How do I set the tension on my sewing machine? Once I do that, how do I put in the bobbin?
I haven't used a sewing machine in 30 years.
If yours is a normal (not too complicated and electronic) machine, the tension is a knob not too far from the needle. On most machines, it's on the vertical bit just above and to the right of the needle. Some have it in a slightly different place, but it should always be where the thread can go through it on its way to the needle. It has numbers 0-9 on it and should have some kind of marking around 4-5-6. Most of the time, set your tension to 5 (or sometimes 4 or 6.) Set the knob to 5 to start with. Once you've got the machine running, sew a seam across a small sample piece of material something like what you'll be working with. Look at the stitches on the front. They should be even and have the teensiest little gap between them, if you look closely. Look at the stitches on the back. They should look just like the ones on the front. If the thread makes a straight line on the top -- and doesn't look like it's going through the fabric at all, loosen the tension half a number. If there's the straight line on the bottom, tighten it half a number. Then try again, adjusting it until it's just right.
Putting the bobbin in varies from machine to machine.
If the bobbin sits in a little metal case behind a door on the front of the machine, down near the needle, pull out the metal case by the flap on the front of it. Put the bobbin into the case. Pull the thread through the funny-looking little gadget that overlaps the slit in the side of the case. Hold onto the flap and pop the case (with bobbin) into the machine. Let go of the flap and poke the case to make sure it's sitting properly. Using the hand-roller on the far end of the machine, dip the needle down into the bobbin area and keep rolling until it comes back up. Grab the thread and pull both top and bobbin thread up through the hole. Close the bobbin door and begin sewing.
IF, however, your bobbin sits horizontally just behind or in front of the needle, drop it into the area and pull the thread through the little slot on the side of the case. Some machines have a little arrow that tells you which direction the thread should come off the bobbin. If there's not one, it probably doesn't matter. Run the needle down through the bobbin area as I've described above. Slide the cover back on and start sewing.
Feel free to email me with specific questions about your machine. I don't promise I'll know, of course, but I have used an awful lot of different machines in my time so there's a good chance I've seen and used one like yours. Click on the name under my avatar for an email link.
Understanding Bobbin Tension
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TENSION SPRING F/ BOBBIN CASE 125291 #125293 $3.71 |
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UNION SPECIAL 51300,56300 TENSION EYELET PART #51292D $11.85 |
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UNION SPECIAL 51300,56300 TENSION REG. NUT PART #51292C $4.90 |
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UNION SPECIAL 51300,56300 TENSION DISC PART #109D $4.90 |
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UNION SPECIAL 51300,56300 TENSION COMPLETE PART #USCT50 $24.85 |
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UNION SPECIAL 51300,56300 TENSION POST PART #51292G $5.90 |
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UNION SPECIAL 51300,56300 TENSION SPRING PART #51292F-1 $3.94 |
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Singer Featherweight Belt 201,221, 222, 22K Bobbin Winder Tension $5.95 |
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Singer Thread Tension Check Spring for 2pcs.66774 $8.95 |
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Exclusive Sunbeam Compact Sewing Machine By Smartek USA $95.00 The Sunbeam sewing machine is ideal for all your sewing and hemming needs. it's easy to set up and use. It can be operated using the foot pedal or sewing lever on the front of the machine. this SB1800 model has a reverse sewing button, thread cutter, built-in free arm, built in storage drawer, LED light, and an automatic button winder helps this powerhouse perform like a full size sewing machine.... |
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Vintage INSTRUCTION MANUAL for use and care of ELECTRIC SEWING MACHINE with EZ-ADJUST STITCH SELECTOR Undated but looks to be an early electric model. Maker not specified. Multi-page with comprehensive parts list and illustration of parts (B-1002) "Welcome to the growing family of happy owners of the new E-Z Adjust Stitch regulator sewing machine". Features: large E-Z-Adjust dial stitch-length inalcator. Built-in Sewlight, Instant Reverse-Sewing by just flicking a lever, Drop-Feed, Built-In Darner, Numbered thread Tension Dial, Automatic Bobbin Winder, Hinged Presser Foot, Automatic Tension Release, Notched Shittle Hook, and Snap-Out Race. ... |