Understanding Sewing Machine Tension

This video, produced by Dallas Designing Dreams Online Academy, will help you understand how to set your sewing machine tension. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE
www.dallasdesigningdreams.org
[e-mail]
214-421-9900

[@CantrellLeatherGoods]

I have kept this video and have referred back to it several times over the years. Mr. Porter is a wonderful teacher!

[@Angelgrace58]

I watched this video a long time ago and it was a game changer for my sewing projects. THANK YOU!

[@karimawilliams9417]

Thank you so much , I was stuck with my machine and didn’t know what to do , now I can see the light , God bless you Arthur

[@cedricgist7614]

Thank you for admitting that you went some time before touching the adjustment. Also, in the video on mastering industrial sew-ers, you assured us that the machines are durable and it's hard to break them. That helps.

[@carolfutch8534]

Im a newcomer to sewing and I absolutely love your videos! I have learned alot about sewing and gained more knowledge about using my sewing machine for more advance projects over the basic ones I've done in the past.Thanks so much and keep up the good work!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Carol, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment. Arthur

[@gsdls]

Another amazing video. You have helped me lose my fear of the tension adjustment. Thank you so much.

[@amandasmith4329]

Wow, thanks very much for this tutorial, just been to my machine tweaked the small screw on spool case and hey presto, fab stitches. Been fiddle all afternoon with the tension. Thanks again.

[@MsMarlysRae]

Thanks, Arthur. I haven't been using my consew for this very reason. I feel more comfortable trying to adjust the tension, now. Thank ypu for this video. Nice looking machine, too. :-)

[@Innovation_Driver]

Thanks for the great way you explained the tension

[@csall1599]

Oh my gosh! Now I know what is wrong with my machine! And I was going to take it in to be serviced. You saved me so much money. Thank you! I love your videos!

[@ArthurPorter]

You are WELCOME. Arthur

[@karanmk53]

Thank you SO much for your help Arthur! I cannot wait until Monday so I can get going on my machine. I feel so relieved from the help you gave me and the help your video's have given me. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You and King Jesus!

[@ArthurPorter]

Karan, You are so WELCOME, like I said, you can contact me any time and Thank you for subscribing to our channel. Arthur

[@emilykyle14]

Thank you so much for all of the time and care you put into your videos. I have been sewing on a home machine for a year and just got an industrial machine. You are one of the few resources for industrial machines on the internet and I greatly appreciate all the advice! LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Emily, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment. Arthur

[@pjfelton1]

I was so happy to see that you were using my exact machine for this topic, I was so intimidated by the tension on this machine, my first industrial, and I barely turned the dial. Thank you so much for such a helpful video.

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Patti, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, I know how you feel, I always say, if we can take away the intimidation, we can do anything. Arthur

[@adamcain4603]

Going to buy my first sewing machine and trying to learn as much as i can before hand thanks for all the videos love them.

[@jaynunez2671]

Thank you so much for making this vid. I've been at the point where it was frustrating the absolute living crappie out of me. God bless you for this vid and keep the bids coming

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Jay, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for BLESSING. Arthur

[@Wickedstreetbob]

Thank you. I dont sew often so have always done the same as u did. And took my machine to be adjusted.

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello DiveMaster Ricky, Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos! Arthur

[@jenniferknox8451]

Just found your videos…. Thank you! This is sooooooo helpful! My stitches are wonky lol… and this new machine is driving me nuts! I will try exactly what you showed here… thanks so much!

[@evefavorse5939]

Very helpful info as usual! I had a similar problem with my bobbin housing and never thought to adjust the screw on the bobbin housing! Thank you for sharing your awesome knowledge!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Eve, Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment, were able to work out your problem? Arthur

[@1beachbelle]

Arthur Porter, I love you! Although I've been sewing for years, about a year ago I bought a new, very expensive machine -- and it terrified me! I would sit and stare at it but couldn't bring myself to touch it. So you must know how comforting it is to me to hear someone else say that they have also been intimidated at times and I am not alone. I feel better already! Thank you!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello 1beachbelle, Thank you so WELCOME and Thank you for your compliment, I believe once we remove the intimidation we can do anything, that is how we are able to move forward. Arthur

[@salvadorpneri]

This is good info to live by. Thank you.

[@annmedis4449]

Brilliant! I've never given the bobbin screw a thought. Thank you so much.

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Ann, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment. Arthur

[@Truthlover4U]

Thank you Arthur, this helped me so much! I really appreciate it. If I get a chance, I'll pass it on. 😊

[@annc1193]

thanks arthur ! this was so informative, I've been fighting with my machine tension since i got it !

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Ann, You are WELCOME, I will be uploading a video this week on how changing the size of thread made a difference. Arthur

[@happyprepper4024]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. I have never used a sewing machine before but would like to learn how. Your videos are an excellent source of information!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Happy Prepper, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, non of this is hard, when you start sewing, you are going to love it. Arthur

[@happyprepper4024]

Oh thank you very much! I have just purchased an old hand cranked industrial machine that I hope will be able to sew leather and canvas. It should be delivered on Saturday...then I will be systematically working my through all your videos learning the basics. KZbin is an excellent source of information for learning new things. Once again thanks for all the helpful information.

[@ArthurPorter]

Happy Prepper CONGRATULATIONS on getting your machine, I started with a 1914 Singer, I used it for 3 years, I still have it. Arthur

[@happyprepper4024]

Hahaha...I think it was one of your videos that convinced me to purchase an old Singer machine. I think the machine I purchased was manufactured in 1940, but I cannot remember the model number.

[@cassowaryind]

Thank you so much for doing these videos..Solving my problems one by one.

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello cassowaryind, You are WELCOME and Thank you for your compliment. Arthur

[@laralarz6904]

Thank-you for such a helpful video.

[@roxannericchio3556]

Thank you Arthur for this video. I am new to my machine (Seiko) but your machine looks very much like yours. I am struggling with my tension. I will keep watching your video until I get it. Yes, tension settings scare me. Lol

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Roxanne, You are welcome and thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment! if you get to a point and you think you need help, email me at [e-mail] and I'll send you my cell number and help you with how to understand your tension with no fear! Arthur

[@helengordon6984]

Thank you very much Arthur. We shall give your suggestions a try. One day we will attempt to sew with leather ourselves.

[@JuhaEerikki]

Great to learn this, very helpful! Thank you!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello JuhaEerikki, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment. Arthur

[@tonyamillard4639]

Thank you so much Mr. Porter!

[@ireland66613]

thank you sir I have got my first commercial machine a brother. thanks to you and your great videos have helped so much thank you .

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello ireland66613, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment and congratulations on getting your machine. Arthur

[@selenemunro2055]

Awsome vidoe very helpful. And thank you so much for been so open and helpful over the phone.

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Selene, You are WELCOME and Thank you for reaching out to me and for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment. Arthur

[@UriValdez]

I Just bought my tech sew and had an issue with my stitches, this pretty much solved the issue, thanks!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Uriel, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment!! Arthur

[@loriabraham5097]

Thanks again!! your videos are the best : )

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Lori, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for such a kind compliment! Arthur

[@cjEureka]

thanks so much...like you, I was afraid to touch the darn thing...Fear and intimidation is gone.....I am headed to my consew to play with my tension..lol

[@tedhobgood]

VERY helpful! Thank you!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Ted, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment. Arthur

[@JayaPratheesh]

Thank you. Was a very clear demo.

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Mirage, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for you compliment. Arthur

[@Nataswen]

thx you made me a master in 1 day

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello michael don, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos. Arthur

[@caliaga33177]

Great information, thanks!

[@ArthurPorter]

caliaga33177 You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos. Arthur

[@bartrevenge3337]

Thats help me a lot thanks

[@timothyeason4433]

thanks for your time it will help my brother a lot

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Timothy, You are Welcome and Thank you for watching our and for your compliment. Arthur

[@happyprepper4024]

I just had a look, it's a Singer 201K! I hope it will do what I want. I don't want anything with lots of frills or anything, just a simple machine that can handle heavier fabrics.

[@seamsofasoul]

Thank you so much. Just bought a leather machine and trying to control it to have straight line stitches has been challenging.

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Patricia, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, just keep in mind, sewing is just like learning to drive a car, all you are doing is learning how to control your speed and how to stay within your lane, practice makes prefect. Arthur

[@dogbuggy32]

thanks for the good info

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello dogbuggy32, You are WELCOME, I like using the sewing machine because of time, but I really like the look of hand stitching, I would love to see some of the work you are doing. Arthur

[@WandaLopezMySweetZepol]

Hello Arthur, my husband got me the Consew 206RB-5 (the same you are using in this video). This is a true blessing, I have wonderful support from my family. I haven't started using it yet. Still feeling the fear. Must get in there and turn it on. But, first things first. Any suggestion on thread and were to by them at? Plus, any suggestion where I can get inexpensive leather that I can use to practice? I know you have swerved this questions before, sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your time and help.

[@joelm182]

Hi Arthur, why you use more the Claco top bottom walking foot over the Consew 206Rb union feed? Any difference in the walking system or the stitch?. Thanks for your videos I really like the way you do it, they are very well explained and need to say that you have a lot of patience to make the videos the way you do!. I really enjoy them. Thanks!!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Joel, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your compliment, when I first started making these videos, I did not like the Consew, once we put the reducer on the Consew, this is the only machine I use now. Arthur

[@eviltig]

Thanks!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello evilitig, You are WELCOME. Arthur

[@boarhog1979]

As Arthur know the top tension affects the thread on the bottom of what you are sewing, and the bobbin tension affects the top of what you are sewing. Threading the top end properly is critical as well and make sure the thread is coming off your roll of thread properly too..

[@chakda12]

Another great video, thank you Arthur for you're knowledge. Can I ask what tension you set you're machines at when sewing on you're labels to the product? Thanks Regards Rahul

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Rahul, Good to hear from you, I just use what ever tension setting I am using at the time, it always seem to work. Arthur

[@quentinweage2662]

Verry cool man

[@chakda12]

Thanks Arthur!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello chakda12, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos. Arthur

[@kavery645]

Hi Arthur - great advice as usual - so wonderful to gain skills with you! I have an unrelated question I just can't seem to find the answers to - you're the man to help - I'm sure! (smiles) Rivet Removal - I have the nightmare of removing 100s of rivets due to a rivet-meets-humidity rusting debacle - (don't ask) ANYWAY - I had to do it by hand SLOWLY with a pincer plier - cutting off the head of the rivet then squeezing with flat pliers and pulling the stem out - it's taking forever - a fellow leather professional mentioned she had once used a square profile metal tube you can get made up which has holes in it for assorted rivet diameters and apparently you can then place the rivet over this hole - slam it with a mallet or nail and hammer and the rivet falls straight out super easy with no damage to the leather. I can't see anything like this on Ebay or Amazon Etsy or Google and I am wondering if it's imaginary?! Have you ever used such a tool? I'd love to see a demo on how you can remove 2 part / double cap rivets swiftly and safely .... Thanks so much, K

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello K Avery, I wish that I could tell you something that you do not already know, I do no know of a tool for removing the double cap rivets, I use the same process that you are using, some people use a power drill to remove their rivets, if you do find a tool, please let me know. Arthur

[@kavery645]

Thanks Arthur - sigh - it's tough! I have just ordered some unusal pliers from a motor mechanic online store, so if they work out well -I'll send you the link! Best wishes and keep up the good work! K

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello K Avery, Thank you, I would love to see them. Arthur

[@michaelbrundage2058]

Great video! Like your new machine! What covinced you to go with the Consew Consew 206RB-5? I love mine it is a true pleasure using it!

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Michael, Thank you for your compliment, I decided to get the Consew 206RB-5 because I was always recommending this machine and a lot of students that take my class have this machine. Arthur

[@JuJu-rc7hx]

I'm really enjoying your videos. I have a Juki 141NH and have broken my thread takeup spring. Are you able to show how I can replace it?

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Ju Ju, there is a video here on KZbin that will show you how to replace the take up spring, I did a search and there is a number of videos, this is what I type in Juki 141NH THREAD TAKE UP SPRING REPLACEMENT and Sailrite have a great video. Arthur

[@bethanywheaton2706]

Arthur, thank you for tgese videos. I am new to industrial sewing and I want to make my living by sewing Roman Shades, cushions, pillows and boat work. I am about to buy a used mercury m280LS. I don't think I'll be sewing leather anytime soon but wanted to know if I can use this machine for home dec and upholstery work. Thank you

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Bethany, Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, the Mercury M280LS sewing machine would be great for all the thing you want to do including leather if you wanted to. Arthur

[@helengordon6984]

Hello Arthur, We certainly enjoy your helpful videos on industrial sewing machine usage. As we are novice can you please give us some insight as to what needles to use with what weight thread. We have a Sunstar 560 walking foot but no manual so are winging it. How small of a needle and what weight/type of thread can we use for layered cotton with batting sewing?

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Helen, Thank you for watching our videos and for your compliment, I don't know much about fabric, I can tell you, if you are sewing a thick fabric, use a size 16 needle, if you use a thin fabric, use a size 11 or 12 needle, I am use to sewing leather, I always use a size 18 needle, what ever fabric you are using, find out what thread works best with it. Arthur

[@ireland66613]

thank you

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello ireland66613, You are WELCOME. Arthur

[@michaelthompson9127]

Hey Arthur what is the blue tape on your machine used for I seen it on others to thank you

[@tammysampson6965]

Hi Arthur, Great videos:) I'm checking out the videos on your website. I'm hoping you can help narrow down machine choices. I was looking at either a consew 206rb or a chandler 406, but another shop said a consew 205 or yamata 5318 would be better for handbags. He said the 206 was better for upholstery. Now I'm not sure what to get. Do u which one would be better? I've got bags ready and waiting for a better machine. Please help. Thanks again and keep up the great videos:)

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Tammy, Thank you for your compliment, we just the Consew 206RB-5 and I have been very please with it, I think you would be please with it. Arthur

[@rickjames4882]

Hi Mr. Porter, I hope and pray your body is sustaining you during the brutal treatments. If you have the patience and the strength to answer some things for me I would so appreciate it. I have had a Highlead GC0618-1 walking foot machine for some time but have never had the time or health stamina to learn how to use it. I have just two questions really to get me started. Should the bobbin thread be the same thread as the top stitch and what would you suggest is the most efficient way to practice? Love your videos, not to mention the inspiration you've given me to get up and make myself do something. Godspeed my friend

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Rick, I apologize for just now responding to your post, Thank you for your Prayers and your BLESSING and for your compliments, yes the bobbin thread and the top thread should be the same, best way to practice is to get use to sewing thick fabric or some small pieces of leather, one you learn to control the speed you will feel more confident, get in mind, sewing is just like driving a car, you want to control the speed and the what's under the needle. Arthur

[@rickjames4882]

Thank you.

[@dmmdmm5435]

I need zigzag. Is there a machine out there like the 206rb5 that also has a zigzag feature? The closest thing I can find is the sailrite lsz-1 in price. The 206rb5 has a larger thread size and bobbin size than the lsz-1, but no zigzag feature. Thanks

[@karimawilliams9417]

What do you think about using Nylon thread? I make bags and want my bags to be solid , unbreakable , or what do you suggest I should use instead ? I noticed nylon thread can be hard to keep it stable in the bobin

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Karima, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos and for your Blessing!!! Nylon thread have always work for us, that is the only type of thread we use! Arthur,

[@cindymyers9181]

Hi Author, I have been watching your videos and you mentioned in one of them how to throw the timing off, well i did just that. I have not found where you say how to fix the timing. it is a Scolastic machine. I love it and really want it to work again. Also thinking of buying a industrial machine soon to help with bigger projects i have. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Cindy

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Cindy, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, I have no idea of how to re-time a sewing machine, if I have a problem with timing, I would have to take it in to a sewing machine shop. Arthur

[@cindymyers9181]

Thanks Arthur, I almost had it. I think a little more time and effort on my part and i will have it. All the shops close to me in Ohio don't know how to fix timing issues. But i love your instructive videos, I have learned so much.' Thanks Cindy

[@stitchthisditchthat259]

Arthur what if I have to tighten my tension all the way for a nice stitch the thread is so tight I can’t pull my material out unless I grab excess thread from a higher point on the machine

[@loriabraham5097]

Hi Arthur Hope you are doing well I am having trouble with the bottom thread-top thread looks great but bottom thread is a straight line with no breaks. I tightened the bobbin screw every way I could but it's still not looking good. : )Ideas?

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Lori, could you send me a picture of what your machine is doing are we can do faceTime is you have a iphone. Arthur

[@loriabraham5097]

Arthur, I finally got it! I had to keep tightening the bobbin in tiny increments until I got a good result top and bottom.Was very fussy : (

[@jordjosh2]

hello bro arthur its been a while since ive seen you..hope you are doing well....my question is why would my ehread start twisting down by the needle..im using upholstry nylon extra strong thread and using a brother sl 1010-3 industrial machine..im stuck need help..th

[@ourneedtobead]

i Art I really need to see you working with the singer 211, I am have my eye on 1 now. very hopefully will get it, am mostly interested in seeing you do the very slow one stitch ata time then back stitch, please?

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Lesa, Thank you for watching our videos, take a look at our video, "How To Master a Industrial Sewing Machine" and you will see what you are looking for. Arthur

[@sawdust3043]

When sewing leather bags what size of thread do you use?

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Aawdust, Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, with this machine I'm using size 138 thread, what type on machine are you using? Arthur

[@tracyjulianjames]

What type for thread do you use for the sewing machine?

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Tracy, I apologize for just now returning your post, I am using size 69 bonded nylon thread. Arthur

[@selenemunro2055]

hi Arthur my thread is bunching up on the bottom when I saw with a foam. Can you help me plz

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Selene, send me a picture of what it is doing and a picture of how it is threaded, send them to [e-mail] Arthur

[@veroniqueinconnu7944]

hello i have the sewmaq it s new for me, and i have got trouble with the needle my leather has got big hole. what size must we use between 90 and 110 and 120 ? please sorry for my english thanks

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Veronique, Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, we use a size 18 needle, text me a short video of the problem you are having, send it to 214-384-5661 Arthur

[@veroniqueinconnu7944]

thank you for your answer, the number is it a phone number or a IP? best regards, the thread under the leather is not tight, where i must adjusting sewing machine tension?

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Veronique, the number is my cell phone, it sound like you need to tighten your tension by turning to your right, turn a half turn to the right and then take a look at your bottom thread until it look right for you. Arthur

[@robertclark608]

So I'm getting inconsistent thread tension - 10 good stitches, then 3 with top tension too high, then fine and so on. Any ideas?

[@ArthurPorter]

What size thread are you using?

[@robertclark608]

Thanks for replying Arthur!. I think I've sussed it. I had the presser foot tension reduced for a particular job and I now I've tightened that back up, its all good. :)

[@lettherebepiece7184]

Hi Sir first of all nice to here that you are recovering from your cancer hope you are taking it a little easier and your less visits to the Doc`s I hope that`s a good sign, I know this question does not relate to the video so I apologize. I was wondering all the videos I have seen on choosing the correct needle to the thread is very crucial`and match the numbers from the packet to the machine, One thing that FRUSTRATES me is` I never seen a video yet where some one has shown how the numbers relate to the needle as in the measurement scale,I would like to see a video where it is shown what measurement is used and where on the needle they measure,I have a 132k6 it says on the package of needles 214x2RTW and NM 200/25 where on the needle relate to these measurements,And are they measuring in 100th of a millimeter.It boggles me. Would you please help me and others in this matter by writing in the reply to the questions above, All the best and keep that faith with your health.

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello wow dude, Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, let me find some answers to your questions. Arthur

[@lettherebepiece7184]

That would be nice,

[@damonmann2421]

I am 100% new to sewing with a machine I bought a 206rb3 and my top thred keeps catching in my rotary hook what cani do

[@ArthurPorter]

Damon, thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, send me a picture of what your machine is doing? Send it to [e-mail]

[@alisonbartley3201]

Im Looking For a book on a machine Necchi-alco Model a509b2

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Alison, Thank you for watching our videos, trying to find manual for the older machine can be hard, most people did not keep up with these manuals. Arthur

[@conservativetothecor]

Thank you. Now I dont feel so bad. It took me allot longer then you...lol

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello conservativetothecor, You are WELCOME and Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos! Arthur

[@secretagent3764]

Why do you have a blue tape right there on all your machines?

[@ArthurPorter]

Hello Secret Agent, Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos, we use the blue tape as a marker for stitch a 1/2" seam! Arthur

[@brianmaharaj7111]

Yow where the tension spring is it keep slipping out and going behind the silver part and cutting the tread brand new machine

[@ArthurPorter]

Brian, this is my email, [e-mail], email me and I'll give you my cell number, if you are still having this problem, we can find out how to correct the problem! Arthur

[@happyprepper4024]

I just had a look, it's a Singer 201K! I hope it will do what I want. I don't want anything with lots of frills or anything, just a simple machine that can handle heavier fabrics.

[@quentinweage2662]

Verry cool man