HQ Sweet Sixteen Sunday How to adjust and fix tension problems

[@jowenzel]

I just got my simply sixteen this week and because of the pandemic I am unable to get classes on using the machine. I'm relying solely on the video that came with it and KZbin to teach myself. I was having terrible issues with the tension and the thread breaking until I watched your video. I realized I was threading the bobbin wrong when I saw you slide the thread into the clip on the bobbin case in the video. As soon as I did that, all my tension issues went away. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@carolbradley1941]

This was helpful. especially when I saw the "cob web" on the back. Now I have an idea of where I am going. Thank you.

[@marjileeblackwell835]

PAULA I'm so happy found you. I bought my Sweet Sixteen many years ago. For several years I did not try to use it because of life issues. Today I decided to really solve my issues with my machine. You explained everything about tension and that was my problem. My thread broke each time I tried to practice. Thanks again for being such a good instructor.

[@carolbradley1941]

After watching this and sleeping on what I heard you tell us, I began this morning and cleaned that machine top to bottom. I haven't used this machine for 5-7 years. It has been through 2 moves that I know of. Brushed it out and found some lint build up. Tested the bobbin and turn the screw to see what it would do. Ended up turning it back again. Got an new spool of top thread to match the bobbin and threaded it up only using 2 holes above the tension knob. Had to turn the top tension several times but low and behold it worked. Thank you so much.

[@PeggyDieu]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I don't have a Sweet Sixteen, however my Brother 1500 Nouvelle threads very similar to your machine. I can't stress enough how much your video has helped me. I've about lost my mind trying to free motion quilt and my thread would either knot up on the back or continuously break. So Stressful!!!! Thanks again for the help. I certainly have LESS TENSION after your help!!! lol :)

[@lilyeverlark8680]

My mum and I spent 2 days(!) trying to figure out what was wrong with our new Simply Sixteen and your video fixed it! You have one of the best explanations about tension and the basics of how sewing machines work we've ever seen. Thank you so much!

[@PaulaStorm]

Lily Everlark that is such a lovely compliment! Thank you! I’m so glad I was able to help you and your mum xxx enjoy your Simply! Xxx

[@lydiafranko1619]

Thank you so much for your video on tension on the sweet sixteen. Tension is so important & very tricky to get it correct. Your explanation was very easy to follow. I love my sweet sixteen & have so much to learn. I love that I can get help from people like you. 👍🦘⭐️

[@debfrease]

I love these videos. I actually teach quilting on the sweet sixteen at my local quilt shop and the tips you show are invaluable. You make it so easy to understand and probably more important actually use to make the quilting better.

[@laurajhoffman9701]

This was so helpful-l need to go thru these steps now and see if I can make some improvements!

[@maryrojon5317]

Thank you Paula for such a clear and concise explanation on such an important issue. Rosemary

[@tessmyers7957]

Oh how I wish I had found you and your videos along time ago! I have owned my sweet sixteen sit down for about a little over a year and have been so frustrated that most of the time, she just sits there. Seems every time I change threads I get a birds nest under the quilt and I would spend so much time trying to get it right but not knowing what to do. Thank you so much!

[@PaulaStorm]

Tess Myers Hi Tess, Thanks so much for your lovely comments :) I'm so glad you find them useful! Hugs Paula xxx

[@gailking4897]

Very helpful information, thank you from a new owner ❤

[@DMB56]

Great! I am new to this am soaking up your knowledge. You are a great teacher and quilter!

[@robynmcgain5443]

You are amazing my tension just went completely off the grid!!!! Thank you I cleaned between the tension discs and what I got out was awful. Your videos are so informative thank you, I was getting so stressed

[@lolsenks485]

This was so helpful, I have been struggling with my tension and now I have a systematic approach to solving the problems. Have you done a video to show how to quilt a larger quilt in the Sweet Sixteen?

[@judithstimpfl951]

Excellent video. You have helped me so much

[@melissacook]

Great explanation.

[@KC-ew3no]

What thread would you recommend is best to use in a sweet 16

[@TammieMathis-sx6nk]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@dailycharmaddict]

HI Paula. So...I got my machine. I know the tension is pretty good because my dealer was here and adjusted it. However, now that I'm stitching on my own the bobbin case/bobbin sounds very 'clicky' to me, like it's moving around more than it should/bouncing. I have the speed at 45% so not overly racing. Do you have any suggestions? I try to sew and look at the bobbin case to see if it's moving - it seems like it is but I'm not sure what the standard/correct/normal sound and movement should be. Should I be concerned or as long as the stitches are ok, just go on. Thanks for any help!

[@PaulaStorm]

Hi Angie, My machine does make the same noise and I have noticed that it is usually when the bobbin is getting low in thread. I think you will be fine as long as everything is stitching ok. If your worried though, ask your dealer to check it out :) Hugs Paula

[@dailycharmaddict]

Thanks Paula! That makes me feel better. I appreciate the help and all the awesome videos - they are a terrific aid to a newbie. I hope to become one with my machine in no time.

[@congdanhle8524]

if my machine doesnt have bobbin case how could i adjust the tension?

[@nolagibson9759]

"Righty tighty / lefty loosey". Easy way to remember to turn the top of the knob/screw to the right to tighten or to the left to loosen the tension (or any screw).

[@PaulaStorm]

N Gibson Your absolutely right! Thanks for commenting N :)

[@lisapineda9334]

The tension would never stay set. I had to rip the stitches out everytime I sewed with this machine. I couldn't wait to get it out of my house.

[@lisapineda9334]

I have had a lot of trouble with the BabyLock Tiara, it is the same machine as this Sweet Sixteen. I took it back to the dealer to have it fixed the timing was off. I am back to the same problem. The tension never stays adjusted. The top thread looks like a straight line . When I get the thread adjusted it is only a few minutes before it is running a straight line again. Listening to this video the top tension must be to tight but why when the thread is adjusted and sewing nice does it stop sewing nicely and start pulling the thread to the top? The bottom thread looks nice. But it never stays adjusted.

[@PaulaStorm]

Hi Lisa, The problem sounds like your bobbin tension is off. I would try adjusting your bobbin but first put a new bobbin in. It could be the bobbin was wound wrong, that's why it's fine for a minute but then goes crazy again. I hope this helps! Xxx

[@PaulaStorm]

Remember, if the problem is on the top, your bobbin is the reason. If the problem is on the bottom, the top thread is the reason. Hugs Paula xxx

[@amadeus4313]

Hi Paula, thank you so much for this video. The problem I am having at the moment is that I have the top tension as tight as it will go and I am still seeing the top thread pulled through on the bottom. I have tried loosening the bobbin tension, but nothing seems to help. Any thoughts?

[@PaulaStorm]

hmmm thats a tough one Mary... How much have you adjusted the bobbin? You may need to keep adjusting it... The top tension shouldn't need to be that tight. You know the 3 holes at the top of the machine, how many of those are you threading your thread through? What type of thread are you using and are you using the same (brand) of thread top and bottom?

[@amadeus4313]

Same thread in top and bottom. I loosened the bobbin so much the screw came out. I am threading all three holes because the top tension is still too loose.

[@PaulaStorm]

Mary Moeggenborg I think its time you took it to your dealer... You have done everything you can. It's time for the experts to check it out... good luck! Hugs Paula

[@amadeus4313]

Thanks, Paula!

[@amadeus4313]

Paula Storm I ended up taking the machine in to my dealer. It needed balancing and now I am having fun using it! Thank you for answering my questions!

[@daisyduck61]

Thank you helping me

[@melissasuddreth8108]

does anyone know where to get the applique brush kit

[@PaulaStorm]

Hi Melissa, Sorry I missed seeing this comment. You can get the Applique Brush on my website, www.paulastormdesigns.com Hugs Paula