Sewing Machine Thread Tension - Updated

Learn how to correct thread tension so that your stitches come out perfect no matter the type of fabric you're sewing with. This tutorial shows you how to adjust upper and lower thread tension to solve your stitching woes.


Sewing machine used was provided by Spiegel.

[whitemagehealing]

This is the ONLY place I have seen someone show me what is happening using two different color threads and explain the different scenarios. Most places just say, "your tension is too tight or loose", when I'm trying to look up why I keep getting tangles. So, I always ended thinking, "Well which one is it!? Loose or tight?!" This video very clearly showed me what each means and how to fix it! Thank you so much!

[opheliamaples]

I've been hand-sewing for years and have bought myself a sewing machine to speed things up, but the thread tension issue has been driving me bonkers! Thank you for the video. I was about ready to throw my machine out the window 😅

[TisEyerish]

Thank you...this was a wonderful tutorial! I am 73 and have been hand-sewing since age 6, and using a sewing machine since age 12. I'm sure you can appreciate how many different types and models I've used during the course of my life, but you have taught me things in this video that I never knew. For example, I never knew there was a little spring looking part on the front-loading bobbins that the thread should go through! My mother never showed me that! She made just about every dress my sister and I wore when we were kids...and girls wore dresses more than pants back in those days! I now have a somewhat computerized machine in that it offers 60 different built-in stitches but I am unable to program it. I have been having a lot of difficulty with the upper tension (it is a top loading bobbin, so I now know I don't need to worry about it, thanks to you :) ) Watching this tutorial once had me adjusting it in the blink of an eye. So, again....thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[emmielou]

OMG! I am starting to sew again after approximately 40 years and couldn't get my old, but barely used Husky Viking to zigzag. You showed the exact issue I was having and I fixed it! I couldn't believe it because tension is such a major sewing issue. Now I may also dust off my beloved Singer 201! Thank you!

[brettepruitt]

This is the best tutorial I’ve found on tension. This is my #1 aggravation concerning my machine. I had stitching problems about 2 years ago, tried to fix it myself and ended up taking it to a repair shop. I brought the machine home and it still wasn’t fixed, I took it back, and it was finally fixed, The repair cost $100,

Now, I’m having the same problems all over again. If I can’t fix it myself this time, I’m getting a new machine. The one I have is around 50 years old, not worth putting another $100 into it. So, here goes!

[kyliedehaven]

Thank you so much!!! I am currently in China working on a Chinese sewing machine where I can't read the manual, so most of my issues have been solved up to trial and error at this point. It was super helpful seeing the way wrong stitches looked, so that I could diagnose my problem visually. Didn't really even know what tension on a sewing machine was until this point, so thank you from a previously frustrated, novice sewer!! <3

[dingusmcscrungophd]

I've been sewing for years, self taught, and I had no idea you could adjust the bobin tension!

[fatemafaith]

I keep coming back to this video whenever I have tension problems. Thanks a lot, it’s the best and most informative video on YouTube

[Tigris]

Oh my goodness where has this been all my life. This is an amazing explanation. I’ve avoiding my sewing machine for YEARS because I’m still intimidated by the troubleshooting— but this gives me simple variables to work with and a basic direction to go!! Thank you so much!!

[missourisusan]

Follow her instructions exactly-different color threads on top and bottom and zig zag sew. She shows examples so I could match my problem with a solution. Easy instructions and it fixed my problem that I have fussed with for months. The tech was of no help. The gals at the store were no help. The very expensive sewing machine web site was of no help...but this magic video solved it. THANKS SO MUCH!!!

[evertwirl]

This video was a God send. I bought a used machine and I was getting so frustrated with my top and bottom side of fabric stitching not being the same. I loosened the screw on the side of my bobbin case (as suggested in video) and viola problem fixed! Thank you! Thank you!

[janetleeharrison]

About to tackle machine hemming three pairs of jeans for the first time. I don't use my machine because nobody has ever explained thread tension to me clearly. Now I'm excited to give my sewing machine another go. Fingers crossed I get the tension figured out. If so, I will be sewing all of the projects I have piled up in the clothes basket in my closet! Thanks for the thorough explanation - just subscribed! 🥰

[georgedennison]

This is the most complete explanation of thread tension, adjustment and the mechanisms involved I have ever seen.

Your descriptions & techniques are clear, and easily understood.

I think you are the only one who might be able to answer a couple of more advanced tension related questions I have.

I have an early model Viking which my mom used for many years, and I inherited. I worked and maintained her machines for many years. I started when I was still in my teens, (I'm now 63).

1. A problem I have occasionally is when I switch from straight stitch to zig zag, or from zig zag to straight. I would say about 30-40% of the time, when I switch stitches, I end up with a tangled bottom thread. As long as I have the tensions adjusted correctly for the thread and fabric I'm using, I don't have any problems, with 'birds nests'. But, I can have the tensions dialed in perfectly, and still occasionally have the problem when switching between stitch types.

Is it an occasional problem because I don't have tensions as perfect as I think? IE: too loose for one stitch, and correct for the other?

2. I sew very little 'conventional' material. I use the machine mostly for upholstery sewing, but the project I'm working on right now is polyethylene tarps. I've always been able to heat weld them in the past, but the new tarps I bought for a large project just will NOT weld, so I am sewing them.

As with many things I sew, there isn't a lot of reference info for what I'm doing. The poly tarps actually sew quite well, but I would like to tighten up the stitching more than it presently is. Can I force the machine to sew a slightly tighter stitch by adjusting the bobbin slightly tighter, then adjust the top tension a bit tighter to compensate?

I can, and will experiment with this, but I'd like to double check my thinking on this, before I invest a bunch of time experimenting, (it's not the time of year to delay tarping projects; it's only going to rain more, not less, at this time of the year.)

Thanks,

GeoD

[MissIsobell]

Thank you for this! My zig zag stitches were going wrong but I couldn't work out how to trouble shoot it right. I now know it's the bottom tension that's causing problems!

[pamholland]

Thank you for posting this. I've been sewing for many years but, never understood how the tension worked and always dreaded having to adjust the tension. This is very helpful.

[ellahandy]

THANK YOU SO MUCH you have SAVED my sewing machine! I felt like smashing it on the ground, it kept getting caught up or the top thread was too tight and the bobbin thread was way too loose. It looked HORRIBLE. But thanks to your video, all is well! I didn't even know you could adjust the bobbin tension, turns out that was my problem.

[carolseverson]

I was desperate I had this huge project and couldn't figure out why my tension was off and I couldn't seem to fix it you are a big help thank you so much

[ArtGirlJan]

Bless you!!! That’s the first time I have ever heard of adjusting the tension on the actual bobbin. That fixed it!

[prettyrainbows]

Intimidating it is not, maddening it is. I've been at it for months trying to get this sewing machine to sew nice even stitches lets see if this video helps

[SheenfulLife]

Omg thank you so much! I was stuck for so long as why my zig zag stitch was not working. You are the best!