Thread tension on sewing machine.

[Rinkydinkypink]

Before I lose the plot

Inherited a sewing machine. I know the basics but no matter what I do I cannot get the thread tension right!

I'm sewing basic sheet cotton/polyester (cot duvet)

[Rinkydinkypink]

Sorry sent too soon


The bottom spool thread is always slightly loose or baggy. The top thread tension will not tighten. I've changed the threads in both, been trough most of the tension setting (onto my 3rd hour ffs) yet on the odd occasion it works I get maybe 6 inches of sewing before either the bottom thread breaks, the top tension goes to tight or the back starts to bunch up.

Please help

[Orangeanddemons]

I would get it serviced. Sounds like more than a basic tension issue to me

[Pikkewyn]

Have you tried a new bobbin? Or rewound the one you have in? Is your bobbin in the right way? The thread should be on the left, my sewing teacher said the bobbin should make an 'e' not a 'g'.

[Orangeanddemons]

Are you sure it's threaded up right?

[Rinkydinkypink]

I'm so pleased people have answered thank you!

Machine is definitely threaded properly! I've changed the bobbin and thread on it as it would have been old. I've tried different fabrics. I've replaced the needle.

I'm now reaching for the because I'm stressed. This is supposed to be my new fun hobby

[Moreisnnogedag]

Is the lower bobbin in a case? If so, you should be able to drop it holding on to the thread (like you would a yo-yo) with a bit of thread released. It shouldn't fall all the way done nor should no extra thread come out.

What machine is it?

[MrsPnut]

I second having it serviced, I paid about £55 for mine to be done and it is like I have a new machine. Mine had problems with the shuttle and they sorted it all out.

[Rinkydinkypink]

It's called a Frister-Rossman. The thread runs out the bobbin freely but if I hold only the thread when in the spool there is little tension it just runs.

[Rinkydinkypink]

£55 oh heck! I'm so broke

[Janek]

I think you need to tighten the screw on the bobbin hoder then. According to my instruction booklet it should just need tightening a little bit.

[Jellykat]

I 2nd what Janek says, try tightening the bobbin case a smidgen.

My machine can do this if i sew a lot of felt type fabrics, turn the machine off, and unplug.. if you can take the needle out and unscrew the foot plate, have a look, is there a lot of fluff build up, particularly around the teeth? This can be lifted out using a small paintbrush and tweezers, then give it a blow to get rid of any remaining dusty bits.

[Rinkydinkypink]

What kind of tension do I need from the bobbin? Is there a test?

[Moreisnnogedag]

unbelievably there's a YouTube video

[Janek]

What does sewing caps mean?!?

[Rinkydinkypink]

Thanks for the video! I've found all sorts on YouTube. According to this my bobbin doesn't have any tension!

Also found a how to service/oil my machine

Guess what I'm doing at nap time this week!

[Moreisnnogedag]

Ah yes the wonders of YouTube!! I taught myself to knit via YouTube

[Rinkydinkypink]

Ladies, ladies, ladies

It's flipping well working !!!!

Took 2 hours of taking apart, cleaning, oiling tension on lower bobbin was terrible so I've changed it and it works like a dream

Neat lovely stitches!!!

[ClapAlongIfYouLike]

Well done you!!! Sounds like you saved yourself £55!

[u32ng]

Hooray!! Happy sewing!