Instructions for a Sewing Machine Tension Adjustment

Adjust your thread tension to perfect your project.

The amount of resistance on the thread as it flows through your sewing machine is the tension. When the tension isn't properly adjusted, your stitches can end up being too tight and the fabric puckers, or too loose, and you get loops of thread instead of neat stitches. Changing fabric, thread or stitching styles can all cause tension problems and tension problems will always affect the outcome of your project.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap fabric
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Test your machine by grabbing a piece of scrap fabric and sewing a test seam. For best results, test with the same fabric and thread you're using for your project.

2. Remove the fabric and examine the stitching. If your test fabric is puckered or there are loops of thread on the top or bottom, your machine needs to be adjusted.

3. Check to make sure your bobbin is filled correctly, your machine is properly threaded, clean, not damaged, and you're using the right needle and thread for your fabric choice before adjusting tension. If any of these things are off, fix the problem and sew another test seam on your scrap fabric.

4. Locate the upper tension regulator, which looks like a knob with numbers on it and is usually located on the front of the machine. If there are loops on the top thread on your test fabric, the tension needs to be increased. If there are loops on the bottom thread of your test fabric, the tension needs to be decreased. If the top thread is causing puckering in your test fabric, the tension needs to be decreased whereas if the bottom thread is causing puckering in your test fabric, the tension needs to be increased.

   Test the machine by sewing a seam on your scrap fabric. Check the seam to see if it's correct. If it's not, adjust the tension knob and repeat this process. When the tension is set right the stitches should be even and identical on the top and bottom of the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Increasing the number on the tension dial will increase tension while decreasing the number on the tension dial will decrease tension.

• Never be afraid to consult your user's manual.

References

• Threads Magazine: Understanding Thread Tension
• Fix Sewing Machines: How to Adjust Tensions
• Sew USA: Thread Tension Settings