    @dingusmcscrungophd5219 Před 3 lety +13

    I've been sewing for years, self taught, and I had no idea you could adjust the bobin tension!

  • @brettepruitt8960
    @brettepruitt8960 Před 2 lety +3

    This is the best tutorial I’ve found on tension. This is my #1 aggravation concerning my machine. I had stitching problems about 2 years ago, tried to fix it myself and ended up taking it to a repair shop. I brought the machine home and it still wasn’t fixed, I took it back, and it was finally fixed, The repair cost $100,
    Now, I’m having the same problems all over again. If I can’t fix it myself this time, I’m getting a new machine. The one I have is around 50 years old, not worth putting another $100 into it. So, here goes!

  • @Tigris178
    @Tigris178 Před 2 lety +4

    Oh my goodness where has this been all my life. This is an amazing explanation. I’ve avoiding my sewing machine for YEARS because I’m still intimidated by the troubleshooting- but this gives me simple variables to work with and a basic direction to go!! Thank you so much!!

  • @HouseScraper
    @HouseScraper Před 6 lety +76

    when you are just begging to sew thank goodness for videos like this to help you out.

  • @sexyqueen1225
    @sexyqueen1225 Před 2 lety +2

    Thank you so much, I watched so many youtube videos but none help me but your video did. The screw on my bobbin was too loose and as soon as i tighten it my 4 months problem was solved. Your video saved me so much money.

  • @Iliftmyeyestothehills
    @Iliftmyeyestothehills Před 7 lety +30

    This. Is. SO. Helpful!!! I was having trouble with my thread tension and the manual for my machine wasn't as helpful as I had hoped. I thank you for such clear info. Your a natural at teaching sewing and I am so happy I found your channel and I have subscribed. 👍🙌😊

  • @jacksonfamilyaccount7768

    As an utter novice I'm very grateful for this video. Thank you

  • @kyliedehaven
    @kyliedehaven Před 2 lety +2

    Thank you so much!!! I am currently in China working on a Chinese sewing machine where I can't read the manual, so most of my issues have been solved up to trial and error at this point. It was super helpful seeing the way wrong stitches looked, so that I could diagnose my problem visually. Didn't really even know what tension on a sewing machine was until this point, so thank you from a previously frustrated, novice sewer!!

  • @waltermessines5181
    @waltermessines5181 Před 5 lety +114

    You took the tension out of getting the tension right. Congrats.

  • @erikaaragon4756
    @erikaaragon4756 Před 7 lety +58

    Thank you so much for this video! I just started sewing and I'm so excited about it but my tension was ruining everything. After watching this video it's perfect and my stitches look great. Thank you so much for this video and all of your videos! ❤️

  • @sassypritchard7517
    @sassypritchard7517 Před 2 lety +6

    This is definitely the best explanation of thread tension I’ve seen! Thank you so much!

  • @ArtGirlJan
    @ArtGirlJan Před 4 lety +6

    Bless you!!! That’s the first time I have ever heard of adjusting the tension on the actual bobbin. That fixed it!

  • @SheenfulLife
    @SheenfulLife Před 2 lety +2

    Omg thank you so much! I was stuck for so long as why my zig zag stitch was not working. You are the best!

  • @dhuertas88
    @dhuertas88 Před 4 lety +90

    Thank you!!!!! I was so frustrated and starting to get slightly discouraged. This helped fix my issue :)

  • @daveleclair9201
    @daveleclair9201 Před 7 lety +149

    Finally someone has explained it and was a great help

  • @ellahandy2002
    @ellahandy2002 Před 4 lety +2

    THANK YOU SO MUCH you have SAVED my sewing machine! I felt like smashing it on the ground, it kept getting caught up or the top thread was too tight and the bobbin thread was way too loose. It looked HORRIBLE. But thanks to your video, all is well! I didn't even know you could adjust the bobbin tension, turns out that was my problem.

  • @flowerpetal5912
    @flowerpetal5912 Před 3 lety +1

    Holy moly, thank you so much for this !! I thought my machine was messed up !! Turns out, it was the bob in 😅 thank you for recovering my sanity 🌟

  • @lmonroe9169
    @lmonroe9169 Před 3 měsíci +1

    You just saved me time and money, thank you!!!!

  • @prettyrainbows9714
    @prettyrainbows9714 Před 7 lety +346

    Intimidating it is not, maddening it is. I've been at it for months trying to get this sewing machine to sew nice even stitches lets see if this video helps

  • @pamholland7005
    @pamholland7005 Před 6 lety +3

    Thank you for posting this. I've been sewing for many years but, never understood how the tension worked and always dreaded having to adjust the tension. This is very helpful.

  • @bccabernet
    @bccabernet Před 2 měsíci

    Another great video from the Professor! I have an old Husqvarna Optima 630 machine (since 1990) and the dial suggests a tension of 6 for straight and zigzag stitching. I didn't realise that we should adjust it to our fabrics (and thus our thread tex). It's been left on tension 6 pretty much since I bought it. But I didn't understand why my zigzag stitches sometimes looked so much nicer underneath. Now I know I should be adjusting my tension according to different materials rather than different stitching. TY.

  • @PestVic
    @PestVic Před 12 dny

    I would have never found that adjustment on the Bobbin! Thanks for the video :)

  • @orscrub3161
    @orscrub3161 Před 2 lety +1

    well i’ll be doggone! i never knew about the screw on the bobbin holder! it worked!! thank you so much!!

  • @4evertwirl
    @4evertwirl Před rokem

    This video was a God send. I bought a used machine and I was getting so frustrated with my top and bottom side of fabric stitching not being the same. I loosened the screw on the side of my bobbin case (as suggested in video) and viola problem fixed! Thank you! Thank you!

  • @MissIsobell
    @MissIsobell Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you for this! My zig zag stitches were going wrong but I couldn't work out how to trouble shoot it right. I now know it's the bottom tension that's causing problems!

  • @user-mi7xu4nt8v
    @user-mi7xu4nt8v Před 3 lety +4

    Love it,
    Straight to the point
    No Hem hawing
    Just sewing and flowing
    Time is of the essence

  • @kenbarker9235
    @kenbarker9235 Před 5 lety +1

    This tutorial was very well done. It was concise and the presenter spoke clearly. Thank you. Ken

  • @daisybliss762
    @daisybliss762 Před 4 lety +3

    This is the most detailed, perfect and didactic video I've ever watched in my whole entire life of sewing. Ure grate in ur work. And I thank God for coming across ur channel and would definitely 👍 and subscribe to it🤩🤩🤩

  • @katmonkey03
    @katmonkey03 Před 3 lety +2

    This video was so helpful!! I thought my machine was broken! Thank you so much it's my grandpa's so it really means a lot that I'm able to use it thanks to you! 🥰🥰🥰🙏

  • @tellepaterson3884
    @tellepaterson3884 Před 5 lety +16

    Thank you so much for this tutorial, my tension had been driving me nuts and this helped me fix it.

  • @whosdatgirl1
    @whosdatgirl1 Před 5 lety +1

    This helped!! My issue was the tension in the bobbing case!! Tightened that and voila - all is well. Thank you xx

  • @soniamohammed420
    @soniamohammed420 Před 4 lety

    Thank you so much. Your video was easy to understand. I was able to fix my sewing machine. Now onward! May the force of sewing be with you!

  • @jackieswe
    @jackieswe Před 5 lety +2

    Thank you for the understandable and effective explanation!!👏👏

  • @savannahengelbrecht1934
    @savannahengelbrecht1934 Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you so much. So many videos later! Thank you for covering the drop in bobbin too

  • @couhby
    @couhby Před 7 lety +1

    Thank you for posting this. I ran into a frustrating tension problem and your sewing video helped me to figure out the solution. I really appreciate your help.

  • @carolseverson600
    @carolseverson600 Před měsícem

    I was desperate I had this huge project and couldn't figure out why my tension was off and I couldn't seem to fix it you are a big help thank you so much

  • @ChiliBird147
    @ChiliBird147 Před 4 lety +1

    The clearest advice on thread tension! Easy to understand thank you.

  • @GS-en2vs
    @GS-en2vs Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you so much!! This was so helpful for me as my stitches were very loose and I didn’t know how to fix them.

  • @jeimi749
    @jeimi749 Před 2 lety +1

    I am ready to buy a new machine! Omg. Thank you!!!

  • @georgedennison3338
    @georgedennison3338 Před 6 lety

    This is the most complete explanation of thread tension, adjustment and the mechanisms involved I have ever seen.
    Your descriptions & techniques are clear, and easily understood.
    I think you are the only one who might be able to answer a couple of more advanced tension related questions I have.
    I have an early model Viking which my mom used for many years, and I inherited. I worked and maintained her machines for many years. I started when I was still in my teens, (I'm now 63).
    1. A problem I have occasionally is when I switch from straight stitch to zig zag, or from zig zag to straight. I would say about 30-40% of the time, when I switch stitches, I end up with a tangled bottom thread. As long as I have the tensions adjusted correctly for the thread and fabric I'm using, I don't have any problems, with 'birds nests'. But, I can have the tensions dialed in perfectly, and still occasionally have the problem when switching between stitch types.
    Is it an occasional problem because I don't have tensions as perfect as I think? IE: too loose for one stitch, and correct for the other?
    2. I sew very little 'conventional' material. I use the machine mostly for upholstery sewing, but the project I'm working on right now is polyethylene tarps. I've always been able to heat weld them in the past, but the new tarps I bought for a large project just will NOT weld, so I am sewing them.
    As with many things I sew, there isn't a lot of reference info for what I'm doing. The poly tarps actually sew quite well, but I would like to tighten up the stitching more than it presently is. Can I force the machine to sew a slightly tighter stitch by adjusting the bobbin slightly tighter, then adjust the top tension a bit tighter to compensate?
    I can, and will experiment with this, but I'd like to double check my thinking on this, before I invest a bunch of time experimenting, (it's not the time of year to delay tarping projects; it's only going to rain more, not less, at this time of the year.)
    Thanks,
    GeoD

    • @ProfessorPincushion
      @ProfessorPincushion  Před 6 lety

      For your first problem, I"m not really sure what's going on since it doesn't happen consistently. If it were me, I would talk to the sewing machine maintenance person the next time you take your machine in for cleaning. They will probably have a better idea on what might be causing the issue.
      For the second part, I don't know what you mean by tightening up the stitching. The tension between the upper and lower should, ideally, be equal to each other. I always think of the bobbin as being the constant and just adjusting the upper tension if needed. I don't know what will happen if you, for example, increase the upper thread tension and increase the lower thread tension. I know if I turn the bobbin screw, the thread doesn't come out as easily so I think the biggest issue you might run into here might be thread breakage as things will definitely get tighter. I don't know if it's an option in your case but maybe just make a shorter stitch length so that you have more stitches per inch. Sorry, if I'm not any help.

  • @coonehound
    @coonehound Před 25 dny

    Thank you. You solved my problem. I was able to finish my project.

  • @riomabbayad6796
    @riomabbayad6796 Před 2 lety +1

    Crazy how much goes into this craft. Thanks!

  • @GEexplores
    @GEexplores Před 7 lety

    Thank you, I have watched several videos trying to figure out my loose stitch problem and none of them showed me the tension on the bobbin case.... This solved my problem! Thanks again!

    • @ProfessorPincushion
      @ProfessorPincushion  Před 6 lety

      yay, I'm so glad you were able to figure out your tension problems :)

  • @eileenfb1948
    @eileenfb1948 Před 8 lety +1

    All my drop in lower thread bobbin/spools have an adjusting screw which, in this situation I adjust last rather than first. Love your videos.

  • @kahnekenhawigarrow4828

    Wow, I actually came across this by accident & you fixed a lot of my problems & I want to THANK U FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART❤️‼️

  • @brin3m
    @brin3m Před 2 lety +3

    does anyone else have this problem that i am having? first i use the material that I am making my project out of. i even fold the layers like the project and the tension is fine. when i go to actually do the project the tension on the lower thread goes nuts!

  • @josieb2015
    @josieb2015 Před 4 lety +1

    Awwww!!!!
    Thank you so much for clear explanations, this is the best video so far, I have just fixed my stitches, 💃🏽

  • @MileyonDisney
    @MileyonDisney Před 8 lety +1

    Spiegel sure makes a beautiful machine! Thanks for another great video.

  • @ELECTRONICAMOM
    @ELECTRONICAMOM Před 7 lety +32

    THE BEST TENSION INSTRUCTION I'VE SEEN.

  • @ulicornprocreateartclub2617

    I love the way you shape your nails. Great video. Totally saved me millions of units of frustration. Thanks.

  • @thecraftlanding3594
    @thecraftlanding3594 Před 7 lety +5

    I am your biggest fan. Thanks so, so much!

  • @manuela6633
    @manuela6633 Před 3 lety +1

    OMG THIS IS SUCH A LIFESAVER 😭😭

  • @dakotawarner9414
    @dakotawarner9414 Před 3 měsíci

    Omg thank you for the information about thread nesting, i never knew how to fix that

  • @martinrichards1735
    @martinrichards1735 Před 4 lety +1

    Excellent tutorial. Thank you for the clear explanation.

  • @wanroo
    @wanroo Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you soooo much for this clear and helpful tutorial!

  • @jlbeeen
    @jlbeeen Před 6 lety +1

    This makes sense. I have a newer Brother machine and a Kenmore one from the 70s, and I just got the Kenmore serviced, and the tension was way too low to sew fleece with. I couldn't figure out why it was looping at the bottom, but now I have to try this

  • @Amybozhemoi
    @Amybozhemoi Před 4 lety +31

    oml im learning how to sew _by youtube_ wow [its my on of my new years resolution to learn to sew and cosplay]

  • @carolegentry6538
    @carolegentry6538 Před 6 lety

    Thank you for this video. It really helped me figure out the tension.

  • @BeautybyHayley
    @BeautybyHayley Před 3 lety

    Sewn 2000+ masks and had no idea I could change the tension on the bobbin thanks x

  • @marielockhart3299
    @marielockhart3299 Před 4 lety

    Thank you! I was so frustrated and your bobbin tension tutorial was all I needed😀

  • @BbyPigeon
    @BbyPigeon Před rokem

    I didn’t know you could adjust the bobbin tension! That fixed my problem so thank you so much!!

  • @sandrafranklin6216
    @sandrafranklin6216 Před 7 lety +2

    Thank you, this was very helpful!

  • @lunamoth4957
    @lunamoth4957 Před 4 lety +7

    Thank you. I was having top tension woes. I've owned my machine for about 35 years and never knew anything about gauges that the thread feeds through.

  • @michelleross9782
    @michelleross9782 Před 3 lety +1

    O my goodness!!!! I needed this tutorial 20 years ago & maybe I would be an expert seamstress versus novice still who's terrified to make any clothing.

  • @LQOTW
    @LQOTW Před 7 lety

    Holy smokes! I knew I was no great shakes at sewing, but you've helped me, today in no small measure. Thank you!!! Subscribed!

  • @leonelyzaguirre1686
    @leonelyzaguirre1686 Před 3 lety

    Thank you so much!! My mom was about to have a tantrum but thanks to this video we were able to fix it.

  • @gemulostar1367
    @gemulostar1367 Před 4 lety

    Thanks a lot for this frustration killer tutorial. I just watched it and , like a miracle, the tension problem on my machine is solved.😍😘

  • @MrsTabby1963
    @MrsTabby1963 Před 6 lety

    Thank you! I realised from watching your tutorial that I had an issue with my bobbin and was able to sort it and continue with my sewing.

  • @callistasirjoo6090
    @callistasirjoo6090 Před 5 lety

    I tried it and it was really helpful, thank you.

  • @april-uq4uf
    @april-uq4uf Před 4 lety +3

    Thank you so much!!! I'm working on masks and my bobbin tension was messed up. It's perfect now thanks to you!! ♡

  • @leesawillard4104
    @leesawillard4104 Před 4 lety

    You’re a great teacher, thank you.🙂

  • @tomilayolawanson4514
    @tomilayolawanson4514 Před 5 lety +2

    This video really helped! I was getting very frustrated with how loose the lower thread was. Thanks alot for this video

  • @Strevale
    @Strevale Před 8 lety +3

    Great info. I really love the videos where you make something from a pattern from start to finish. I hope you make some more of those videos soon!

  • @georgevarghese238
    @georgevarghese238 Před 17 dny

    Great helpful video.Thanks❤

  • @ItsViolaRose
    @ItsViolaRose Před 3 lety +1

    This is my worst issue! Thanks for this vid!

  • @luannapierce2544
    @luannapierce2544 Před 8 lety +1

    Thank you so much for this viedo. Thread tension has always been a bit mysterious as my intro to sewing was my mom and home economics in school. My mom may have explained thread tension but I don't remember that.. what I remember is DONT TOUCH THE TENSION DIAL EVER! ... I was young of course, and she wanted to make sure I did not mess up her machine. Home ec did not really cover sewing. I may have read something on thread tension cause the lower numbers for thin and high numbers for heavier fabric sound familiar. I have to tell you that this is the clearest video I have seen on thread tension EVER. Thank you so very much for your demystifying efforts... MUCH APPRECIATED. THANK YOU! :)

    • @MsCjmaxi
      @MsCjmaxi Před 4 lety

      They are still saying never touch the thread tension, even today. I recently went into a sewing machine store, and that's what she told me. I refrained from looking at her as if she were nuts

  • @lionolam
    @lionolam Před 3 měsíci

    thank you i didnt know you could change the bobbin tension, one tiny turn and its fixed!

  • @aiannajun
    @aiannajun Před 5 lety +1

    Finally, problem is solved. Thanks for the very detailed answer.😀

  • @dawnbabich2931
    @dawnbabich2931 Před rokem

    Thank you so much for posting this!You have saved me from hours and hours of torture.❤🎉

  • @fionahobbs8818
    @fionahobbs8818 Před 4 lety +1

    Excellent explanation - thankyou!

  • @Denise-Lynn
    @Denise-Lynn Před rokem

    I was struggling and this video saved me. Thank you!!! ❤

  • @ahikernamedgq
    @ahikernamedgq Před rokem

    This was so helpful. Thank you! I had no idea that you could adjust the tension on a bobbin!

  • @Dollectable_Dreams
    @Dollectable_Dreams Před 8 lety

    Very important info!! Thanks so much!!

  • @paulmeynell8866
    @paulmeynell8866 Před 22 dny

    Very well explained thank you.

  • @missourisusan8236
    @missourisusan8236 Před 5 lety

    Follow her instructions exactly-different color threads on top and bottom and zig zag sew. She shows examples so I could match my problem with a solution. Easy instructions and it fixed my problem that I have fussed with for months. The tech was of no help. The gals at the store were no help. The very expensive sewing machine web site was of no help...but this magic video solved it. THANKS SO MUCH!!!

    • @ProfessorPincushion
      @ProfessorPincushion  Před 5 lety

      yay! I'm so glad you got it figured out. :) Now you can get to the fun part of actually sewing!

  • @kylieelise8846
    @kylieelise8846 Před 5 lety

    Thank you so much for this information!!

  • @donaldcole4017
    @donaldcole4017 Před 6 lety

    omg THANK YOU. so easy to follow.

  • @ash_486
    @ash_486 Před 6 lety

    Thank you so much!! My tension was wrong on my bobbin and it fixed my problem. I had no idea you could do that. I'm still learning how to use my machine. Now I can see again!

  • @tiesto1102
    @tiesto1102 Před 7 lety

    excellent! many thanks and greetings from France!

  • @maureenschiemann3967
    @maureenschiemann3967 Před 4 lety

    Thanks!! I was able to correct the stitching on my machine with ease!

  • @merarypacheco757
    @merarypacheco757 Před 4 lety +1

    Oh my! I’m so very thankful for your video. My sewing machine stitches got really loose and the frustration got on my nerves in the middle of a project but you saved the day with the practical hacks. Thank you so much!

  • @daphneazimuth
    @daphneazimuth Před 5 lety

    i had an over tensioned top thread, and i couldn’t figure out what was wrong, and this worked!! i cant believe that just moving 1 dial would help me! this was a life saver

  • @Carmen159
    @Carmen159 Před 5 lety

    Yay, you’ve solved my tension problem! I was just about to buy another machine. I thought the bobbin 🧵 was over with. Thanks, I’ve saved money 💰

  • @joyplaz
    @joyplaz Před 5 lety +1

    Great tutorial! You just saved my sewing project, thank you!

  • @katielove9932
    @katielove9932 Před 4 lety +1

    No one every explained that to me before. Thank you for the information.