Adjust the Needle Thread Tension for a Straight
Stitch
• Correct tension
q Needle thread (Top thread)
w Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
e To loosen
r To tighten
The ideal straight stitch has threads locked between two
layers of fabric, as illustrated (magnified to show detail).
If you look at the top and bottom of a seam, look to see
that the stitches are evenly balanced.
When adjusting the needle thread tension, the higher the
number, the tighter the top thread tension.
Results depend on:
- stiffness and thickness of the fabric
- number of fabric layers
- type of stitch
• Tension is too tight
q Needle thread (Top thread)
w Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
e To loosen tension
r Right side (Top side) of fabric
t Wrong side (Bottom side) of fabric
The bobbin thread shows through on the right side of
the fabric, and the stitch feels bumpy. Turn the dial to a
lower tension setting number to loosen the needle thread
tension.
• Tension is too loose
q Needle thread (Top thread)
w Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
e To tighten tension
r Right side (Top side) of fabric
t Wrong side (Bottom side) of fabric
The needle thread shows through on the wrong side
of the fabric, and the stitch feels bumpy. Turn the dial to a
higher tension setting number to tighten the needle thread
tension.
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