Problems using heavier thread & a little story

I have had the same difficulty, no matter what size needle I used I could not get the heavy duty thread to feed properly through the needle, and no fiddling with the tension improved matters.

My solution was to use the heavy-duty topstitching thread on the

*bobbin only*, then *loosen* the bobbin tension (turn that tiny screw on the front of the bobbin case 1/2 turn *counter clockwise*), and use regular thread in the needle, but *tighten* the needle tension to 6-7. Test on scraps, to get the right combination of tension.

I stitch jeans hems with the wrong side uppermost (so I can see the edge of the hem), so the bobbin thread is on the *outside* of the hem. If you sew the hem with the outside uppermost, you would want to reverse/ignore these instructions. Remember when you are done to re-set the bobbin tension to normal.

HTH,

Beverly

You may have a combination of needle and thread problems:

Use a size 90 or 100 Jeans needle Use ordinary thread in the bobbin Use a longer than normal stitch - 4-5 to the inch Adjust the upper tension to get a balanced stitch

Way to go! :) From novice to expert, and now to sewing machine rescuer in two 7-league boot strides! Well done you! :D :D

The thread is too heavy for the machine. You can try over tightening the top tension to maybe 9 but it is a clearance problem. See the thread has to pass through very tiny areas and if to thick will hang up.

That'd be pretty heavy for my old 301.... I'd use it on the bobbin, if anything. A couple of possibilities: a jeans or embroidery or quilting needle (all slightly different eye lengths and points), size 90-100. Or try threading with two spools of ordinary thread. Lengthen the stitches to 4-6/inch.

I decided to use plain old thread, I was spending way too much time on a $14.99 pair of jeans! Thank you all for your suggestions and tips. I have NEVER adjusted the bobbin tension and am scared to death to touch that screw! I do sew the hems with the wrong side uppermost, so I can see where I'm going. To make matters worse, the jeans have a "touch" of lycra, which makes the task even stickier. Jeans are done, in the washer. Until next time.....

LOL! It's not going to bite you. ;-> If you turn it a "quarter turn" one direction, all you have to do is remember to turn it a quarter turn back when you want to return to the original setting. Left is *loosen*, right is *tighten*. Really, sometimes adjusting the bobbin tension is the only thing which works.

Congrats!

Beverly

One suggestion that comes up is to get an extra bobbin case and adjust the tension. Mark the bobbin cases with nail polish. So you can just switch bobbin cases when you need the looser tension, with no fear of messing up the original. Of course this only worth while for something you will be doing from time to time.

Joy