Bobbin tension affects the quality of all stitching projects, regardless of how much experience a seamstress has. It is essential that the bobbin tension is regularly adjusted on all sewing machines, particularly Singer sewing machines, to ensure a successful and clean finish. Bobbin tension is easily overlooked, however it is essential that this is corrected in order to get satisfactory results and to keep the machine functioning correctly. Below is a detailed guide on how to adjust Bobbin tension on Singer sewing machines.
Orientation of Bobbin and Bobbin-holder
First, it is important to familiarize oneself with the bobbin and bobbin-holder. The bobbin should rotate against the tension Spring. The tension Spring is usually a flat steel spring, that provides the necessary tension to maintain the bobbin-holder tension while stitching. The tension spring is attached to the holder and is inherent to the bobbin itself. The tension wheel located at the front of the machine is connected to the bobbin-holder and the tension spring.
Ascertain Correct Tension of Bobbin-holder
To ensure the bobbin-holder has the correct tension, the wheel should be adjusted to the provided setting. This is also known as the ‘factory’ settings. To do this, the wheel should be completely unscrewed in order to remove the tension. This is done by turning the wheel clockwise. Next, the wheel should be tightened until it clicks in place. This will be heard through the wheel clicking against a protruding tab. Lastly, the wheel should be turned counter-clockwise until just before the wheel clicks against the tab. This ensures the wheel hasn’t been over-tightened.
Identifying Loose or Tight Tension Problems
Once the wheel has been securely tightened, the needle will have to be threaded. If the bobbin tension is tight, the tension of the machine will slip and cause stitching problems. If the tension is too loose, the thread will not be securely held in the bobbin-case, resulting in bad stitching. If the bobbin tension is incorrect, the machine will make loud noises and the threads will become tangled.
Adjusting Tension According to the Fabric Used
When selecting a tension setting for the Singer sewing machine, the fabric plays an important role. This can vary amongst different fabrics and specific sewing jobs. Sewing heavier fabrics require more tension and lighter fabrics require less tension. For example, when sewing denim and leather, the tension should be adjusted higher than normal, but if sewing with silk, rayon or chiffon, the tension should be adjusted lower. The tension should also be adjusted depending on the type of stitch selected.
Checking Tension
After adjusting the tension, the stitch sample should be checked. To do this, a piece of the same fabric being sewn should be used to create a sample stitch. The underside of the sample should be examined to check if the bobbin thread is visible and if it presents as a “tugging” or “looping” appearance. If either of these is visible, the tension must be adjusted until the upper and lower threads join symmetrically on the underside of the fabric.
Cleaning Bobbin Thread
Accumulated lint can cause tension problems. This should be kept to a minimum by regularly cleaning the bobbin thread with a needle or a soft bristled brush. Additionally, another cause of tension problems is a worn bobbin case. This should be replaced regularly in order to ensure the best quality stitching.
Test Tension Settings
Once the bobbin tension has been adjusted, it is recommended to test the tension settings. A good way to test the settings is to sew a seam and then examine the sample. The seam should be easily unpicked and have a nice finish. If the sample looks as desired, the stitching settings are correct. If not, further adjustments should be made.
Effects of an Crusted Bobbin Tension
A crusty or over-tight bobbin tension can cause the fabric to be pulled too tightly and cause the stitches to skip. Additionally, a too-tight tension setting could cause the thread to tear, crack or even break. If a bobbin tension is set too high, it can also cause the machine to shake or rattle. Furthermore, over-tight bobbin tension can cause poor stitch formation and poor fabric feeding, resulting in uneven stitches that are spaced too tightly or too far apart.
Ways to Adjust Tension
To adjust the tension on a Singer sewing machine, the bobbin tension wheel must be adjusted. The tension of the bobbin thread is adjusted by the tension wheel located at the front right-hand side of the machine. This wheel should be adjusted clockwise to increase the tension and adjusted counter-clockwise to reduce the tension. The tension wheel should be adjusted in small increments and examined with a sample until the desired tension is achieved.
Issues Associated with Incorrect Bobbin Tension
Incorrect bobbin tension can cause serious issues with the stitch formation. The stitch formation is affected by the tension balance between the upper and lower threads. If the bobbin tension is incorrect, the stitch formation will be affected and the stitch will appear loopy, uneven and tangled. Additionally, bobbin tension that is too tight can cause thread breakage, as the thread is not able to pass freely around the tension disks. It is essential that the bobbin tension is adjusted regularly to ensure optimal stitch formation and quality of stitching.
Benefits of Correct Tension
Correct bobbin tension is essential for all sewing projects, regardless of the complexity or fabric being used. A correctly set bobbin tension will ensure stitches are even and secure, resulting in a neat and long-lasting finish. It is also essential for the longevity of the sewing machine as incorrect sewing tension leads to excessive wear and tear on the machine. Regularly adjusting the bobbin tension is key to successful and professional results.
Dangers of over-tightening Bobbin Tension
Over-tightening the bobbin tension can cause numerous problems. The most common of these is thread breakage which causes the machine to seize up. This is more likely to occur if the thread is of a low quality. Over-tightening can also cause issues with stitch formation resulting in stitches that are too tight, loopy and uneven. Additionally, over-tightening can cause the needle to break, which can be dangerous and costly to fix.
Troubleshooting Bobbin Tension Problems
If bobbin tension problems occur, the first step should be to identify the issue. If the issue is identified as thread breakage, it is likely that the tension is too tight and should be loosened. If the stitches appear loopy and uneven on the underside, the tension is likely to be too loose and should be tightened. Additionally, the bobbin holder must be regularly cleaned in order to ensure the thread runs smoothly without catching or catching onto lint or dirt.
Conclusion
Bobbin tension is essential for all sewing projects, regardless of complexity. It is important to familiarize oneself with the bobbin and bobbin-holder, as well as how to adjust the tension, in order to achieve professional results. Over-tightening the tension can cause numerous issues including thread breakage which can be costly to repair. It is essential to adjust the tension according to the fabric and stitching, rather than adjusting the tension to the same setting for all projects. Following these steps will ensure bobbin tension issues are avoided, resulting in better quality and longer lasting stitching.
