Sewing Tension Guide | Seams Too True EP 10

Figuring out how to adjust your sewing tension can be tricky. It's one of the most common issues that most people complain of. By definition, thread tension is the amount of thread that passes through the sewing machine to create each stitch. The more thread that passes for a stitch, the looser the stitch (and vice versa).

The bottom tension is typically factory set, so for the most part you would adjust the top dial which controls the top tension.

The ideal setting is one where the top and bottom thread meet in the middle of the fabric.

Here's a brief guide on general tension settings for different fabrics:
• Thick Fabrics: 4-5; higher tension so you can pull the bottom thread up more to meet in the middle
• Denim: 4-6; depending on the weight
• Polyester: 4
• Lightweight Fabrics: 2-4; start at 4 and adjust accordingly... lower tension so the top thread meets the bottom thread at a lower point
• Cotton: 3-4
• Stretchy Fabric: 2-3

Always cut a sample swatch and test you stitch before starting on your project.

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[eileenmc]

I like your minimalistic, succinct, common sense frugal instruction so new sewers including youth and males can succeed this hobby, life skill or future side business. You the man!

[PhotoWix]

You have the BEST fast, focused tutorials on sewing - thank you!!!

[bobgramatges]

i've been looking for a video that explains sewing tension for beginners. thanks for sharing! sewing machine settings are always a challenge for me. 👍

[danielmenjivar]

Great video for beginners!

When setting the correct tension before sewing, I find it’s much more important to consider the thread thickness and strength than the fabric thickness or weight.

Sewing with sew-all (Tex 27 or 30) thread followed by heavier topstitching (Tex 80-100) thread will always require a tension adjustment. And oftentimes with topstitching (especially using domestic machines), you’ll see people use a light Tex 27 thread in the bobbin and a heavy Tex 80 thread in the needle, which requires further adjustment.

The important thing is to always test, test, test using a scrap of the same fabric and layers.

One last thing: when sewing decorative stitching on leather or labels on almost anything, you’ll frequently see the needle thread showing below (low needle tension) on purpose, since it can give the appearance of “neater” or cleaner stitches on top.

[jerryrichards]

I have a fine collection of Booni hats having everyone still from when I started back in 77.
Many designs from around the world.

[mynameisrob_co_uk]

Thank you, I have just watched 3 videos from other people that didn’t help and you have explained fabric tension clearly so I get in now and don’t what to loose me temper with the sewing machine anymore, cheers :)

[andresoupe]

Bro, no cap your videos took my sewing to another level. Keep going!

[gummibearzrule]

Ive been sewing everyday for like three years straight but I could never wrap my head around tension. Thank you for this video!!!

[queenlucy]

I love watching your videos, it seems like you’re the only person to get into the mechanics of sewing and sewing machines and you just make everything make sense! This helps me by making informed decisions on how to do things.

[GirlJustDIY]

Thank you! I've never sewn denim before and was struggling with the tension until I found your video. 🎉

[masavanabarber]

Everytime i have a question in mind, you come up with a video. Thanks ALOT fam 🌴

[irishamerican]

What an awesome slow & easy to understand explanation.

[CatherineSews]

Your videos always give such a clear explanation. Thanks!

[bccabernet]

This was straightforward, which I appreciate. I've owned my sewing machine since 1990 and never touched my tension. I have a Husqvarna Optima 630 and you select the dial for the stitch you desire, it gives you your tension number. For straight and zigzag stitching, it says 6 and it's stayed there since I purchased the machine. I had no idea your tension should adjust to your fabric (I took HS sewing and the rest self-taught). I will definitely do a test square on my fabrics before I start sewing them. TY.

[wembleysmama]

Omg! I’ve always just been wiggling the dial one way or the other and seeing what works! This perfectly explains which way to go! Why does no one tell you this stuff when you start sewing?

[scpatlnow]

I've started quilting on my Grandmothers Featherweight 221 a couple of years ago and when you are doing that, the tension is very important. I made both of those mistakes when I first started. It's a little harder on a featherweight, but same principal.

[geaninastoica]

I just discovered your channel and even though I watched tons of videos before yours, I'm already learning new things from you :)
What I would really love to understand in the future is which thread to use for which material and also which needle. My needle always breaks and the thread tangles when I saw and it's so frustrating. I even sent my sewing machine in service and it turns out that I am the problem, not the machine. 😂

[MisterComment]

Perfekt timing because I just finished a project in spite of the problems with tension I had

[CarmelCallan]

Thank you so much for getting straight to the point, I am definitely subscribing

[MissPlaced]

You can adjust the bottom tension by tightening/loosening a screw on the bobbin case. It's rarely needed, but sometimes it comes loose over time or certain threads need a different amount of tension. If you have a removable bobbin case, you can tell if it's too tight or loose by putting a bobbin in and holding it by the end of the string. If the bobbin starts falling to the floor while held still it's too loose, if it won't budge when you jerk it upwards it's too tight.