Sewing Machine Tension

Thread tension determines how loose or tight your stitches are when sewing your fabric. Learn how to use the thread tension knob on your machine so that your stitches come out perfectly in sync no matter what type of fabric youre using.
UPDATED TENSION VIDEO HERE
• Sewing Machine Thread ...
WEBSITE: www.professorpincushion.com
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[@MyRockstar777]

Thank you I almost threw my $300 Singer out my window. Lol.

[@burberry_venom]

High five on that. I'm with mental hotline right now trying not to bite off the foot from it, while eating ice creams and wiping of my tears of my fucked up t-shirt i tried to sew. 😭

[@jenniferlonergan5301]

Same!!

[@sabrinalivai5874]

I promise i won't bug anymore after this. (smile) I appreciate your time, expertise, assistance and patience. I purchased this sewing machine less than 2 yrs, so i'm not sure if i'm due for a tune up. If you think I should i will run to my local sewing repair shop and win this battle with this dang sewing machine! Thank you a bunch.

[@karleenjackson2210]

I've been searching all over for a good explanation of tension. This was by far the best one!

[@terrilyn4761]

OMG! Thank you so much! I was about to have to jump off a building or something, I was having so many issues (I even tried a second machine!) but this seems to have fixed it. Thanks again!!!!!

[@Hrocks2556]

Didn't know this was a thing for the longest time. Solved my problem instantly thank you so much you have made my project and life easier by far.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Thanks for the nice words. I know how frustrating it can be when your stitches aren't coming out right. I'm glad our video could help. :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

yay! I'm so glad you were able to figure out the mystery! :D There's nothing that can stop your sewing now. Thanks for the update.

[@melissagardner4923]

Wonder video for me as a beginner! I'm so glad there are people willing to make these tutorials for people like us. BIG THANKS!

[@barru2ify]

I too thank you sooo much! Your tension examples were exactly what I needed to see to fix my problem. You just saved the wall from a lot of head banging!!!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

I'm glad you found our tutorial helpful. :)

[@kristalletodd2254]

THANK YOU! It is almost 2:00 a.m. here and I was going crazy I even gave it a few hits and slaps. Couldn't figure it out! I was obsessed with the bobbin thread. Your video fixed my machine! now I can go to bead peacefully. THANK YOU!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

yay! glad I was able to help. I know that these issues can be frustrating

[@normagates1562]

Bura

[@rosteve3872]

Thank you Thank you!!! This is the first video that gave Me a clear understanding of what tension does and looks like when it needs to be adjusted. thanks again.

[@shaqqwave]

I am glad you are 'here'. This is helpful. Thanks

[@danielamacheca4591]

Iv watched at least 15 other videos before I found this one ,thank you for this it was the only one that helped with the problem I was having

[@Kandechi]

Ohh my goodness! You saved my life! Great and clear explanation ❣ love you! 😊💪🏻

[@ZPZX25]

Amazing been working on this all morning, after watching your vid...working perfectly. Thank you!!!

[@TattooedAussieChick]

Thank you so much. My son adjusted my tension by accident and I couldn't understand how to fix it. You made it so simple to understand!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Make sure you're holding your threads tails for your first couple of stitches. If you don't sometimes the thread will get back into the machine and could cause birdnesting or problems underneath. Also, make sure your bobbin thread is wound neat and evenly and rethread you're machine. If there's still issues, it might be time to take your machine in for maintenance.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

yes, some machines do have an adjustable tension on the bobbin. I think Brother machines have this. My machine doesn't have this so I know it's not universal. Glad you were able to work out your tension problems. :)

[@salahdin6382]

Yes. I changed the thread of my bobbin+ I oiled my machine. It worked perfectly.

[@tkkhanyile2063]

yohh almost knocked my machine to the wall you saved its life thanks

[@mmearmstrng8465]

THANK YOU. problem solved... thanks a lot!!!

[@sarantsatsralbuyan]

Thanks a lot.It was a very good demonstration with clear speech-easy for people (like me) whose mother language is not English.

[@susanjbarclay5303]

Wow! I have never really understood about tension, and have always had trouble with my tension settings. In fact I even put my sewing machine away for some years, thinking that there was something wrong with it. Now I really understand what the problem is, and feel confident about applying my new learning in the future. As I have finally got my sewing machine problems out of the 'too hard' basket, I am very happy that I have seen your video and now understand what the problems have been. Thank you SO much for this clear explanation! Susan in Australia

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Susan J Barclay yay! I'm so glad you can break out the sewing machine again. You can do it! :)

[@susanjbarclay5303]

Professor Pincushion Thanks so much for your reply, and your encouragement about the using the sewing machine again. xx Susan

[@sal75903]

I love your video. Very well presented and your instructions are clear and concise. thank you for making it comprehensible. Please consider doing a video on proper thread tension for stretchy fabric as well. i am trying to repurpose toddler clothing and it varies in stretch weight, so it's not as easy as with cotton blends. thanks again.

[@christianclyde9178]

Omg, thank you for this tutorial. My problem solved this vid

[@magalyaguilar317]

thank u sooo much ur video has helped me alot,and saved my life.

[@daveburrows9876]

The majority of bobbin cases have the lower thread tension screw you mentioned. If the lower thread loops above the fabric, then tighten (turn it clockwise) in tiny increments to likely solve it. Doing so keeps more bobbin thread below & brings the lock back to the middle of the fabric. Small loops below the fabric are an upper tension issue. The longer those loops become, the more likely the tension issue is related to threading, or the direction the bobbin turns in it's case.

[@fatimajamalussama]

Do u have an email id??? I have a top thread issue, its looping at the bottom and i have tried everything probably...need guidance Seems like u know what to do

[@luisalove1321]

You should maybe show the different thread tensions with different fabrics (denim, silk, etc.)

[@Mayoomf]

Thank you so much i was facing a hard time with my sewing machine but know its ok because of your video thanks

[@ProfessorPincushion]

yay! tension problems can be annoying but now you can move on to the fun part :)

[@beckymoore5757]

This video was so helpful. Thank you!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Becky Moore Thanks so much for watching :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

I just do that without even thinking about it. I don't know what other people do so I don't know if I'm abnormal. My reason for it is that you always have to hold your thread for at least the first couple of stitches. Otherwise, the thread gets sucked back, which sometimes causes this weird knot in the back of the fabric. For me, it's comfortable to hold it down with my left hand. I've never had a problem with it so I just do what feels comfortable. :)

[@jennettemcgregor9274]

Thanks, very helpful

[@olivialopez3998]

Thank you very much your video helped me a lot. 🤗

[@secretsquirrel992]

Thank you!

[@xedra]

Perfect! Solved my problem in the first minute - tension is too loose. Thank you!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

glad you have perfect tension now! :)

[@BINHNGUYEN-ox6hc]

Many thank you for all I needs .🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@marymoore3585]

Thank you so much! You saved my project!!! New subbie here.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Thanks for subscribing

[@mercyjohn5836]

Thank you very much, it was helpful

[@laurenwhite7127]

Thank you so much!

[@barbaraperkins7752]

thought that might be the problem so I replaced my thread but this is a new project with new thread and it is doing it after sewing for a while even after I clean the machine

[@chantal0861]

thank you that was exactly my problem. thanks a lot.

[@valeriesanchez5569]

This helped a lot thank you

[@hiromi1038]

This is awesome! I’m making face masks with different types of material and keep forgetting to adjust the tension. Thank you!

[@inuchan74]

I had no idea that the tension could depend on the fabric type! Duh, makes sense! I get both those issues you showed and be.msking myself crazy because I'm like IT'S ON THE 4 WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS STILL?!

[@glockzincraze7402]

wow thanks!! needed this

[@faustynutogo2258]

Thank you so much lam new subscriber, ma do I have to adjust the machines according to the material am using

[@sherigreenall6412]

Thank you so much. I really should have read my manual but I was too excited to start a sewing project. Since then I've been ripping out so many messed up stitches. No fun!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Sheri Greenall I hope you figure out your stitches you can start sewing :)

[@MyGreenNest]

Thank you for explaining this, I was completely lost!

[@Krisli116]

Thank you. It's so informative. Do you recommend machine that has the auto tension function?

[@jackiemartinez-kaufman846]

Professor Pincushion thank you sooo much for your help...I finally know what i was doing wrong! Now i have peace of mind :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

+Jackie Martinez-Kaufman so glad you found our tutorial helpful :)

[@dancenanthu]

Thank you

[@Nepalibunai]

Thankyoun for this video.

[@hustleholic6836]

Thank You! Very well explained. ^-^

[@ProfessorPincushion]

It depends on the type and some knits are heavier weight than others. I normally just have it at the normal setting, which for me is at a 4. The lighter and more slippery it is, the higher in numbers I go. Every machine is different and you just have to play around with it. Also, with some difficult fabrics, like lycra, I sew my seams with tissue paper on top and it helps it feed through the machine easier and my seams definitely look better. Then I just rip the tissue paper off.

[@sabrinalivai5874]

Alrighty then. Thank you again, you have been most helpful,

[@chelsaywhaaa]

Thank you so much! You made this so easy to understand. :]

[@ProfessorPincushion]

You're welcome. Glad to help :)

[@allissajane1]

Thank you so much!!! Great video

[@itsiz5461]

Thank you so much! I was working on a skirt and I was going to pull the threads to gather the fabric but it was way to tight and wouldnt move at all. Thanks for the explanation!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

It's Iz! glad to help :)

[@Smartyplantsherbs]

Thank you just fixed in 1 min of you vid.

[@imnotcreative3674]

Idk what to do, my fabric does both, it's puckering and bunching all at once

[@nikki94]

thanku soo very much.love u for this vdeo thanku thanku

[@annwright3406]

Thanks!

[@kerryallen1]

Hi. I consistently get the bobbin thread showing through to the top of the fabric. I have tried all numbers on my thread tension, "0" works best. I went to a sewing class recently where the teacher showed us to tighten the bobbin thread by removing the footplate and turning a little screw in the device that holds the bobbin, then reassembling and going again. What do you think about that?

[@iancornell141]

I have my tension maxed out,( sewing cordura, #69 thread, singer 237) and it's still loose on the bottom thread, not bird nesting but loose enough that I can pull the bottom thread out completely, any tips?

[@veebeex]

Thank you for this tutorial! I have just got a sewing machine to start a new hobby. I was completely clueless about what the tension wheel was for before now :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

there's nothing to stop you now :) I'm glad you found this helpful

[@manvhajadhav8073]

OMG thank you so much 🤗

[@Just_Vryatt]

What if I try lowering the tension and setting it higher but neither fixes the problem? It looked like a tension problem to me but maybe I’m wrong? Had to stop at the very end of a project so close to done then it starts stitching funky like you showed when the tension was too low?

[@bodorfranciska4821]

Hello, I have an another typ of problem with thread tension. The bobbin thread is coming up even if I have set tension on zero or on the maximum 9. Could you met with something like this ?

[@matemoto6748]

good job

[@aishanoor8782]

Thank you dear

[@ProfessorPincushion]

When you say bottom, do you mean bobbin tension? Mine machine doesn't have this so I don't know what would be normal on a Brother. You might have to ask someone at a Brother dealership. As for the top tension, a 4 puts me in the middle of the my tension dial. So the normal setting is just in the middle and then you adjust it depending on the weight of your fabric.

[@ireneyoung7290]

On my project I'm having to sew 5 pieces on cotton material, it doesn't move. Don't know wat tension or stitch dial. Can you help. I'm a beginner. Thanks

[@shajnabegum4047]

Thank u so much

[@kirstiett]

THANK YOU!!! xxx

[@yukisya5395]

hi...how if there have two tension setting means they are upper and lower tension..what number should i set? i'm using brother sewing machine.. in this video you said normally use number 4 right?

[@rosiekeeble1290]

thank you professor pincushion!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

You're very welcome :)

[@ibrahimthegreatibrahim8348]

Beautiful voice

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

I have a question about your thread placement, you have your thread off to the side instead of the back. Is there a difference or can you do either way? Great video , tension has always puzzled me.

[@interteatment]

i am working in garments factory as junious Electrician but what i should know about machine for repair ?

[@fatimajamalussama]

Hi i adjusted the tension and rethreaded but still my top thread is looping at the bottom

[@ireneyoung7290]

I'm sewing over 4pieces of cotton material, what tension would be right for me to use. Thanks a beginner

[@MLucyLuna]

My machine gets a big knot inside the tread hole and I have to cut it from the inside. Do you think that it might be the tension? By the way is a singer

[@WhiteZasha]

What is going on when the thread tangles underneath and the needles gets stuck inside the fabric?

[@tinaleonie5811]

Omg thank you so so much!!!!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@pattygardner231]

I’m sewing a rayon challis skirt with side pockets, and need help with preventing puckered seams. I’ve adjusted my tension, but that hasn’t helped much. Right now I’m using tissue as I sew. I’d rather be able to sew it without the tissue. Do you know any tricks or special treatments I can try. I’ve also tried using my walking foot, and no go. I must be doing something wrong, but cannot figure out what it is. I’ve seen challis sewn in other videos and it looks so easy. I’d appreciate any suggestions. Thanks! I love your tutorials. I’ve learned so much.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

sometimes it doesn't matter what you do, as far as adjusting tension. It happens because the fabric is so delicate it doesn't have enough stabilization to stay flat while feeding through the machine. This is why the tissue paper helps, because it's stabilizing the fabric. If your fabric can be washed, you can also spray the fabric with spray starch and then wash it when finished to soften it up again.

[@sabrinalivai5874]

I tried that, to no avail. Tell me if this is extreme though.....I moved the tension dial from 3 to 7 incrementally and it seems to be o.k. it just seems that the high tension number would indicate a problem with my sewing machine. Should I continue using at this tension level?

[@lindastewart5205]

thank u

[@cocacola2010100]

Very helpful vid:-)

[@nice617aj2]

that you so much o didn't do the wheel was tension. and i thought i will keep 8t on 9

[@chiefdhruv4540]

Getting bad stitches on my old vintage usha merritt sewing machine .. . i have cleaned n oiled properly .. . . everything is correctly set. . but still having problem .... Can anyone help me

[@sabrinalivai5874]

Please help me. I cannot get it right. the tension is either too loose or too tight causing some puckering. maybe i'm not using the right tools. I'm hemming pants that has 55% Ramie, 23% Cotton, the rest is rayon and spandex. I am very frustrated because i'm following your instructions to the t. what could it be. thank you so kindly

[@PossitiveQoutes]

thank you. problem solved.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

If it's been awhile since your last maintenance you may want to get a tuneup. But it could just be that's the tension this type of fabric needs.

[@owaiskhan5431]

From Pakistan, very owsm tip's

[@shrilakshmis9522]

Mam, I have a doubt. A new machine's regulator suddenly changes to tight and loose. What could be the reason and solutions?

[@cassiegeuenich8744]

What if it's still puckering no matter what the tension?

[@green1394]

thank you,,,,,,,,........,,,,,,,

[@WhiteZasha]

thank you the bobbin tension was to loose

[@AurasayNC]

Thanks for the helpful video!!!!not sure how to fix this, but the closed captions are usually a tad unreliable on these videos, but at the ~1:49 mark I'm pretty sure you weren't talking about male anatomy. (I don't think you wrote the closed captions, I think they were provided my KZbin, but you might want to see if you can get that fixed.)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

+AurasayNC :O haha, yeah, those were provided by youtube. we plan on providing our own transcription for closed captioning in the future. thanks!