Thread tension

Yeppers, turn the tension dial down to a lower number.

Candide

Probably. It *could* mean that the bobbin tension is too loose, but since the upper tension is usually much easier to fiddle with I'd adjust that first. Set it to a lower number and test. Also, it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, make sure the thread path is clean including cleaning(flossing) between the tension disks. And if you haven't changed the needle in a long time, put in a new needle....

Beverly

Yup: slacken it off a little. If you find you have to slacken it off a LOT then your bobbin tension may be too tight and need a VERY TINY adjustment.

Meanwhile, hit the library! :)

That's a new one to me, thanks!

For the threading diagrams, the full URL is:

site also has manuals: and another goodie worthy of keeping in the files:> home.howstuffworks.com Full URL:

info, Cea, thanks! Beverly

I can use all the "goes without saying" stuff you can throw on me.

Be careful what you wish for...

;->

Beverly, a veritable font of unasked for answers (just ask my DDs)

IIRC he is a real beginning with nobody to help him (I would, but he's just a skosh too far away from me to make it easy) and he *does* need all the "goes without saying" stuff so he can assimilate it.

Dear Duh,

Along with all of the great advice you've gotten here, I'm going to give you one from my experience of teaching for umpteen years. LEAVE THE TENSION ALONE!!! It is very rare that that's the problem, and once you've fiddled with it, it takes infinite calm and patience to restore it to working order. Newbies always assume that it's the machine at fault, and start messing with it, rather than looking at the manual and finding out it was something really simple like rethreading or cleaning.

Teri

yeah, I have made my own shirts for years, dress shirt and sports, but this is new territory. Not much variability in shirting fabrics. Still got a sueded tencel shirt half finished around here somewhere.

Dwight (duh or taunto)