How to Get Tension on a Sewing Machine

Sewing machines usually have a pressure regulator dial to adjust the tension of their stitches. If the tension is wrong, the stitches will be uneven and the fabric will pucker, making the finished result unattractive and leaving the seams insecure. To avoid unpicking stitches, and save time and potential damage to your sewing project, check the machine's stitches on a small test piece of fabric and get the tension right before you start.

Things You'll Need

• Sample fabric

Instructions

1. Thread your sewing machine and set the stitch type and length. Sew a line of stitches along your test fabric piece. The sample fabric should have identical layers to your real sewing project

2. Examine the stitches on the top and underneath of the swatch. If the stitches are even in length, lie flat and the loops between the top and bottom threads are almost invisible, the tension is correct. If the stitches are uneven, if you can see the loops and/or the fabric is puckered, the tension will need to be adjusted.

3. If the loops in the stitches are visible on the top of the fabric, fabric is puckered and/or the bottom layer gathers at the machine, the tension is too high. Dial the pressure regulator down to a smaller number, and test again.

4. If the loops in the stitches are on the underneath side of the swatch, there are uneven or missed stitches and/or the machine is pulling the fabric, the tension is too low. Adjust the tension to a higher number, and test again.

5. When your stitches are even, all layers of fabric lay flat and the loops are positioned evenly in the middle of the swatch, you can stitch your actual project.

Tips & Warnings

• Sewing machines usually indicate the tension range for average stitching on the pressure regulator dial. Generally, lightweight fabrics need a lower tension, heavier fabrics and multiple layers require a higher tension.

• If your fabric and threads get tangled in the machine, stop sewing immediately and cut the threads. Continuing to sew will only make it worse and may damage the fabric.