Pre-Adjustment Checklist
Adjusting the bobbin tension on a Kenmore sewing machine is a significant step in getting the most out of the machine. Having the tension correctly adjusted can significantly improve the quality of the stitch and the overall look of a project. However, when adjusting the bobbin tension, there are certain steps that must be taken first to ensure success in the adjustment process.
A good pre-adjustment checklist includes inspecting the bobbin and bobbin case for any dirt or debris. This should be done using a small brush or pick. Once the bobbin and bobbin case are cleaned, they should be inspected for any worn or damaged parts that may be preventing the bobbin tension from being correctly adjusted. Additionally, the bobbin case should be checked for the correct tension spring.
It’s also important to check the bobbin tension disk on the machine. It should turn freely without any binding or tightness, as this can indicate that the tension disk is not making correct contact with the bobbin case. Additionally, the tension setting should be checked to make sure it is at its factory setting.
Testing the Tension
Once the pre-adjustment checklist is completed and the necessary parts are in order, the next step is to test the bobbin tension. This should be done by hand-winding the bobbin and then pulling very gently on the wound bobbin thread. If the bobbin can be pulled up and off from the machine, then the tension is too loose. If there is resistance to pulling up the bobbin thread, then the tension is too tight.
Ideally, the tension should be adjusted so that the bobbin is slightly resistant to being removed but can still be moved without too much effort. This usually indicates that the bobbin and bobbin case are working together properly with regard to the tension setting.
The tension can be adjusted by using either a small screwdriver or a tension wrench. To adjust the tension, the tension disk and bobbin case should be carefully looked at to make sure they are both in correct alignment. If the tension disk is at an angle, it should be gently re-aligned before attempting to adjust the tension.
Adjusting the Tension
Once the tension disk and bobbin case are correctly aligned and the tension wrench or screwdriver are in place, the next step is to begin adjusting the tension. If the tension is currently too tight, the tension disk should be turned clockwise to loosen it. Conversely, if the tension is currently too loose, the tension disk should be turned counter-clockwise to tighten it.
It is important to remember that the tension should be adjusted very gradually and slowly, in order to ensure that the proper tension setting is achieved. Making too drastic an adjustment or turning the tension disk too many times can throw off the bobbin tension completely, resulting in an inaccurate setting.
After adjusting the tension, it is necessary to take a test stitch in order to make sure that the adjustment has been successful. If the test stitch looks good, then the tension can be deemed to be correctly adjusted.
Tension Troubleshooting
If the tension is still too tight or too loose after adjusting it, then the problem may be with the bobbin winding mechanism. This can be determined by loosening the top tension discs and winding a few bobbin threads by hand. Then, pull on the threads to check the tension. If the tension is still off, then the bobbin winding mechanism may need to be altered. Additionally, the bobbin may be wrong for the specific machine, or there may be some kind of clogging occurring within the bobbin case.
Keeping Up Regular Maintenance
In order to ensure that the bobbin tension remains consistent, it is important to keep up regular maintenance on the machine. This should include both deep cleaning of the parts as well as regular inspections to make sure that all parts are working smoothly and appropriately.
Having a comprehensive machine maintenance record is also a good idea, as this will provide a record of any maintenance done and allow the user to trace any possible problems or inaccuracies in regular maintenance back to the exact source.
Finding Trouble-Shooting Assistance
If the user is having difficulty in adjusting the bobbin tension or troubleshooting any problems which come up, it’s a good idea to find a trusted expert for assistance. This can be a local repair shop or an online discussion group dedicated to troubleshooting sewing machine problems.
In addition to providing sound advice, many troubleshooting forums also offer step-by-step video tutorials which make it easy for the user to identify and address any issues they may be having with their machine.
Using the Right Thread
When using a Bobbin Sewing Machine, it’s important to remember to use the right thread size. Using the wrong thread size can result in inaccurate tension readings and this can lead to more tension-related problems down the road.
The tension disk should be matched with the thread size that is being used, to ensure that the tension setting is accurately maintained. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the thread is of good quality and that the bobbin contains a good quality thread as well.
Storing the Machine
When the machine is not in use, it should be stored in a cool, dry place. This helps to ensure that the tension setting remains accurate and is not affected by any moisture or temperature changes. Additionally, the user should take care to cover the machine when it is not in use, to protect it from dust or any other particles which may affect its performance.
Frequent Adjustments
Having the bobbin tension on a sewing machine is a delicate balance. If the user finds that they have to adjust the bobbin tension frequently, they may need to check their needle size and thread type, as this can affect how often the bobbin tension needs to be adjusted.
Additionally, the user should check that the machine parts are all in good condition and that they are still working properly. Replacing worn out or damaged parts can help to maintain the correct tension setting over a longer period of time.
