How do I even out the tension on my Janome MC 4800? I have tried altering the auto tension, etc but nada! help

Question

The top stitch looks like a long line of cotton on top of the fabric, ie: the bobbin stitch is not pulling it under enough ... I have tried taking it off the auto tension and adjusting it manually but nothing. I have tried rethreading, changing the needle, cleaning the bobbin case, etc but nothing appears to be making a difference ... have I missed something obvious? I had it serviced recently in the uk but now live in Spain and can't find anywhere here that services sewing machines, I live between Alicante and Valencia. Can anyone help, I am really desperate as I need the machine for my business! Many thanks ....

Answer 1

This is a good link for troubleshooting your machine
http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa081999.htm and there is more at http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa051906.htm
The links in red on the left at about.com are clickable and have other topics and info
This one is the Janome website
http://www.janome.com/ and you can contact them for more info

Answer 2

1) Is the bobbin coming smoothly from the machine? Test it by putting the bobbin in the case and then pulling - it should not be snug
2) Is your needle secured properly? Sewing machine needles matter to your machine - Schmetz is a good universal needle, but not Singer unless you are sewing on a Singer. Make sure the needle is facing correctly, firming up at the right height, secured tightly with the screw...
3) Turn the wheel by hand - does the needle go completely into the bobbin area? (Do this before threading the needle) If not, your needle isn't correctly inserted.
4) By "adjusting" the auto tension, you may have thrown the system off line. Definitely check the book in case there are some troubleshooting techniques
5) Have you visited the message board for Bernina, Babylock, Janome, Pfaff, etc.?? You don't mention what type of machine you have, but you might be able to post your question on these.

From your description, it sounds like either a needle problem or your bobbin case isn't inserted correctly. A good cleaning with a vacuum cleaner might help...

Answer 3

have you tried to adjust the bobbin tension? Take the bobbin case out of the machine,and you should see a screw on the side of it...(when you look at it,think of the thing as the face of a watch.)..turn the screw clockwise to tighten the tension..in "five minute increments",and counterclockwise to decrease tention.This is a time comsuming process,as you need to replace it each time you turn it,and rethread,etc,and try it out.But my guess would be that your problem lies there.Use a polyester thread on both the top and bottom,set the top tention on auto,and use a scrap piece of plain cotton.Make sure the thread color is contrasting,to make it easier to see. Hope this helps.I'm sorry if this seems like a lot of work,and monkeying around,but if it is "out of whack" you will need to be patient,and keep plugging away.Hope this helps.P.S. There are a lot of people who "don't" realize that this procedure needs to be done from time to time,and throw out perfectly good machines because of it. Good Luck