how can i get my sewing maching tension to work properly?

Question

It is an old Singer Stylemate and whenever I take it in to have it adjusted, it messes up within one project. Essentially, the tension gets too tight even though I have it on the most loose setting. I have changed the needle, played with the tension on scraps of fabric and then just sewn with the problem but have to rethread it every 6 inches or so because the thread keeps breaking. Whenever I take it in, the repair people always try to talk me into purchasing a new machine but they are so expensive! What should I do?

Answer 1

I'm afraid you really do need a new machine. I had the same problem, and it was very difficult for me. I finally sold off several of my costumes, and a couple of quilts, and bought a new one.

It worked so well, that I have since made several more quilts and some throw pillows, and a whole bunch of new costumes, which sold real fast, since I was so happy with the way the new machine works, it showed in my designs.

Answer 2

Do you clean and oil your machine regularly. Some ppl overlook this basic requirement. It's like a car or any other machine. It has moving parts which must be kept oiled and free from dirt and debris.
The first thing to check is under the feed dogs. Is there "fabric lint" in there.. sweep/blow it out. That fabric lint can play havoc with your tension around the bobbin and in fact bind up the thread from the upper feed.
Next I would check to see if you are threading in the wrong direction around the tension wheels. If you are going in the wrong direction the thread will just get jammed in there causing tension and the thread to break.
There is a tension screw on the bobbin case as well. If that's too tight the thread will just break. Get a wee screw driver suitable for eyeglasses or if you are near one go to a sewing supply place and get the a wee screwdriver and ajust that screw until the thread can move rather more easily around the bobbin case.
You also might have the bobbin case threaded incorrectly.
Do you have a manual. There are old manuals available from suppliers. Just ask them to order one in for your machine model. I did that for an old Pfaff machine and found that in fact I was threading the thing the wrong way. I had bought it second hand and no manual was included. It was worth the investment to buy the manual.
There isn't really that much that can go wrong with a sewing machine. It's usually operator finger trouble.. but mainly dust and threading would be the things to watch.

Answer 3

When thread breaks it's one of three things, thread (use the best quality, no five spools for a dollar), needle (use the right needle for the job and change the needle often, I change mine after about 5 to 8 hours of sewing at the most), and the tension (your tension disk may need cleaning, use cotton thread dampened with alcohol and run it on both sides of the tension disk. The alcohol evaporates quickly). Of course make sure your machine on top and the bobbin are threaded correctly.

I would suggest if you bought another machine you go for a quality secondhand machine rather than a cheap machine. It also sounds to me that where you are having it serviced is not the best of places. I agree with another person that said they should have you sit down and thread the machine in front of them and then watch you sew for a bit to watch how the problem keeps happening.

I also would say never touch your bobbin case. Treat it with tender loving care. Bobbins are set at the factory and once you play with them you can mess them up forever. People that do a lot of bobbin work buy second bobbins they can play with because they know better than to ever mess with the bobbin set by the machine maker.

I have been sewing for about 45 years and I personally would never buy a cheap machine and I would buy a good second hand machine from a reputable sewing store who will back up what he sells.

Answer 4

Pull the bobbin thread slowly and see if it comes off easily or spins and jumps off.
Adjust bobbin tension of the bobbin with the tiny screw on the case.

If there is no problem and it pulls evenly, turn the bobbin around, it may be in the opposite way it needs to come out

If this doesn't help and you will know right away, the bobbin thread will become a knot underneath,then try:
Lower the needle to the down position.
Adjust the tension wheel on the machine to 0. Then slowwly turn it to the number you think it should be and stitch a few inches each time you adjust the number go back to the down position and zero.

Look at the way you have threaded the machine, the tiny wire around the tension wheel, is it catching the thread and taking up the tension?
If it is almost perfect but just a little off, drop a drop of oil directly on the tension wheel and take up spring, there may be some fuzz or lint build up.

Take a soft makeup brush to the bobbin case after each project, lint can get trapped there and cause jumping and knotting and
QUIT taking it back to someone who will charge you to fix it but not educate you so you can do it yourself. Sure they want to sell you something.
If you do buy a machine go to wal-mart but not to someone who will directly benefit from your frustration.

Answer 5

A lot of Singers, as well as the cheap-o brands found at WalMart and Joann's have spring tensions that suffer metal fatigue after a lot of use and will not hold tension. The repair place is correct in suggesting you buy a new machine.

Get an older machine if you don't have the cash and do some research. Ask a bunch of different shops what they think and decide which brand will work for you. Another cheap machine is only going to break again and again.

Answer 6

Have you discussed this with the repair folks? Have them watch you thread the machine and see if you are doing something wrong. There are several things that can be broken, but they should be letting you know about it. You should think about a new machine because you've already probably spent as much as it would cost for a new machine. They sell at costco for under $200, or at Jo-ann's. My New Home sewing machine was about 350 at our local dealership and it came with free lessons. Then I learned to use all of the features and change the machine to different settings.

Answer 7

Hi Joanie,

Your problem is the exact same as mine. I opened your question hoping to find an answer. My friend borrowed mine last winter to sew a zipper in a coat and every since then my tension is a mess. I have done everything I know to do to it and nothing works. I've never had this problem before. I haven't taken mine in to be looked at because I really don't use it much but, when I need it, it's not there for me.

Good Luck with an answer. I'm going to post your question on my Watch List. Maybe I'll learn something new.

Have a good day!

Answer 8

Well it sounds like That would be a serious problem right there wouldnt it. How long have you been sewing for and You might be threading it wrong. But i doubt it. It sounds like the tension control might be busted. Have you tried adjusting the Tension switch thingy? Cuz i used to sew and embroider. So try messing around with the Tension knob thing.

Answer 9

have you tried oiling your machine? They have oil at Walmart for under $10. Oil fixed my machine and the thread doesn't snap anymore. It took quite a bit of oil, though. But my machine works and I'm happy.

Answer 10

It does sound like yours is worn out. Check out Freecycle.org in your area and see if anything comes up. It's free stuff and you can post a wanted item for a sewing machine.