Sewing Machine Tension Issues - Thread Looping Underneath - Part 2

This little Elna Lotus TSP came in with a tension problem.
Find Part 1 here - • Sewing Machine Tension...
This tension issue can affect any type of sewing machine.
It can seem strange that the problem on the bottom is caused by top thread tension but it is nearly always the case. Generally it is an indication that the top thread is too loose.
This video shows that even though the top tension is set in the normal zone, there can be an issue with the tension being too loose.There are several causes of this problem but in this case it is caused by rusty tension disks. It looks like the machine has been sitting and some moisture has soaked into the thread and caused corrosion on the disks.
The way a tension assembly works is to provide consistent thread tension by clamping the thread between metal disks. Contaminants such as lint, dust or general grime in between the disks can cause them to be held open, therefore the thread is no longer being clamped properly by the disks. This can cause loose or inconsistent tension.
Another thing to check is that the tension release mechanism is functioning correctly. When working correctly, the mechanism should only release the thread tension when the presser foot is lifted, therefore allowing the thread to be pulled freely through the tension disks and allowing the fabric to be easily removed from the machine. If incorrectly set, the release mechanism can be holding the disks open slightly or it may not open the disks when the presser foot is lifted.
I show how to carry out a quick clean and if that doesn't help the top cover on the Elna Lotus is removed to gain access to the set screw that holds the tension assembly in the machine frame. Once the set screw is loosened, the whole tension assembly can be removed.
I show how to disassemble the tension assembly so the disks can be checked and cleaned if necessary.
An oil stone is used to clean up the disks and then the tensioner is assembled and installed.
The top tension is provisionally set and then the can be fine tuned. Once the top tension is set correctly, the knob can be installed in the mid position (5).
Index:
0:00 - Introduction
0:53 - Checking tensions by feel
2:55 - Looking at the tension assembly
3:43 - Tension release
4:03 - Trying the quick fix
5:37 - Removing the tension assembly from the machine
9:03 - A close look at the tension assembly
11:29 - Partially disassembling the tension assembly
13:14 - A close look at the tension disks
13:39 - Time to crack out the oil stone
16:47 - Inspecting the repaired disks
17:16 - Assembling the tension assembly
18:13 - Installing the tension assembly
20:52 - Provisional tension adjustment
21:47 - Sew testing and tension fine tuning
23:26 - Installing the tension knob
23:40 - Conclusion
www.institches.co.nz
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[@eddibeddib3650]

Merci pour l'effort et la sincérité avec lesquels vous avez réalisé cette précieuse vidéo.. Merci particulièrement pour le problème que vous m'avez aidé à résoudre.

[@ailienrhijnsburger5178]

Thank you so much! Tension issues with my beloved little Elna were driving me up the wall. With your help I have just managed to solve my tension issues!

[@nysaea]

This video is an absolute godsend. Well shot, well explained, well edited, thank you sir!

[@samirsabih2177]

Thank you very Mach for thes vedio شكرا جزيلا لهذا الشرح الممتاز

[@toniehuff8042]

Great video, helped me solve my tension problem! BTW, Yes, you can still buy a Norton Oil stone on Amazon in the U.S. :)

[@hallvardbilicz7409]

The video was really helpful. Thanks.

[@carolynrogers1510]

Fascinating

[@sarahhall5874]

Thank you for making and posting this video. It’s really clear and helpful. I’ve just bought one of these second hand and the top tension is really loose. Now I know how to fix it. I’m going in, wish me luck...

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mitu8057]

Thanks. Just solved an issue.

[@joboniface4585]

Am slowly going through this excellent video. My elna lotus tension is bad. The cotton wraps tight around the bobbin pulls the material into the bobbin area and the tension on the thread from the top is very very tight. Have got far as the 2ml Allen key… I hope I can find a 2ml Allen key…

[@tonywebber4361]

Thanks for this. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@carolchaput8675]

Good day. I have just acquired a TSP. I think it has been standing for a long time.. please could you advise. My presser foot does not lift I have tried oil to loosen it to no avail. Also the stitch length and and other dial do not turn at all. And advise will be appreciated

[@InStitches]

Sounds like you need to get some penetrating oil (WD40 or CRC 556) into those stubborn parts. Leave it to soak for a bit and try to move them. If that doesn't work, you could try carefully heating the foot bar bearings but be careful not to overheat the area and melt plastics that may be nearby. Once they are free, put oil on the freed up parts. Thanks.

[@sarahhall5874]

Hello. I found this video brilliantly helpful when I bought a Lotus tsp about a year ago. It’s working well now and I’m slowly getting better at sewing. Sometimes when I start a new seam, the top thread wraps around the bobbin holder and gets stuck there, “locking” the machine and I have to unpick the mess and restart. Do you know why this would be happening and how I may be able to solve it? Thank you in advance for any advice you have. S

[@InStitches]

Thanks. Make sure you start your seam with the take-up lever at the top of its travel and also hold both the top and bottom thread ends when starting the seam.

[@sarahhall5874]

@@InStitches Thank you. That sounds so obvious now you’ve said it! I’m going to try it asap. Thanks again, I appreciate you taking the time to reply. S