Learning how to properly adjust the tension on your Singer Simple sewing machine is key to achieving successful sewing results. To preserve the quality of your fabrics and ensure neat, even stitches with no skipped stitches, you must understand how and when to adjust the tension on the machine.
Tension adjustment is a necessary skill for sewers of any level of experience. Even professionally trained tailors and designers who have been sewing for decades often have to go back and adjust the tension on delicate garments in order to achieve the ideal results.
When the tension on your machine is too loose, your stitches will be overly loose and large. On the other hand, if your tension is too high, your stitches will be too tight, which can snap the thread and can even damage the material.
To adjust the tension in your Singer Simple sewing machine, you will need to open the access door located on the top of the machine. Inside the access door, you will find a tension dial. This tension dial is composed of numbers and letters and can be adjusted by turning the dial clockwise or counterclockwise.
Tension is also impacted by the type of fabric and thread you are using. Heavier weight fabrics call for heavier weight thread, which requires more tension than would be needed for a lighter weight fabric. Additionally, thicker thread requires more tension than thinner thread. To determine the correct tension for the project, test a sample of the material and thread combination before beginning the project. When making adjustments on the tension dial, always make small adjustments at a time.
Aside from adjusting the tension dial, it is important to also check the bobbin case and the bobbin tension disc. To do this, you will need to also open the access door on the bottom of the machine. This is where the bobbin case is located. Once opened, you will be able to check the tension disc and make any necessary adjustments to the bobbin tension.
Once you have made the adjustments to the tension dial and the bobbin tension disc, re-thread your machine and test the tension by sewing a few test stitches onto a scrap piece of fabric. If the tension is still off, make additional adjustment until the desired tension is achieved.
Testing and Troubleshooting Tension
Regularly testing and troubleshooting tension is key to successful sewing results. To test the tension on your Singer Simple sewing machine, you should take a scrap piece of the material you will be working with and thread the needle with two different colors of thread. Test the machine with the different colored threads and the double thread. If the threads lay evenly and the top thread is looping nicely on the underside of the material then the tension is most likely set properly.
If the threads are not laying evenly, the tension is most likely off. Thread boxes come with a number that corresponds to tension standards. Some standard numbers are 50 to 75, but the number can vary depending on the type of fabric and thread being used. If your machine’s tension is off, try adjusting the tension dial until the threads lay evenly.
If the tension still seems off, you can adjust the bobbin tension. To do this, open the bobbin case and use a small screwdriver to carefully adjust the tension disc. To test the tension, sew a few stitches on a scrap piece of fabric. The bobbin thread should be visible on the top of the fabric, if it’s not, then the bobbin tension is too loose and you should tighten it.
Maintaining Proper Tension
Tension problems can often be caused by a worn or damaged needle. It may be necessary to replace your needle periodically, especially for projects with thicker materials. When replacing your needle, be sure to use the correct size of the needle for the type of fabric you are working with. The wrong size needle can cause tension issues as well as skipped stitches.
Another possible cause of tension issues is when threads become tangled in your machine. If you have noticed any excessive noise or clunking, it could be a sign of a tangled thread. If this is the case, un-thread your machine and clear out any tangled threads.
Overall, keeping the tension on your Singer Simple sewing machine adjusted and maintained is essential for achieving clean and even stitches. Proper tension adjustments should be done before starting a project, but regular checks should also be done while sewing to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Storing your Singer Simple Sewing Machine
When your Singer Simple sewing machine is not in use, always unplug it from its power source. This will save energy and keep the machine from potentially overheating during storage. Additionally, always cover your machine when storing it to keep it free from accumulation of dust. Clean all removable parts of the machine before storing and occasionally wipe off the machine with a damp cloth.
Another important aspect of keeping your Singer Simple sewing machine in good condition is to keep the machine properly lubricated. Refer to the user manual for information on how to lubricate different areas of the machine. After lubrication, move all parts of the machine back and forth to spread the lubrication evenly.
Caring for Your Sewing Machine Needle
The sewing machine needle is an essential part of the sewing machine, and it is important to take care of it to ensure proper performance. Before each use, inspect your needle for any burrs, chips or discoloration. If you notice any of these, consider replacing the needle with a new one.
When inserting the needle, make sure it is inserted correctly so it can move freely without binding. To prevent breaking of the needle, adjust the presser foot pressure, especially when using heavier weight fabrics and threads. Also, periodically replace the needle regardless of any visible damage as a protective measure.
Repair and Maintenance
From time to time, your Singer Simple sewing machine may need some repairs or general maintenance. If you are encountering any issues such as sticking buttons or malfunctioning parts, it is best to contact a professional technician to diagnose and fix any issues.
An important aspect of ongoing maintenance is regular cleaning. Every few months, use a small brush to remove any dust build up around the bobbin case and the bobbin tension disc. Additionally, occasionally drop a few drops of sewing machine oil into feed holes, thread guides and tension discs to keep the machine lubricated and running efficiently.
Finally, consider investing in a few replacement parts such as needle plates and presser feet in case you ever need to replace them. This way, you will have the parts if you ever need them.
