Trying to get a good proper straight stitch on both sides

Yes, adjust the needle tension *tighter*. If that has already been done, then the bobbin tension is too loose, check your manual for the procedure to loosen the bobbin tension.

If all else fails:

1. clean the entire thread path, including between the tension disks, and remove and clean around the bobbin area
2. rethread from scratch
3. install a NEW needle
4. clean, oil and lubricate according to the manual instructions
5. test using different thread

HTH,

Beverly

Nooooo, that would indicate that the bobbin tension is to

stitch

is

The bottom thread has more tension than the top thread.

Therefore, there are two ways to solve this problem. Either, decrease the bobbin thread tension *OR* increase the top thread tension. Either choice will solve this problem for that fabric and for that thread being used.

IMHO ... I reccomend that you adjust the top tension to your middle setting (eg. 5 out of 10, 2 out of 4 etc. ) then run the sewing test again.

If the lock knots are on the bottom then loosen the bobbin thread tension. If the lock knots are on top then tighten the bobbin thread tension. Of course ideally you want equal looking knots on both sides.

If the tension adjustments are not making any changes then you may be using to heavy a thread or the wrong size needle etc.

hth robb

You're welcome, good luck. Fine pictures by the way, makes diagnosing the problem much easier.

Beverly

By the way, in case you have not seen it before, there is an excellent animation about halfway down this page, showing how the stitch is formed:

Testing with different colors in top and bottom will answer the question instantly.

Joy Beeson

I replaced my existing needle with a new sharper topstitch (130 N,

Good for you! And you're welcome. ;-)

Beverly

It doesn't look (to me at least) that the needle is going into, and out of, the same hole...

Try taking OUT the thread (lower and upper) and stitch on a piece of plain, white paper. The needle will produce a series of holes in the paper.

Now examine the holes.

Are the holes evenly spaced and quite round, or are they elongated looking?

-Irene

Duh...of course it is going in and out of the same hole :) sorry about that...brain drain today!

What I MEANT was, it looks like the needle is not cleanly coming out of the hole...it's stretching it out.

Sorry about that...long day, getting over the flu, and it's snowing!

-Irene