Please help me! Tension problem.

[BreeVDKamp]

Trying to quilt my first ever quilt. I started yesterday and it was going OK, bit messy but OK! But I've come back to it today and the tension is all messed up (I think).
I don't really understand about tension. I am guessing it's the top tension that is the issue, as the loops are coming through to the right/top side of the quilt, although my bobbin ran out last night which is why I stopped, so it could be to do with the new bobbin?

Will try and attach pics:

First pic (aeroplane): Yesterday's quilting on the actual quilt - OK but not as pillowy as I'd like. Tension was up to about 7 or 8, following an instructional video.

Second pic (corner visible): Tension this morning on a sample (same makeup as actual quilt) - tension set at 4.

Third pic: The best I can get the stitching this morning. Not pillowy at all, and tension is set at 1!!!

So I don't understand because now I have the tension set very low, it's better than when it was higher (4) this morning. Although yesterday it was the highest and most successful yet (7). So maybe it is my bobbin tension??

[BreeVDKamp]

Bumping for the afternoon crowd :)

[StainlessSteelCat]

Try a new needle.

Backstory: had horrendous tension problems on my machine, adjusted it to extremes of range on top and bobbin tension, got thread caught, invented a few new swear words trying to fix it. Spent hours doing a systematic adjustment of top/bobbin tension and testing on scraps.
Then read somewhere (probably here - thank you whoever it was ) that an old needle can cause tension problems. Changed the needle (for first time in years, and after sewing several large curtains!) and it's been fine ever since. I did spend a while after the needle change adjusting tension again, but this time it was fine tuning more in the middle of the ranges, not exploring the outer limits.

[GourmetGold]

Agree ^^ try a new needle, best to replace the needle after every project as it can get blunt and slightly bent quite easily, which will affect the tension.
Also make sure you're using good quality needles and threads, so the needles are nice and sharp and the thread doesn't go 'flakey' which can bung up your machine a bit.
Machine might need a service, the needle bar and bobbin timings might be a bit out (happens gradually to most machines) and need re doing.

[lavendersun]

I don't change my needles after every project unless the new project requires a different needle, never have done, my current needle is 5 months and many projects old, I would give it a try but keep the old one as you might just be wasting it. If I had a problem I would change it but I wouldn't change it for the sake of it.

Do you have the manual? I would change the needle, re-wind the bobbin and re thread the whole thing, top and bottom. Set the tension normally and give it a go. The manual should help you to identify the issue.

I helped a friend who was completely stuck with her machine recently, by doing as above and then adjusting the tiny screw next to the bobbin.

You can probably find the manual or a guide on fixing problems online.

[BreeVDKamp]

Ooh fab,, I would never have thought it could be to do with the needle! I have never changed the needle but my machine hasn't had much use, think I've only made cushion covers before now, so don't think it will need a service yet. But will keep it in mind!

Will try changing the needle and rethreading everything tomorrow :) thanks!

[BreeVDKamp]

Sorted!! Think I'd inserted my bobbin wrong, but changed the needle too. Wahoo! Thanks all!

[lavendersun]

Great news.