Brothers sewing machine is one of the more popular machine brands in the world. It has been around for decades, and is known for its quality and reliability. Many people have used these machines to complete projects, and many have since bought their own Brother sewing machine. However, with all mechanical objects, there comes a time when problems happen, and one of the biggest problems that can affect the Brother sewing machine is tension.
Tension is the factor that affects how easy it is to stitch items together. Too much tension and the stitches may end up being too tight, which can make it difficult to get the job finished. Too little tension and the stitches may be too loose and may not hold together. In order to fix any tension issues on a Brother sewing machine, it is important to first understand what tension is, and how it works.
Tension is the amount of pressure that is being applied to the upper thread as it passes through the material being sewn. This pressure is part of what helps the stitches hold together on any fabric being used. The tension settings on a Brother sewing machine are divided into two categories, upper thread tension and lower bobbin tension. It is important to make sure both these settings are set correctly in order to get the best results.
The upper thread tension setting is the most important, as this is what affects the needle of the Brother sewing machine. If the tension is too loose, the needle may skip stitches, or the thread may come off completely. If the tension is too tight, the thread may not move through the fabric, or the stitches may be too tight. As an ideal setting for the upper thread tension, it should be set at 4 for average fabric, or 5 for heavier fabric.
The lower bobbin tension is the second setting that needs to be adjusted. This should usually be set at a level where the bobbin thread lays flat on the material being sewn. This setting is usually at a medium level, between 4 and 6. If the bobbin tension is set too low, it could cause puckering or looping, whereas if it is set too high, it can jam the machine.
Tension issues with a Brother sewing machine may also be caused by incorrect threading of the machine. To fix this, it is important to check the thread is in the right place and that the tension disks are threaded correctly. The tension disks are the small metal disks located by the thread guide, and they help to keep the thread tight on the machine.
In order to further adjust the tension settings on a Brother sewing machine, it is best to talk to an experienced technician. They can help to diagnose the exact tension settings needed, and advise on other aspects of the machine that may need adjustment. This can help to ensure the Brother sewing machine is able to stitch items together as best as possible, and last for many years.
Fraying Threads
Fraying threads can be another issue that may appear when tension is not set correctly. This can happen when the thread is not passing through the fabric correctly, and is instead fraying due to the tension. Fraying threads can cause the fabric to unravel and may lead to the stitches becoming difficult to manage. If fraying threads is an issue on a Brother sewing machine, then it is best to check the upper thread tension is set correctly.
Lubrication of the machine can also greatly decrease the chances of frayed threads. This helps to ensure that the machine is running correctly and efficiently, as it allows the thread to pass through smoothly. It is also important to lubricate after giving the machine a deep clean, as accumulated grime can stop the machine from completely doing its job if not removed.
If frayed threads are still appearing then it may be the case that the thread being used is not suitable. Different threads can vary in their ability to withstand the tension on a Brother sewing machine, so it is important to check that the correct type of thread is being used.
Breakage of Threads
Threads can also break when tension is not correct on a Brother sewing machine. This is usually caused by the upper thread tension being set too high, which can lead to the threads not being able to pass through the fabric correctly. This can lead to the threads breaking and needing to be replaced frequently.
To fix this issue, the upper thread tension should be adjusted to a medium setting. The ideal setting should be at 4 for light fabrics, or 5 for heavier fabrics. If the thread is still breaking, then it is best to check the type of thread being used, as some threads may not be able to take the tension of a Brother machine if set too high.
If the thread is still breaking and the tension is correct, then it is best to check the needle. This is because a blunt or damaged needle can cause the threads to break, as it is not piercing through the fabric correctly. It is best to replace the needle with a new one when this issue arises, as this should guarantee better stitching.
Incorrect Feeding of the Machine
Incorrect feeding of the machine is another one of the main problems that can occur on a Brother sewing machine. This is usually caused by the feed dogs not being able to grip the fabric that is being sewn. This can then lead to the fabric not moving smoothly through the machine, and may lead to the stitches not being sewn correctly.
To solve this issue, it is best to check the feed dogs on the Brother machine. The feed dogs may need to be lubricated, as well as cleaned of any debris that may be preventing them from working properly. It can also be good to check the height of the feed dogs, as the more contact they have with the fabric, the better.
Incorrect feeding can also be solved by adjusting the tension on the Brother sewing machine. If the tension is too tight, it can prevent the fabric from moving as needed and may cause it to get stuck in the machine. It is best to set the tension to a medium level, between 4 and 6, in order to ensure the fabric moves correctly.
Puckering of the Fabric
Sometimes, puckering of the fabric can be caused by the tension settings on a Brother machine not being set correctly. This is usually caused by the tension being set too low, which stops the fabric from being able to move through the machine smoothly. This can then lead to a wrinkling of the fabric and an uneven finish across the item being worked on.
In order to solve this issue, it is best to check the tension settings. The upper thread tension should always be set between 4 and 5, depending on the weight of the fabric. The bobbin tension should also be set, and it should be slightly higher than the upper tension setting, usually between 4 and 6. Adjusting these settings should guarantee smoother stitches and a better overall finish.
Puckering can also be caused by a blunt needle, as this can prevent the fabric from moving through the machine smoothly. It is important to check the needle is sharp, and that there is enough lubrication on the machine, as this can help to achieve a better finish.
Stitch Length Issues
Stitch length can also be altered on a Brother sewing machine, and it can affect the tension settings. If the stitch length is too long, then it can cause the stitches to be too tight and can prevent the fabric from moving freely. Similarly, too short a stitch length can leave the fabric with a loose finish.
To fix this issue, the stitch length needs to be adjusted to the correct setting for the item being worked on. This usually depends on the fabric, as well as the type of stitches being done, as some items may need a longer stitch length than others. It is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions as they will provide the best advice as to what settings to use on the Brother sewing machine.
Experience is also necessary when working with a Brother sewing machine, as time and practice help to get to know the different settings and how they affect the fabric being worked on. With the right experience and knowledge of the machine, fixing tension issues should be a relatively simple task.
