For any seamstress, the tension of a Kenmore sewing machine is essential to know. It is essential for optimal control and precision especially when working with delicate fabrics. If the tension is too loose, stitches will be incomplete and uneven, while too tight tension will cause excess thread build-up and damage to the material.
Fortunately, the process of fixing the tension on a Kenmore sewing machine is straightforward and not overly complicated. It merely requires some basic tools, knowledge of how to thread the machine and a few simple steps.
First of all, it is necessary to mount the spool of thread on one of the spool pins of the sewing machine. Heed any advice from the manufacturer’s instructions, as some instructions can vary amongst different models. Thereafter, the thread should be pulled through the thread guide and wound onto the take-up lever of the machine. Next, draw the thread around the tension discs, securing it in the thread holder before finally running the thread down through the needle and through the needle threader. Double-check the threading is secure and the tension is not too tight.
The actual tension of the stitches should then be tested by sewing on a piece of scrap fabric. If the stitches appear loopy on the wrong side of the fabric, the stitch tension should be adjusted to make them appear straighter. Do this by carefully adjusting the handwheel of the machine so that the screw located towards the back of the case is successfully tightening or loosening the tension disks. As well as assessing the stitches, if the fabric puckers in places this is another sign of the tension being too high. Therefore, the handwheel should be adjusted accordingly to loosen the tension.
Eventually the tension should be equal for both the upper and the lower threads, dependent upon the type of fabric and threads being used. Generally, if the top thread appears to be looping over the underside, the tension of the upper thread should be tightened. On the other hand, if the lower thread if looping underneath, this should be loosened.
There is usually a screw at the top of the handwheel that can be adjusted accordingly to ensure the thread tension is consistent and that the stitches will have the desired outcome. Once satisfied, the light bulb can be tested again by sewing on the fabric.
Cleaning the Tension Discs
Despite the straightforwardness of adjusting the tension, it is also advisable to completely clean the tension discs, as debris may accumulate and can detriment the performance of the machine. To do this, the tension discs should be removed from the machine. While dismantling the discs, be sure to work cautiously to avoid inadvertently dropping any of the pieces.
Once unscrewed, use a soft toothbrush to clean the tension discs, before taking a fine cloth to carefully clean away excess lint or thread pieces than may have accumulated whilst re-threading or sewing. Carefully putting them back together and reassembling will ensure the tension settings remain correct.
Checking the Bobbin Tension
In addition to the upper tension, it is also essential to check the bobbin tension is correct. This should be done before any further sewing is attempted. The bobbin tension can easily be checked by holding the bobbin case between the thumb and index in a vertical manner. If the bobbin case drops, the tension is too loose. If the bobbin does not slightly pull against the thumb, then the tension is too tight.
Adjustment of the tension can be done by manipulating the small screw found on the back of the bobbin case. To loosen the tension the screw should be slightly turned to the left, likewise turning it to the right will tighten the tension. Re-test the bobbin case again to ensure that the tension is at the correct level.
Threading and Situating the Needle
While threading is necessary to ensure the tension is correct, attention should also be paid to the needle itself. It should be radiused correctly and inserted into the holder at the correct angle, so it doesn’t rub against the presser foot or the fabric. Scrutinise the needle carefully, making certain it is the correct size and shape for the job. Also ensure that it is not bent or dull, as this could cause fabric wonkiness or skipped stitches.
Any danger of needle breaking should then be avoided by not pulling the fabric too tight and allowing the feed dogs to take over for feeding the fabric. This can be observed by the needle moving side to side, especially when it is near the top of the needle on the downwards motion.
Choose the Correct Presser Foot
Using a suitable presser foot will also help ease tension levels. A general straight stitch foot should work well for many ordinary sewing tasks. However, there are other more specialised feet more suited to certain types of project, for example beading and quilting require special presser feet. Likewise, a blind hem presser foot can help with the quickness of any zipper installations.
To use the correct presser foot, encourage smooth sewing by taking short stitches and ensuring the fabric layers slide easily under the foot as it moves. Be sure to use a longer than usual stitch length when starting, to ensure the stitches remain secure.
Addressing Uneven Feed
In addition to tension problems, the feed of the material beneath the foot can sometimes be uneven. This means that the fabric may not move at the same pace and can be harder to control. If this is the case, then the machine should be serviced to ensure that the feed dogs are working correctly.
If this is not the case, then slightly lessening the tension can improve the performance of the machine and work on delicate materials such as silk. Nevertheless, the tension should always be tested on a piece of scrap fabric before the fabric has been cut, to prevent wastefulness.
Avoid Over Stretching Fabric
Some fabric types can be delicate, which requires a specific degree of tension to keep the stitches neat. With such fabric types, only a few threads should be held when guiding the fabric beneath the foot, as too much force and strain can cause the thread to ripple and the fabric to distort.
This should also be taken into consideration when the type of fabric changes, as the tension should be adjusted accordingly. In order to not distort the fabric, test the tension while rolling the fabric onto itself in both the machine direction and across the machine itself.
Alteration of Thread Quality
Another factor for consideration is that of thread quality. The type of thread used can drastically affect the tension. For instance, using a thread that is too fine can cause difficulties, as the tension levels required may be higher in order to prevent skipping stitches, thread breakages and to obtain an even stitch.
Likewise, thicker threads also have a dramatic impact, as they need more drag in order to loop. This means, they will demand higher tension which can cause the fabric to gather or even pull in. Therefore, the tension should be adjusted accordingly and only trial and error will determine the correct tension.
Maintenance for Improved Performance
Finally, it is advisable to oil and grease the necessary parts of the machine regularly, so as to keep components from grinding together and causing problems. Cleaning the bobbin case and area can also help to achieve a perfect balance between the upper and lower thread. Applying lubrication to the feed and presser feet can then lead to enhanced performance. These additional steps should be taken to keep the machine operating smoothly and for a more successful outcome.
Conclusion
In summary, tension is vital in achieving successful stitches, and therefore utmost care should be taken in checking that it is correct and free of any faults or potential mishaps. Accurate tension is essential to ensure fabrics do not become deformed, that stitches remain secure and that junk and debris are removed from the machine. Following the aforementioned advice should help to keep the tension on a Kenmore sewing machine just right.
