Having the right tension is key to creating professional-looking stitches with your Brother sewing machine. If your stitches are too tight, too loose, or your thread is breaking, this article will explain you how to change the tension.
Thread tension is the balance between the needle thread and the bobbin thread when stitches are formed. To regulate the tension, there is an adjustable tension dial on the top of the machine, typically numbered from 0 to 9, with 0 being the loosest setting.
The first step to adjusting the tension is making sure that the correct spool of thread is placed in the top thread holder. This is key because if the thread is not completely unwound or is too loosely wound, this will impact the stitch formation. Also, if the wrong type of thread is used in the machine, this will also affect the tension, since not all thread types have the same properties such as strength and thickness.
Next, adjust the tension dial before beginning to sew. It is important to test on a scrap piece of fabric, so that you can check that the tension is correct. If the top thread looks too loose, make a slight adjustment in the tension by increasing the number on the tension dial.
If the tension is too tight, try reducing the number on the tension dial. The tension should be balanced between the top and bobbin thread, so if the top thread is too tight, the bobbin thread should be too tight, and vice versa. It may take some trial and error to get it just right as each fabric and thread combination is different.
Finally, consider the stitch length and stitch width when changing the tension. For example, when enlarging a stitch on some machines, this may require a lower tension setting. At the same time, a longer stitch may require a higher tension setting.
Check the Thread and Needle
The type of thread and needle being used can also affect the tension. It is important to use the right needle size, as different needles sizes have different corresponding tensions. For example, using a smaller needle size with a thicker thread will require a higher tension than using a larger needle size with a thinner thread.
It is also important to use compatible threads in your machine, and there are several types of thread that can be used. Cotton thread should be used for natural fibers, like cotton and wool, and polyester thread is best for fabrics with synthetics, such as polyester and nylon.
Furthermore, it can be helpful to regularly change the sewing machine needle. A blunt needle will not puncture the fabric properly, meaning that the tension will not be balanced, and it can also damage the fabric and thread.
Clean the Machine
A Brother sewing machine can be prone to lint build-up, and this can interfere with the tension. Regular maintenance is important for getting the best results from your machine, so it can be good practice to clean it at least once every month. Make sure to use the correct brushes and cleaning cloths when cleaning the machine, so that no damage can be caused to delicate components.
Also, make sure to oil the machine as mentioned in the user manual, and check that there is no excess lint or thread caught in the bobbin case or feed dogs. Cleaning the underside of the presser foot can also help with tension issues, as any dirt or grime here can reduce friction and therefore affect the tension.
Check Tension Spring
The tension spring is a tiny device that is located behind the tension dial, and it controls the tension between the top and bobbin thread. If this spring becomes too loose, it can cause tension issues that are difficult to fix without replacing the spring. This can sometimes require professional attention, but there are ways to check if the tension spring is causing the problem.
Firstly, you can check the tension by placing a piece of paper between the presser foot and the fabric, and then lower the presser foot. If the tension spring is functioning correctly, the paper should come out from underneath the presser foot with some resistance. It should not be too hard to remove, as this could indicate that the spring is too tight.
Secondly, you can check for any visible signs of damage on the tension spring, such as rust or fraying. If there is any corrosion on the spring, it is likely that it needs to be replaced. Lastly, observe how the thread is looping when stitches are formed. If the thread is forming a loopy knot, this can indicate an issue with the tension spring.
Checking Tension with Meters
There are specialized instruments available that allow precise measurements of tension. This includes precision tension meters which measure in units up to thirty threads. Such tools should be used with care, as incorrect settings can result in tension problems and other issues.
Tension testing strips and bobbin testers are also available, which can be used to measure bobbin tensions more accurately. It is worth investing in these products, as they can help make sure that the tension settings are optimized in order to achieve the best results with any machine.
Changing Tension Settings Regularly
Different fabrics can require different tension settings, so it can be a good idea to adjust the tension dial regularly in order to get the best results. It should become second nature to adjust the tension before starting a stitch, as this can help prevent the formation of bird’s nests and skipped stitches.
For very fine fabrics, such as chiffon and georgette, it is important to decrease the tension setting as these fabrics can be easily damaged from too much tension. If a fabric is particularly lightweight, it might also require a special type of needle which is designed for delicate stitching.
Using the Correct Foot
Different stitches require different presser feet and different pressure on the fabric from the presser foot. Therefore, the presser foot should always be appropriate for the stitch type, and this can help when making adjustments to tension.
If a straight stitch is being used, the general purpose foot should be used and the pressure should be set to light. For zigzag or decorative stitches, the zigzag or decorative stitch foot should be used, and the pressure should be set to medium or heavy as required.
It can also be beneficial to experiment with different presser feet and tension settings in order to get the desired results. With practice, it should become easier to set the tension to suit different fabrics and threads.
