Checking for any Damage or Misalignment
Most of the common tension issues on sewing machines are attributed to some underlying problem with the machine. It is important to assess the condition of the machine before attempting to fix the loose tension.
At first, check if any damage has occurred to the machine. This can involve inspecting the presser foot, bobbin case, and the inner tension discs and springs. If any of them have been knocked out of alignment or broken in any way, then they should be taken out of the machine and inspected.
Next, it is worth inspecting the machine for any misalignment that could have taken place due to wear and tear. The timing, needle bar, and thread guides must all be aligned and adjusted accordingly. All the moving parts should be lubricated regularly, as they can wear out quickly and cause poor tension control.
Checking the thread path and Thread Guides
The thread path of the sewing machine must be checked and adjusted accordingly if needed. If the thread guide is in the wrong position, it can cause the thread tension to be too loose. The thread should be passing through all of the guides in a single path.
The thread should be passing through the thread guide, the bobbin case, the tension discs, the presser foot, and then coming back up through the thread guide. If the thread is winding through any other areas, then this may be a reason for the loose tension.
Thread guides that are not positioned correctly or are out of shape can also contribute to loose tension. It would be a good idea to adjust the thread guides if there is an issue with the tension.
Checking the Bobbin Case
The bobbin case should be in the correct position in order to maintain good tension control. It should be tightly fitted in the machine and the tension disc should be set to the right level.
If the bobbin case is too tight, this can cause the tension to be too loose. The tension disc should also be set correctly, as the top thread tension needs to be greater than the bobbin thread tension. The bobbin case should also be in the correct position before being secured in the machine.
Tightening of Tension Discs
In some cases, loose tension is caused by the tension discs not being tightened correctly. The tension disc can become too loose over time, creating a gap that allows the thread to move freely and creating looseness.
In order to tighten the tension discs, an adjustable screwdriver needs to be used. The tension discs should be adjusted until they are tight, but not overly tight. The best way to do this is to adjust the tension discs until they are just slightly harder to turn than when they were initially installed.
Setting the correct Tension Level
Once the tension discs have been tightened correctly, the tension level should be adjusted. If the tension level is too low, it can lead to loose tension.
The tension disc should be adjusted until the top thread tension is slightly greater than the bobbin thread tension. Too much tension will cause the thread to break, so it is important to get the balance just right.
Checking the Presser Foot
If the presser foot is out of position, it can lead to loosening of the tension. The presser foot should be able to move freely and should not be touching the top needle plate when in the neutral position.
If the presser foot is in the wrong position, then it should be adjusted and the tension should be checked after each adjustment. The adjustment is done with the screw on the side of the presser foot, until the tension is correct.
Cleaning and Lubrication
It is also important to clean and lubricate the machine regularly in order to maintain the tension. Over time, dirt and dust can build up inside the machine, which can affect the tension control. The thread guides, bobbin case, and tension discs should all be regularly cleaned and lubricated.
Using the correct lubricant is also important. There are special lubricants that are designed for sewing machines, and these should be used. Using the wrong type of lubricant can cause further damage to the machine.
Using Different Thread or Needles
If the above measures have been taken and the tension is still too loose, it could be worth using different types of thread or needles. Different threads and needles can produce different levels of tension, so it is worth experimenting with different combinations in order to get the desired tension.
Using a heavy-duty thread or needle can also help to tighten the tension, however it will depend on the type and weight of the fabric being used. Some fabrics may require more tension than others, so the correct combination of thread, needle, and tension levels needs to be established.
Using Different Tension Discs
In some cases, it is worth changing the tension discs. Different machines may require different types of tension discs, so it could be worth trying different discs to see if there is any improvement.
The most common tension discs are heavy-duty discs, which are designed to produce a tighter tension. If the tension is too loose, then it may be worth trying a different type of disc that is designed to produce a tighter tension.
Adjusting the Bobbin Thread
The bobbin thread tension can also be adjusted to get a tighter tension. The tension disc should be adjusted until the top thread tension is slightly higher than the bobbin thread tension.
The bobbin thread should also be tidy and unwound in a neat manner. If the bobbin thread has knots or is not unwound in a neat way, then this can affect the tension of the top thread.
Adjusting the Top Thread
In some cases, the tension of the top thread can be adjusted in order to get the correct tension. If the tension of the top thread is too low, then it can lead to loose tension. The tension of the top thread can be adjusted with the tension disc on the machine.
The tension of the top thread should be balanced in relation to the tension of the bobbin thread. This means that the top thread tension should be slightly higher than the bobbin thread tension. It is also important to check that the thread is passing through all of the guides in a single path.
Using the Correct Presser Foot
Different fabrics require different types of presser foot. If the wrong type of presser foot is used, then it can lead to loose tension. The foot should be selected according to the type of fabric being used.
If the right foot is not selected, then the presser foot may not be able to secure the fabric properly, leading to looseness. In addition, the wrong type of foot can cause the fabric to move or slide instead of being held in place.
Checking for Malfunction
It is important to have a professional check the machine if none of the aforementioned measures have worked. If the tension cannot be fixed, then it could be due to a malfunction within the sewing machine. This can cause more serious issues and should be looked at by an expert.
A qualified technician will be able to inspect the machine and assess whether the problem is due to an underlying issue with the machine. If the problem is internal, then it needs to be fixed in order to prevent any further damage.
