How To Set The Tension On A Singer Sewing Machine Step-by-Step

Setting the tension on your Singer sewing machine is key to making great stitches. It is the simple way to fix many stitch problems you might see. Tension is how tight the thread is as it goes through your machine and forms stitches. When the tension is right, the stitches look good on both sides of the fabric. If the tension is off, stitches can look messy, loop, or skip. This guide will help you learn how to set the tension on a Singer sewing machine correctly. We will talk about Singer sewing machine tension adjustment, from the easy upper thread tension Singer to the more careful bobbin tension Singer. We will cover common sewing machine tension problems and how to fix them by troubleshooting Singer tension. You will learn how to find the correct sewing tension balance.

How To Set The Tension On A Singer Sewing Machine
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Grasping How Tension Works

Every sewing machine uses two threads to make a stitch. One thread comes from the spool on top. This is the upper thread. The other thread comes from the bobbin underneath. For a good stitch, these two threads must meet and lock right in the middle of the fabric layers.

Tension is like a brake on the thread. It controls how fast and how easily the thread can move.
Your Singer machine has ways to put tension on both the upper thread and the bobbin thread.
The goal is to make them pull evenly on each other.
Think of it like two people pulling on a rope. If one pulls harder, the knot goes to their side.
With sewing, if the upper thread is too tight, the bobbin thread gets pulled up to the top. If the bobbin thread is too tight, the upper thread gets pulled down to the bottom. If one is too loose, you get loops.

Correct sewing tension balance means the threads pull equally. The stitch looks like a straight line on top and a straight line on the bottom. The place where the threads knot together is hidden inside the fabric. This makes the stitch strong and look nice.

Getting the tension right is one of the most important things for good sewing. It helps avoid sewing machine tension problems like stitches that look bad or stitches that break easily.

Locating Your Tension Controls

Your Singer sewing machine has different ways to change tension. The most common way is for the upper thread.

H4 The Upper Thread Tension Dial

Most Singer machines have a dial or knob for the upper thread tension.
It usually has numbers on it. The numbers might go from 0 to 9 or similar.
This dial is usually on the front of the machine, near the needle area.
Sometimes it is a little wheel you turn. Sometimes it is a slider.
Lower numbers mean less tension (looser thread). Higher numbers mean more tension (tighter thread).
The middle numbers, like 3, 4, or 5, are often the starting point for normal sewing.

H4 The Bobbin Tension

The bobbin tension is usually controlled in the bobbin case.
This is the little case the bobbin sits in before you put it into the machine.
The bobbin case has a small metal spring and a tiny screw. The thread passes under this spring.
The tightness of this spring controls the bobbin tension Singer.
Important: Bobbin tension is set at the factory. Most times, you should NOT need to change it. Adjusting it is tricky and can cause big problems if not done right. We will cover it, but only try it if you are sure the upper tension is perfect and you still have problems.

Knowing where these controls are is the first step in Singer sewing machine tension adjustment.

Adjusting Upper Thread Tension

This is the part you will adjust most often. The upper thread tension Singer is sensitive to the type of fabric, the type of thread, and even the needle size.

H4 Steps to Change Upper Tension

Follow these steps carefully to adjust your upper thread tension:

Prepare Your Machine:
- Turn off the sewing machine.
- Raise the presser foot lever. This is very important! When the presser foot is down, the tension discs grab the thread tightly. When it’s up, they open, letting you pull the thread freely and helping you thread correctly.
- Remove the thread from the needle.
- Pull the upper thread back out of the machine, all the way to the spool.
Check Threading:
- Re-thread the machine from the start. Make sure the thread goes through every guide it is supposed to.
- Make sure the thread is seated correctly in the tension discs. Sometimes you need to give a little tug to make sure it slips into place. Raising the presser foot helps here.
- Make sure the thread is not wrapped around anything it should not be.
- Use good quality thread. Cheap thread can cause many tension problems.
- Check that the thread spool is turning smoothly on its pin.
Set the Tension Dial:
- Start with the tension dial set to the middle number. This is usually around 4 or 5. Look at your machine’s manual for the suggested starting point.
- Thread the needle.
- Lower the presser foot. Now the tension discs are closed on the thread.
Prepare for Testing:
- Get a piece of the fabric you will be sewing on. Fold it in half so you have two layers.
- Use the same thread you are using for your project.
- Have a different color thread in the bobbin. This makes it easy to see which thread is causing problems.
- Place the fabric under the presser foot.
Stitch a Test Line:
- Sew a few inches of a straight line on your test fabric.
- Do not pull or push the fabric as you sew. Let the machine feed it.
Examine the Test Stitch:
- Look closely at the top side of the fabric.
- Look closely at the bottom side of the fabric.
- Look at the edge of the fabric to see if the threads are meeting in the middle.
Adjust and Re-Test (If Needed):
- If the stitches look good on both sides (straight lines, knot hidden in fabric), your tension is likely correct. Make a note of the tension dial setting for this fabric and thread.
- If the stitches look bad, you need to adjust the upper tension dial. Make only small changes at a time. Turn the dial one number higher or lower.
- Always lift the presser foot before changing the tension dial setting. This releases the tension discs and helps the change take effect right away.
- Sew another test line on a fresh spot on your fabric.
- Examine the new stitch. Did it get better or worse?

H5 When to Turn the Dial

Looping stitches sewing machine on the bottom side: This means the upper thread is too loose. It is not pulling the bobbin thread up enough. Turn the upper tension dial to a higher number. (Make it tighter).
Looping stitches sewing machine on the top side: This usually means the bobbin thread is too loose, OR the upper thread is too tight and pulling the bobbin thread up too much. First, check your upper threading again carefully. If threading is perfect, try turning the upper tension dial to a lower number. (Make it looser). Sometimes this specific problem can point to a bobbin tension issue, but fix the upper tension first.
Stitches look like a straight line on top, but you see little dots or loops of the bobbin thread on the top: Upper tension is too tight. Turn the upper tension dial to a lower number.
Stitches look like a straight line on the bottom, but you see little dots or loops of the upper thread on the bottom: Upper tension is too loose. Turn the upper tension dial to a higher number.
Stitches are puckering the fabric: Tension (both upper and bobbin combined) might be too tight for the fabric. Try lowering the upper tension slightly.

Keep stitching test lines and making small adjustments until the stitch looks balanced. Remember to lift the presser foot each time you change the dial.

H5 Troubleshooting Upper Tension Problems

Sometimes, just turning the dial is not enough. If you are still having looping stitches sewing machine or other issues after adjusting the upper tension dial Singer:

Is the machine threaded right? This is the number one cause of tension problems. Remove the thread and thread it again carefully, with the presser foot up.
Is the presser foot down when sewing? You must lower the presser foot before sewing. If it’s up, there is no tension on the upper thread.
Is the thread caught? Check that the thread is not snagged on the spool, tangled behind the machine, or stuck anywhere.
Is the tension area clean? Lint and thread bits can get stuck in the tension discs. Use a small brush to clean the area around the tension dial and discs.
Is the thread old or poor quality? Old thread can lose its strength and stretchiness. Cheap thread can be uneven. Use good quality, fresh thread.
Is the bobbin wound correctly? The bobbin thread should be wound smoothly and evenly, not too tight or too loose.
Is the correct bobbin case used? Some machines use different bobbin cases. Make sure you have the right one for your machine model.
Is the needle the right size and type? An old, bent, or wrong needle can cause problems that look like tension issues, including skipped stitches sewing machine. Change the needle often (every 8-10 hours of sewing is a good rule). Use the right type for your fabric (e.g., jersey needle for knits, denim needle for jeans).

Addressing these points can often fix issues that adjusting the dial alone cannot. This is part of thorough troubleshooting Singer tension.

Deciphering Bobbin Tension

As mentioned, the bobbin tension Singer is usually set at the factory. It is best to leave it alone unless you are sure it is the problem and you cannot fix it with the upper tension or troubleshooting steps.

H4 When Bobbin Tension Needs Attention

You might suspect bobbin tension is the issue if:

You have tried everything with the upper tension and threading, but the stitches are still bad.
The stitches look balanced, but they are very tight and the fabric is puckering badly, even on a low upper tension setting.
The bobbin case spring looks bent or damaged.
You are doing special techniques that require very loose bobbin tension, like free-motion embroidery or using very thick decorative threads in the bobbin. (Even then, adjust the upper tension first).

H4 Steps to Change Bobbin Tension (Use Caution!)

Adjusting bobbin tension involves a tiny screw on the bobbin case.

Find the Bobbin Case: Remove the bobbin case from your machine.
Locate the Screw: Find the small, flat-head screw on the side of the bobbin case, where the thread comes out under the flat spring. There are usually two screws; you want the one that holds the flat tension spring.
Get the Right Tool: You need a very small, fine flat-head screwdriver that fits the screw perfectly. Using the wrong size can damage the screw head.
Make Tiny Adjustments:
- To make the bobbin tension tighter, turn the screw a tiny amount to the right (clockwise). Think of it as tightening a regular screw.
- To make the bobbin tension looser, turn the screw a tiny amount to the left (counter-clockwise).
- We mean TINY! Start with maybe a quarter turn, or even less. These screws are very sensitive.
Test the Bobbin Tension:
- Put the bobbin back in the case.
- Hold the bobbin case by the thread hanging out.
- The bobbin case should hang there.
- If you gently jerk your hand downwards, the thread should pull slightly, and the bobbin case should drop down an inch or two, then stop. This is a simple test, sometimes called the “yo-yo test” or “drop test”.
- If the case just drops freely, it’s too loose. Tighten the screw a tiny bit.
- If the case does not drop at all when you jerk your hand, it’s too tight. Loosen the screw a tiny bit.
Put Bobbin Case Back: Place the bobbin case back into the machine correctly.
Test on Fabric: Re-thread the upper thread and sew a test line on fabric, just like you did for upper tension.
Adjust Upper Tension Again: Since you changed the bobbin tension, you will almost certainly need to re-adjust the upper tension dial to find the new correct sewing tension balance.

Because this adjustment is so sensitive and rarely needed, it’s often recommended to buy a second bobbin case if you need to adjust bobbin tension for special techniques. That way, you can keep one case at the factory setting for normal sewing.

Finding Correct Tension Balance

The goal of all this adjustment is to find the correct sewing tension balance. This means the upper thread and bobbin thread pull on each other with equal force.

H4 What Balanced Tension Looks Like

On the top of the fabric: You should see a line of straight stitches. You should not see any dots or loops of the bobbin thread.
On the bottom of the fabric: You should see a line of straight stitches. You should not see any dots or loops of the upper thread.
On the edge of the fabric (between the two layers): If you gently pull the two layers of fabric apart, you should see the point where the two threads meet and lock. This lock point should be right on the fold, in the middle of the fabric layers. It should not be pulled up to the top layer or down to the bottom layer.

Here is a simple table showing tension problems and what they mean:

Problem Seen on Fabric	Likely Cause	Fix (Adjust Upper Tension First)
Loops on the BOTTOM side of the fabric	Upper thread too loose	Increase upper tension (higher number on dial)
Loops on the TOP side of the fabric	Upper thread too tight OR Bobbin thread loose	Decrease upper tension (lower number). Check upper threading again.
Upper thread lies flat on top, loops underneath	Upper thread too loose	Increase upper tension (higher number)
Bobbin thread lies flat on bottom, loops on top	Upper thread too tight	Decrease upper tension (lower number)
Fabric is puckering, stitches look tight	Tension (upper and/or bobbin) too tight	Decrease upper tension (lower number). Check bobbin tension ONLY if upper tension is very low and still puckering.
Skipped stitches sewing machine	Often NOT tension. More likely needle issue.	Change needle. Check needle type and insertion. Check threading.

This table is a quick guide for troubleshooting Singer tension problems.

Troubleshooting Common Tension Issues

When your stitches look wrong, it’s easy to blame tension. And often, tension is the problem. But sometimes, other things cause bad stitches that look like tension problems.

H4 Tackling Looping Stitches

Looping stitches sewing machine is the most common tension problem.

Loops on the bottom: This is almost always upper thread too loose. Did you thread the machine with the presser foot up? Did you miss a thread guide? Is the thread slipping out of the tension discs? Check threading, then turn up the upper tension dial one number at a time.
Loops on the top: This usually means the upper thread is too tight, pulling the bobbin thread loops up. Or, the bobbin thread is too loose. Always check upper threading first. Re-thread with the presser foot up. Make sure the thread is in the tension discs. If it is threaded right, try lowering the upper tension. If loops are still on top even with very low upper tension, then you might need to look at the bobbin tension, but this is rare for this symptom alone unless the bobbin thread is completely free (not in the case spring at all).

H4 Addressing Skipped Stitches

Skipped stitches sewing machine are usually not a tension problem. If your Singer machine is skipping stitches, it’s much more likely to be one of these:

Wrong Needle: Is the needle the correct type for your fabric? (e.g., Universal, Ballpoint, Stretch, Sharp). Using a sharp needle on knit fabric, for example, can cause skips.
Bent or Dull Needle: A slightly bent or dull needle will not pick up the bobbin thread correctly. Always try a new needle first if you have skips. Needles get dull faster than you think!
Needle Inserted Wrong: Is the needle put in facing the right way and pushed all the way up into the machine? There is usually a flat side on the needle shank that faces the back.
Incorrect Threading: Even for skips, check the upper and bobbin threading again.
Poor Quality Thread: Cheap thread can break or shred, leading to skips.
Machine Needs Cleaning: Lint build-up, especially in the bobbin area, can mess up stitch formation. Clean your machine regularly.
Machine Needs Oiling: Follow your manual for oiling points. A dry machine can cause problems.

While tension might sometimes play a small role in the look of a skipped stitch (e.g., how visible the gap is), fixing skipped stitches sewing machine almost always starts with the needle and threading, not the tension dial.

How to Test Sewing Machine Tension

You cannot set tension by just looking at the machine. You must test it on fabric. Here is the best way how to test sewing machine tension:

Use Your Project Fabric: Always test on the same type and number of layers of fabric you will use for your final project. Stitching on two layers of cotton will need different tension than stitching on four layers of denim or one layer of silk.
Use Your Project Thread: Use the same type, weight, and brand of thread for both the upper and bobbin threads as you will use for your project. Different threads behave differently under tension.
Use a Different Bobbin Color: Putting a different color thread in the bobbin than the upper thread makes it super easy to see which thread is causing problems.
Stitch a Sample: Cut a piece of your fabric (about 4×4 inches is good). Fold it in half. Sew a straight line stitch on it, maybe 3-4 inches long.
Inspect Both Sides: Look closely at the top and bottom of the fabric.
- Are the stitches straight lines?
- Do you see any loops or dots of the other color thread?
- Are the stitches puckering the fabric?
Check the Lock Point: Gently pull the two layers of fabric apart where you stitched. Can you see the knot where the upper and bobbin threads meet? Is it right in the middle? Or is it pulled up to the top layer (upper tension too tight) or down to the bottom layer (upper tension too loose)?
Adjust and Repeat: Based on what you see, make a small adjustment to the upper tension dial Singer (remember to lift the presser foot!). Sew another test line on a fresh part of the fabric. Repeat until the stitch looks perfect on both sides and the lock point is in the middle.

This process of test, examine, adjust, repeat is the key to successful Singer sewing machine tension adjustment for any project.

Maintaining Good Tension

Once you find the correct sewing tension balance for your project, you want it to stay that way. Here are tips for keeping your Singer machine’s tension happy:

Always Thread with Presser Foot UP: This lets the thread seat correctly in the tension discs. Threading with the foot down leads to no upper tension at all, causing huge loops on the bottom.
Use Good Quality Thread: Cheap, uneven, or fuzzy thread can get stuck and cause tension problems.
Clean Your Machine: Lint and old oil in the tension discs or bobbin area can disrupt tension. Clean these areas regularly with a brush and follow your manual for cleaning the bobbin case area.
Wind Bobbins Correctly: Wind bobbins smoothly and evenly. Do not overfill them. Winding too loosely or too tightly can affect bobbin tension.
Change Your Needle: A worn needle makes the machine work harder and can mess up stitch formation, sometimes looking like a tension issue.
Keep Your Manual: Your Singer manual has specific advice for your machine model, including suggested starting tension settings and oiling points.

Regular maintenance helps prevent sewing machine tension problems before they start.

Deciphering Stitch Appearance

Let’s look more closely at what unbalanced tension looks like. This helps with troubleshooting Singer tension.

What You See on the Fabric	What It Tells You	Likely Primary Cause	How to Fix (Start with Upper)
Bottom side: Looks great, straight stitches. Top side: Loops of the bobbin thread on top.	Upper thread is too tight. It’s pulling the bobbin thread up.	Upper Tension Too Tight	Decrease upper tension (lower number).
Bottom side: Loops of the upper thread. Top side: Looks great, straight stitches.	Upper thread is too loose. It’s not pulling the bobbin thread up.	Upper Tension Too Loose	Increase upper tension (higher number).
Both sides: Stitches look okay but fabric is puckering badly. Stitch feels very tight.	Overall tension might be too high for the fabric.	Tension Too Tight (Upper/Bobbin)	Decrease upper tension. If still puckering at lowest upper setting, then check/loosen bobbin tension slightly.
Both sides: Stitches look loose and messy. Can easily pull threads apart.	Overall tension might be too low.	Tension Too Loose (Upper/Bobbin)	Increase upper tension. If still too loose at highest upper setting, then check/tighten bobbin tension slightly.
On edge (checking lock point): Knot is pulled to the top layer of fabric.	Upper thread is stronger/tighter than bobbin thread.	Upper Tension Too Tight	Decrease upper tension.
On edge (checking lock point): Knot is pulled to the bottom layer of fabric.	Bobbin thread is stronger/tighter than upper thread.	Upper Tension Too Loose (relative to bobbin)	Increase upper tension.

This detailed view of stitch appearance is a powerful tool for Singer sewing machine tension adjustment. By learning to read your stitches, you know exactly which way to turn the tension dial Singer.

Further Troubleshooting Steps

If you have followed all the steps for adjusting upper tension, checked threading, changed the needle, cleaned the machine, and are still having major issues like looping stitches sewing machine or very poor stitch quality, consider these less common causes:

Damaged Thread Path: Are there any nicks or rough spots on the thread guides, tension discs, or take-up lever? Feel the path the thread takes from the spool to the needle. Any rough spot can add unwanted tension or snag the thread.
Bobbin Case Damage: Is the bobbin case scratched, bent, or is the tension spring damaged? A damaged bobbin case will not hold tension correctly.
Needle Plate Hole Damage: If the hole in the needle plate has been hit by the needle many times, it can have sharp edges that snag the thread.
Machine Timing: In rare cases, severe stitch problems that look like tension issues could be a sign the machine’s timing is off. This is when the needle and the bobbin hook are not meeting at the right time to form the stitch loop. Fixing timing requires a service technician.
Wrong Size Bobbin: Using a bobbin that is too large or too small for the bobbin case can cause problems. Use only the bobbins recommended for your Singer machine model.

These advanced issues are less common than simple threading or upper tension problems, but they are part of a complete troubleshooting Singer tension process if the easy fixes don’t work.

Adjusting Tension for Different Fabrics

The correct sewing tension balance can change depending on what you are sewing.

Thick Fabrics (Denim, Canvas): You might need slightly higher tension to get the threads to lock in the middle of these thicker layers. Start with your normal setting and increase slightly if the lock point is pulled to the top.
Thin Fabrics (Silk, Rayon): These fabrics pucker easily. You will likely need lower tension. Start with your normal setting and decrease if the fabric puckers or the lock point is pulled to the top. Using a very fine needle is also key here.
Knit Fabrics (Jersey, Spandex): Knits stretch. Using the right needle (ballpoint or stretch) is critical to avoid skipped stitches sewing machine. For tension, sometimes slightly lower tension works best to avoid stretching the fabric as you sew.
Specialty Threads (Metallic, Heavy Topstitching): These threads can require adjustments. Metallic thread can be delicate; you might need lower upper tension and sometimes need to put it on a vertical thread stand. Heavy topstitching thread is thicker; you might use it only in the needle (with regular thread in the bobbin) and might need to loosen upper tension significantly to make it look good.

Always test on scraps of your actual fabric and thread before sewing your project. This how to test sewing machine tension step saves a lot of frustration.

Fathoming the Bobbin Winding

How you wind your bobbin affects bobbin tension Singer.

Winding Speed: Do not wind the bobbin too fast, especially with synthetic threads. Fast winding can stretch the thread, and it will try to shrink back later, messing up tension.
Winding Evenness: The thread should wind onto the bobbin smoothly and evenly from side to side. If it winds only on one part of the bobbin, it can affect how the thread pulls out.
Winding Tightness: The bobbin should be wound firmly, but not so tightly that it squishes the bobbin cheeks. If wound too loosely, the thread can be pulled unevenly. If wound too tightly, it can cause problems or even damage the bobbin or bobbin case.

If you suspect your bobbin winding is uneven or incorrect, wind a fresh bobbin and try again.

Interpreting Your Singer Manual

Your Singer sewing machine manual is your best friend. It has information specific to your model.

Find the Tension Section: Look for sections on “Tension,” “Threading,” or “Troubleshooting.”
Note Suggested Settings: The manual often gives a suggested starting tension setting (like “4” for straight stitch on woven fabric).
Review Threading Diagrams: Check the threading path in the manual again to make sure you are not missing any steps or guides.
Bobbin Winding and Insertion: The manual shows the correct way to wind the bobbin and how to insert it into the bobbin case or machine.
Maintenance Tips: The manual will show you where to clean and oil your specific model.

Referring to your manual is an important part of Singer sewing machine tension adjustment and overall machine care.

FAQ: Common Questions About Singer Tension

H3 Why are there loops on the bottom of my fabric?

This is the most common problem and almost always means your upper thread is too loose. Make sure your presser foot is down when you sew. Re-thread your machine with the presser foot up, making sure the thread is fully seated in the tension discs. If it still makes loops on the bottom, increase the upper tension dial to a higher number.

H3 Why are there loops on the top of my fabric?

This usually means the upper thread is too tight, or the bobbin thread is too loose. First, re-thread your upper thread very carefully with the presser foot up. If the threading is correct, try lowering the upper tension dial to a lower number. If loops are still on top even with low upper tension, you might very carefully need to check or adjust your bobbin tension.

H3 What is the normal tension setting on a Singer?

There is no single “normal” setting for all Singers and all fabrics. However, the middle numbers on your tension dial (often 3, 4, or 5) are usually the starting point for sewing on medium-weight woven fabric with average thread. You must test on your fabric to find the correct setting.

H3 Do I need to change tension for different fabrics?

Yes, usually. Thicker or multiple layers of fabric might need slightly higher tension. Thin or delicate fabrics usually need lower tension to prevent puckering. Always test on your fabric scraps.

H3 How do I know if my bobbin tension is right?

Bobbin tension is right if, after setting the upper tension correctly for your fabric, the stitch looks balanced (no loops on top or bottom) and the knot is hidden in the middle of the fabric layers. You can also use the “yo-yo” or drop test: hold the bobbin case by the thread; if you gently jerk your hand, the case should drop a little and stop.

H3 Should I ever adjust bobbin tension?

Generally, no, unless you are very experienced or doing special techniques. Bobbin tension is set at the factory and rarely needs adjustment. Most tension problems can be fixed by adjusting the upper tension and checking threading. If you must adjust it, make tiny changes and use the proper small screwdriver.

H3 My machine is skipping stitches. Is that a tension problem?

Skipped stitches sewing machine are almost never caused by tension. They are usually caused by a wrong, bent, or dull needle; the needle being inserted incorrectly; or threading issues. Always change the needle first if you have skipped stitches.

H3 How do I clean the tension discs on my Singer?

With the presser foot raised, use a small, stiff brush (like the one that came with your machine) to gently brush between the tension discs where the upper thread passes through. You can also sometimes use a pipe cleaner or dental floss, but be gentle. Check your manual for specific cleaning points.

H3 What happens if I thread the machine with the presser foot down?

If you thread the upper thread with the presser foot down, the tension discs will be closed, but the thread will likely not be seated correctly within them. When you start sewing, there will be little to no tension on the upper thread. This will cause large loops on the bottom of your fabric. Always thread with the presser foot up!

H3 How often should I test my sewing machine tension?

You should test your tension any time you change:
* The type of fabric
* The number of fabric layers
* The type or weight of thread
* The needle size
* If you are having any stitch problems

Sewing a quick test line is always a good habit before starting a new project or stitching on a different part of your current project using different layers.

Knowing how to set the tension on a Singer sewing machine is a key skill for any sewer. By following these steps for Singer sewing machine tension adjustment, troubleshooting common issues like looping stitches sewing machine, and regularly testing your tension, you can achieve beautiful, strong stitches on all your projects. Remember that correct sewing tension balance is the goal, and small adjustments make a big difference.