sewing cape town
Can the tension mechanism on sewing machine break?
So I am having trouble with my sewing machine. I am pretty much self taught and mostly make it up as I go along but manage to turn out some pretty decent projects. My last project, my son's batman cape for halloween turned into a disaster. Been cleaning it, trying to figure out whats wrong. Right now the thread on the top of the fabric is loose the bottom thread is loopy loose. The stitch pulls out with little effort. I can sew on tension setting 1 or 9 with the same result. However, if I hold the spool of thread, applying external tension, the stitch is much better. Any tips? I live in a small remote town and the only sew & vac repair shop in town is not keeping normal hours, as in he is never there. So I'd like to fix it on my own if I can before loading it up and taking it to the big city for a fix.
Yes, but... it's usually user error or lint. First, is the thread you're using thicker than 60% of the width of the sewing machine needle? If so, switch to standard dressmaker weight thread and a size 80/12 needle while we're testing. (Thread that's too thick for the needle acts like there's no tension).
Before you do anything else, unthread the top completely, set the top tension to 4 (normal tension for most fabrics, most stitches is somewhere between 3 and 5) and rethread from scratch, with the presser foot UP. When the presser foot is raised, the upper tension automagically opens, allowing the thread in between the tension disks. Drop the presser foot so the thread is tensioned and sew again.
Didn't fix it? Second try: vacuum all the lint out of your machine you can, especially around the tension area. Rethread as above and try again.
Still no joy?
Wet a well-laundered cotton cloth (bandanna, pillowcase hem, something similar) with rubbing alcohol or unflavored vodka. Raise the presser foot to open the tension and "floss" with the alcohol dampened fold of fabric between the tension disks. Dry by flossing with a fold of dry fabric and try a trial stitching again.
Still no joy? Take a piece of sewing thread about a foot long, and tie about 5 knots in the middle of it, spaced an inch or so apart. Nothing fancy, just the sort of overhand knot you use to start tying
a shoelace. Dip the thread in alcohol and floss between the tension disks again.
Nada? At this point, it's probably going to require a trip to the shop, as it sounds like parts would be needed.
FWIW, I did some sample stitchings on a machine that was in good running order, and then made it act up by misthreading or poor seam starting. Pictures are in pairs, upper side of the fabric, then the lower side. Red thread in the bobbin, blue on top. See if you find some matches:
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/22521551
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Vintage 1928 Flapper Town Dress~Cape Dress SEWING PATTERN Retro! 6-12 UC $19.50 |
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Vintage 1928 Flapper Town Dress~Cape Dress SEWING PATTERN Retro! 6-12 UC $19.50 |
sewing cape town
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