Easy Steps: How To Fix Sewing Machine Tension

How To Fix Sewing Machine Tension
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Easy Steps: How To Fix Sewing Machine Tension

What is sewing machine tension? It is the amount of pull on the thread as it moves through your machine. This pull needs to be just right so the stitches look good and hold fabric together well. When the pull is not right, you might see loose stitches sewing machine problems, threads looping stitches on fabric, or even skipped stitches sewing. Getting the tension right, which means balancing tension sewing machine, is key to making your sewing projects look neat and strong.

This guide will show you how to check and fix tension issues step-by-step. You will learn about upper thread tension and bobbin tension adjustment. Fixing tension is often simple once you know what to look for.

Why Tension Matters

Every stitch your sewing machine makes uses two threads. One thread comes from the spool on top (the upper thread). The other thread comes from the bobbin underneath (the lower thread). These two threads meet in the middle of the fabric to form a lock stitch.

For a perfect stitch, the upper thread and bobbin thread must meet exactly in the layers of fabric. If one thread is pulled too tight or is too loose, the meeting point moves. This causes messy or weak stitches.

Imagine two people pulling a rope, one on each side of a marker on the ground. For the marker to stay still, both people must pull with the same strength. Sewing machine tension works the same way. The tension on the upper thread and the tension on the bobbin thread must pull equally.

How To Know If Tension Is Wrong

You can tell if your sewing machine tension is off by looking at your stitches. Tension problems are a common reason for sewing machine stitch problems.

h4 Signs on the Top of the Fabric

Looping Stitches: If you see loops on the top side of your fabric, the upper thread tension is likely too loose. The bobbin thread is pulling the loose upper thread down.
Very Tight Stitches: If the top thread looks like a straight line with no loops and the fabric is puckering, the upper thread tension might be too tight. The upper thread is pulling the bobbin thread up too much.
Fabric Bunching: Extreme tension issues can cause the fabric to bunch up or gather as you sew.

h4 Signs on the Bottom of the Fabric

Looping Stitches: If you see loops on the bottom side of your fabric, the bobbin tension adjustment is likely needed because the bobbin thread is too loose, or more commonly, the upper thread tension is too tight. The upper thread is pulling the loose bobbin thread up.
Very Tight Stitches: If the bottom thread looks like a straight line with no loops and you can see the top thread pulled through to the bottom, the bobbin tension might be too tight.
Loose Stitches Sewing Machine: If the stitches look weak and easy to pull apart on either side, both tensions might be too loose, or one is very loose.

h4 Other Signs

Skipped Stitches Sewing: While often caused by the wrong needle or poor threading, tension issues (especially if very tight or very loose) can also cause skipped stitches sewing.
Thread Breaking: If your upper thread keeps breaking, the upper thread tension might be too high, or the sewing machine thread path is blocked or not threaded correctly.
Bobbin Thread Breaking: If your bobbin thread keeps breaking, the bobbin tension might be too high.

Starting To Fix Tension Problems

Most tension problems are not hard to fix. Do not panic! You can usually solve them yourself. Before you touch any tension settings, try the easy checks first. Often, the problem is not the tension setting itself, but something simple like how the machine is threaded or the thread you are using.

h5 Common Causes That Look Like Tension Problems

Many things can make stitches look bad, making you think tension is the issue. Check these first:

Threading: The most common cause! If the machine is not threaded correctly, the tension system cannot work right. Make sure the thread is seated properly in the tension discs.
Needle: Is the needle inserted correctly? Is it the right size and type for your fabric and thread? Is it bent or dull? A bad needle can cause skipped stitches sewing and uneven tension.
Thread Quality: Cheap or old thread can cause many problems, including uneven tension and breaking. Use good quality thread.
Bobbin Insertion: Is the bobbin wound evenly? Is it inserted correctly into its case or holder? Is there any lint or thread caught in the bob bobbin case or bobbin area?
Lint and Dust: Build-up of lint and dust in the tension discs, bobbin case, or feed dogs can mess up tension.
Presser Foot: Is the presser foot down when you are sewing? The upper thread tension only engages when the presser foot is down.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Tension

Let’s go through the steps to fix your tension problems. Start with the simplest things and move to the more complex ones. This is part of troubleshooting sewing machine tension.

h3 Step 1: The Simple Checks (Before Adjusting Anything)

Do these checks every time you have a tension problem. They fix most issues!

h4 Re-thread Your Machine Completely

Raise the presser foot: This opens the tension discs, allowing the old thread bits to come out and new thread to seat properly.
Remove the upper thread: Pull the thread out from the needle and all the way back to the spool.
Remove the bobbin: Take the bobbin out of its case or holder.
Clean the bobbin area: Use a small brush to remove any lint or loose threads from the bobbin case, bobbin holder, and surrounding area. Lint here is a frequent cause of looping stitches on fabric.
Put the bobbin back in: Make sure it is inserted the correct way. Most machines have a diagram. The thread should come off the bobbin in a specific direction (often clockwise or counter-clockwise).
Thread the upper thread again: Follow your machine’s manual exactly. Make sure the thread goes through every guide and clicks into the tension discs with the presser foot UP. Don’t forget the take-up lever! Make sure it is at its highest point when you start threading the needle.
Pull up the bobbin thread: Hold the upper thread, turn the handwheel towards you one full turn. The needle will go down and up, catching the bobbin thread. Pull the upper thread tail, and a loop of bobbin thread should come up through the needle plate hole. Pull this loop to bring the bobbin thread tail fully up.
Place both threads under the presser foot: Pull both thread tails (upper and bobbin) towards the back of the machine, under the presser foot, about 4-6 inches long.
Lower the presser foot: Ready to test!

h4 Check Your Needle

Is it bent? If yes, change it. Even a slight bend causes issues.
Is it the right type and size for your fabric and thread? For example, use a stretch needle for knits, a sharp needle for woven fabrics. Use a larger needle for thicker thread or fabric.
Is it inserted correctly? The flat side usually goes towards the back. Push it up as far as it will go before tightening the screw.

h4 Check Your Thread

Is the spool spinning smoothly? If it jerks, it can cause tension problems. Try a thread net if the spool is slippery.
Is it good quality thread? Cheap thread can be uneven, fuzzy, and break easily.
Is it the same type of thread in the bobbin and the top? For best results, use the same type and weight of thread. You can sometimes use different colors, but the type should be the same.

h4 Check Your Bobbin

Is the bobbin wound evenly? If it’s lumpy or wound too loosely or too tightly, it can cause problems. Rewind it if needed.
Is the bobbin case (if your machine has one) clean? Lint buildup inside the case or under the tension spring on the case is very common.

h5 Make a Test Sample

Before you adjust tension, sew a test seam on a scrap piece of the same fabric you are using for your project. Use two layers. Use the stitch type you plan to use (usually a straight stitch).

Sew a few inches.
Look at the stitches on the top and bottom.
Check the sides of the fabric. Is it puckering?

If the stitches now look perfect after doing the simple checks, you are done! If not, you need to adjust the tension.

h3 Step 2: Adjusting the Upper Thread Tension

The upper thread tension is the easiest to adjust. Most machines have a sewing machine tension dial or buttons for this. This is where you’ll start adjusting if the simple checks didn’t work.

h4 Finding Your Tension Dial

Your machine will have a dial or digital control marked with numbers. Lower numbers mean less tension (looser thread), higher numbers mean more tension (tighter thread). A common starting point is usually around 4 or 5.

h4 How to Adjust Upper Tension

Look at your test stitches:

Loops on TOP of the fabric: This means the upper thread is too loose. Turn the sewing machine tension dial to a higher number (increase tension). Move it one number at a time.
Loops on BOTTOM of the fabric: This means the upper thread is pulling the bobbin thread up too much. This usually happens when the upper tension is too tight, or the bobbin tension is too loose (though adjust upper first). Turn the sewing machine tension dial to a lower number (decrease tension). Move it one number at a time.
Both threads look too loose: Stitches are weak and pull apart easily. Increase the upper thread tension slightly.

h4 Test, Adjust, Test Again

After each adjustment, sew another test line on a fresh scrap of fabric. Do not just keep sewing on the same piece as the old stitches will confuse you.

Adjust, sew, look. Adjust, sew, look. Repeat until the stitches look balanced.

What do balanced stitches look like? On the top, you should see evenly spaced stitches. On the bottom, you should also see evenly spaced stitches. The point where the two threads meet should be hidden within the fabric layers. You shouldn’t see loops on either side.

h5 Table: Upper Tension Troubleshooting

Problem	Appearance	Cause (Likely)	Adjustment
Loops on Top	Loops of upper thread on the top fabric side.	Upper tension too loose	Increase Upper Tension (Higher number)
Loops on Bottom	Loops of bobbin thread on the bottom fabric side.	Upper tension too tight	Decrease Upper Tension (Lower number)
Stitches too Tight, Puckering	Both threads look straight, fabric wrinkles.	Upper tension too tight	Decrease Upper Tension (Lower number)
Stitches too Loose	Weak stitches, pull apart easily.	Both tensions too loose	Increase Upper Tension slightly (Check bobbin if needed)

Remember to make small adjustments! One number on the dial can make a big difference.

h3 Step 3: Adjusting Bobbin Tension

Adjusting bobbin tension is often not needed. The bobbin tension is usually set correctly at the factory. Bobbin tension adjustment should only be done if:

You have done all the simple checks.
You have adjusted the upper thread tension across its range, and you still cannot get balanced stitches, especially if you are getting loops on the bottom (indicating upper tension is too tight, or bobbin tension is too loose).
You are using a very different type or weight of thread in the bobbin than on top (which is usually not recommended).

h4 Finding Your Bobbin Case

This depends on your machine type:

Top-Loading / Drop-in Bobbin: The bobbin drops directly into a holder under the needle plate. There is usually a small screw on the bobbin holder itself.
Front-Loading / Bobbin Case: The bobbin goes into a separate metal bobbin case, which is then inserted into the machine. There is a small screw on the side of the bobbin case.

h4 How to Adjust Bobbin Tension

This requires a very small screwdriver. The screw is tiny, and small turns make a big difference.

Remove the bobbin: Take the bobbin out of its case or holder.
Locate the screw: On a front-loading bobbin case, it’s usually one of two small screws on the side. You want the one that presses against the bobbin thread as it comes out of the case. On a top-loading holder, it’s a screw on the metal part.
Make tiny turns:
- To make the bobbin tension tighter (to fix loops on the bottom usually): Turn the screw a tiny bit clockwise (righty-tighty). Think of the screw face like a clock – turn it the amount of 5 minutes or less.
- To make the bobbin tension looser (rarely needed): Turn the screw a tiny bit anti-clockwise (lefty-loosey). Again, a tiny turn.
Test the bobbin tension: This is a classic test:
- Put the bobbin back in the case/holder.
- Let about 4-6 inches of thread hang out.
- Hold the end of the thread with the bobbin case hanging freely.
- If the tension is about right, the bobbin case should hang without dropping. If you give a slight jerk upwards, it should drop about an inch slowly.
- If it drops freely without a jerk, it’s too loose. Tighten the screw tiny bit and test again.
- If it doesn’t drop even with a jerk, it’s too tight. Loosen the screw tiny bit and test again.

Important Note: This “drop test” is a rough guide. The real test is sewing on fabric.

h4 Sew and Test Again

Once you have made a tiny adjustment to the bobbin tension, put the bobbin back in the machine. Re-thread the top thread. Sew a test seam on fabric.

If you had loops on the bottom, did they improve after tightening the bobbin screw a tiny bit?
If you had loops on the top and couldn’t fix them with upper tension, did loosening the bobbin help?

You might need to go back and adjust the upper tension again after changing the bobbin tension. This is part of balancing tension sewing machine.

h5 Table: Bobbin Tension Troubleshooting

Problem	Appearance	Cause (Likely)	Adjustment
Loops on Bottom	Loops of bobbin thread on the bottom fabric side.	Upper tension too tight OR Bobbin tension too loose	FIRST: Decrease Upper Tension. IF STILL BAD: Tighten Bobbin Tension (Tiny clockwise turn).
Stitches too Tight, Puckering	Both threads look straight, fabric wrinkles.	Both tensions too tight	Loosen Bobbin Tension (Tiny anti-clockwise turn).
Stitches too Loose	Weak stitches, pull apart easily.	Both tensions too loose	Tighten Bobbin Tension (Tiny clockwise turn).

Recommendation: Mark your bobbin case screw with a marker (like nail polish) before you start adjusting. That way, you know where the original factory setting was, and you can return to it if needed. Consider buying a second bobbin case if you often sew with threads that require vastly different bobbin tensions (like very thick or very thin threads). Keep one case for ‘normal’ sewing and one for special threads.

h3 Step 4: Considering the Sewing Machine Thread Path

A clean and correctly followed sewing machine thread path is vital for proper tension. If the thread snags or gets caught anywhere from the spool pin to the needle eye, it will mess up your tension, often making it too tight or causing thread breaks.

h4 Checking the Upper Thread Path

Spool Pin: Is the spool sitting correctly? Is the thread coming off smoothly?
Thread Guides: Does the thread pass through every single guide post and hook? Check your manual! Missing just one guide can cause problems.
Tension Discs: Is the presser foot UP when you thread? If not, the discs are closed, and the thread won’t seat properly, leading to very loose stitches or looping. Make sure the thread clicks into the discs if your machine makes a sound. Run the thread through the discs with the presser foot down after threading with it up to check if it’s seated. It should have resistance.
Take-Up Lever: This is a crucial part! Make sure the thread is correctly looped through the take-up lever. If it pops out, your machine cannot form a stitch correctly, leading to looping stitches on fabric and skipped stitches sewing.
Needle Bar Guides: Some machines have small guides just above the needle. Check these.
Needle Eye: The thread must pass cleanly through the eye of the needle.

h4 Cleaning the Thread Path

Lint and tiny thread bits can build up in the tension discs and guides.

Use a small brush or compressed air (use with caution, directing debris away from the machine’s inside) to clean around the tension discs and any visible guides.
For tension discs, you can sometimes floss between them with a strong thread or even dental floss (unwaxed) to remove hidden lint. Make sure the presser foot is UP when doing this.

h4 Checking the Bobbin Thread Path

Bobbin Case/Holder: Remove the bobbin. Look for any lint or thread bits under the tension spring on the bobbin case or in the thread groove of a drop-in bobbin holder. Use a small brush or a pin to gently remove them.
Under the Needle Plate: Remove the needle plate (usually unscrews or slides off). Clean the feed dogs and the area around the bobbin case/holder thoroughly. Lint and thread ends here are a very common cause of sewing machine stitch problems.

Cleaning is often overlooked but can solve many troubleshooting sewing machine tension issues without touching any dials.

h3 Step 5: Other Things That Affect Tension

Even after checking threading, needle, bobbin, and cleaning, you might still have issues. Here are other factors:

h4 Fabric Type

Thick fabrics, thin fabrics, stretchy fabrics, or bumpy fabrics can all affect how tension looks.

Very Thin/Slippery Fabrics: May need slightly lower upper tension to prevent puckering.
Very Thick Fabrics: May need slightly higher upper tension.
Stretchy Fabrics: Require the right needle (stretch or ballpoint) and sometimes slightly adjusted tension. Tension that is too tight will snap the stitches when the fabric stretches.

h4 Thread Type and Size

Different threads behave differently.

Thick Thread: Needs less tension overall than thin thread. May also require a larger needle and potentially adjusting bobbin tension.
Thin Thread: Needs more tension overall.
Specialty Threads: Metallic, rayon, or invisible threads often require specific tension adjustments and slower sewing speeds. Metallic thread often works better with lower upper tension and maybe a special needle.

Using different thread types or weights in the top and bobbin can make achieving balancing tension sewing machine difficult.

h4 Stitch Type

Different stitches use thread differently. A zigzag stitch uses more thread than a straight stitch. Sometimes, tension that looks perfect for a straight stitch might need a tiny tweak for a wide zigzag or a decorative stitch.

h4 Machine Speed

Sewing too fast, especially with tricky threads or fabrics, can affect tension consistency. Slow down if you are having problems.

h3 Step 6: Practicing and Testing

Fixing tension isn’t always a one-time fix. It’s a skill you develop.

h4 Create a Tension Sample Book

Take small scraps of different fabrics you use often. For each fabric, sew lines using your machine’s settings that give perfect tension. Write down the fabric type, thread type, needle type, and the sewing machine tension dial setting (and bobbin notes if you adjusted it). This is a great reference!

h4 Use Contrasting Thread

When troubleshooting tension, use different colors of thread for the top and bobbin. This makes it much easier to see how they are locking together and which thread is causing looping stitches on fabric or loose stitches sewing machine. For example, use red on top and blue in the bobbin. If you see red loops on the bottom, the red (upper) tension is too tight. If you see blue loops on top, the blue (bobbin) tension is too loose (or upper is too tight).

h3 When to Seek Professional Help

If you have followed all these steps:
* Re-threaded carefully
* Checked your needle
* Cleaned your machine thoroughly
* Adjusted upper tension systematically
* Attempted tiny bobbin tension adjustments if necessary
* Tested on the correct fabric and thread

And you still have major sewing machine stitch problems or cannot achieve balancing tension sewing machine, there might be a mechanical issue. The tension discs might be damaged, the bobbin case spring might be bent, or there could be a problem deeper inside the machine. In this case, it’s best to take your machine to a qualified sewing machine repair technician.

h3 Reviewing Key Tension Concepts

Upper Thread Tension: Controlled by the dial or buttons, affects the thread coming from the spool.
Bobbin Tension: Controlled by a small screw on the bobbin case or holder, affects the thread coming from the bobbin.
Balancing Tension Sewing Machine: The goal is for upper and bobbin threads to meet perfectly between the fabric layers.
Symptoms: Loose stitches sewing machine, looping stitches on fabric (top or bottom), skipped stitches sewing are common signs of poor tension or related issues.
Fixes: Always start with simple checks (re-threading, cleaning, needle, bobbin). Adjust upper tension first using the sewing machine tension dial. Only adjust bobbin tension as a last resort, making tiny turns.
Thread Path: A clean and correct sewing machine thread path is essential for proper tension.

Fixing tension is a fundamental sewing skill. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to diagnose and fix most tension problems yourself, leading to much happier sewing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

h4 Q: Why does my sewing machine suddenly have tension problems?

A: Sudden tension issues are almost always caused by simple things that changed:
* Incorrect re-threading (most common!)
* A bent or dull needle
* Lint stuck in the tension discs or bobbin area
* The thread jumping out of the take-up lever
* Using a different type of thread or fabric.
Check these simple things first before adjusting any tension settings.

h4 Q: Can I use different types of thread on top and in the bobbin?

A: For best results and easiest tension setting, use the same type and weight of thread on both top and bobbin. You can sometimes use different colors or experiment with different types (like using a fine bobbin fill thread with a decorative top thread), but this often requires careful balancing tension sewing machine and possibly adjusting the bobbin tension.

h4 Q: How do I know if my bobbin is wound correctly?

A: It should be wound smoothly and evenly. It shouldn’t look lumpy or have loops sticking out. If it’s wound too loosely, the thread can snag; if too tightly, it can stretch the thread and cause tension issues. Wind bobbins at a medium speed on your machine’s bobbin winder.

h4 Q: My stitches look fine, but the fabric is puckering. Is that a tension problem?

A: Yes, it can be caused by tension that is too tight, especially the upper thread tension. It pulls the fabric together as you sew. It can also be caused by using a stitch length that is too short for the fabric, or not using a stabilizer on very fine fabrics.

h4 Q: My machine manual says NOT to adjust bobbin tension. Should I still do it?

A: Many manuals say this because the bobbin tension is set at the factory and rarely needs changing unless there’s a problem or you’re using very unusual threads. It’s better to exhaust all other options (re-threading, cleaning, upper tension) first. If those don’t work and you suspect bobbin tension, proceed with caution, making tiny adjustments and marking the original position.

h4 Q: What is the normal tension setting on a sewing machine?

A: There is no single “normal” setting. The ideal setting depends on your machine model, the type of thread, the fabric, and even the needle. A common starting point is often around 4 or 5 on the sewing machine tension dial, but you must test on your specific materials to find the right balance.

h4 Q: Why am I getting skipped stitches sewing? Is it tension?

A: Skipped stitches sewing are less often a direct tension problem and more often related to the needle. Common causes are:
* Wrong needle type for the fabric
* Bent, dull, or damaged needle
* Needle inserted incorrectly
* Threaded incorrectly (especially the take-up lever)
* Sometimes extreme tension issues (very loose or very tight) can contribute, but check the needle and threading first.

h4 Q: How often should I clean my machine to prevent tension problems?

A: How often you need to clean depends on how much you sew and the type of fabric (some create more lint). A good rule of thumb is to brush away lint around the bobbin area and feed dogs after every project, or even more often if using fuzzy fabrics. A deeper clean around tension discs every few projects is also helpful as part of general machine maintenance and troubleshooting sewing machine tension.