Introducing the Singer Sewing Machine
The Singer brand of sewing machine has been a staple of amateur and professional dressmaking, tailoring, and quilting for many years. Now, Singer sewing machines are available in more types and styles than ever. From its most basic models to its industrial strength models, Singer has something for everyone. But when it comes to adjusting the tension on your Singer sewing machine, it’s important to understand the basics before you start making adjustments.
Familiarizing Yourself with Tension
Tension is an important factor when it comes to producing good quality stitches. Tension is the balance between the top and bottom threads that enables them to meet evenly on the underside of the fabric. Ideally, the top and bottom threads should be the same length on the back and the front side of the fabric. If the tension is too loose, the stitches will be loose and sloppy, if it is too tight, the stitches will be tight and taut.
Adjusting the Tension on Your Singer Sewing Machine
Fortunately, adjusting the tension on a Singer sewing machine is a relatively simple process. The tension adjustment mechanism is usually located on the front of the machine, usually on the left-hand side, and is identified by a small dial that is labeled with numbers from 0 to 9. To increase the tension, you will turn the dial clockwise; to decrease the tension, you will turn it counter-clockwise. Some machines also have a hand wheel that will allow you to adjust the tension manually.
Testing the Tension
Once you have made the adjustments, it is important to test the tension. The best way to do this is to take a scrap piece of fabric and sew a few stitches along the edge. After you have finished sewing, turn the fabric over and inspect the stitches. The stitches should be even and balanced on the back and front of the fabric. If they are not, you may need to make additional adjustments.
Common Problems with Tension
It is not uncommon to experience problems with tension on a Singer sewing machine. If the tension is too loose, the stitches will be loose and sloppy. If the tension is too tight, the stitches will be tight and taut. In either case, it is important to adjust the tension until the stitches are even and balanced on both sides of the fabric. It is also important to remember that different fabrics require different levels of tension, so you may need to make additional adjustments for different fabrics.
Thread Tension vs Bobbin Tension
It’s important to note that thread tension, which is adjusted using the dial or the hand wheel, is not the same as bobbin tension. Bobbin tension should not be adjusted, as it is pre-calibrated by the manufacturer. If you have loose or tight bobbin stitches, you will need to check your bobbin case for lint or debris that may be preventing the bobbin thread from feeding smoothly.
Tips to Adjust the Tension on Your Singer Sewing Machine
When it comes to adjusting the tension on your Singer sewing machine, the most important thing is to understand the basics before you start making any adjustments. Make sure to always test the tension after each adjustment to ensure the stitches are even and balanced on both sides of the fabric. Remember, different fabrics require different levels of tension, so it is important to make adjustments for different fabrics. Finally, make sure to never adjust the bobbin tension as it is pre-calibrated by the manufacturer.
Re-Threading Your Singer Sewing Machine
If you are having trouble with tension on your Singer sewing machine, it is possible that the machine may need to be re-threaded. First, make sure to correctly thread the upper part of the machine. Then, locate the bobbin threading guide on the hand wheel and carefully guide the bobbin thread through the machines’s internal mechanisms. Make sure to turn the hand wheel in a clockwise direction as you guide the thread through. Once the bobbin is correctly in place, you can begin testing tension again.
Checking the Needle and Foot Pressure
Another possible cause of tension problems on your Singer sewing machine is incorrect needle and foot pressure settings. Make sure to check both the needle and foot pressure settings and make sure they are correctly set to the settings recommended by the manufacturer. If the settings are incorrect, it can cause a variety of problems with tension and stitch quality.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Your Machine
Finally, it is important to maintain and clean your Singer sewing machine on a regular basis. This will help to ensure that your machine runs smoothly and that there are no problems with tension. Cleaning the machine should include oiling the parts and wiping down any dust or debris with a soft cloth. It is also important to check for lint or debris that may be blocking the tension mechanism, as this can cause problems with the tension and stitch quality.
