ok i have a brother sewing machine, a pretty simple one 10 diff stiches no fancy computer stuff, reg needle and reg thread, but if i try sewing some thin cotton or sewing satin even though satin is thicker it eats up both like crazy. one of two things keeps happening, the threads will break top/bottom/orboth, or the fabric will get sucked into the bottom. this is driving me nutts. i have tried adjusting the upper thread tension a little but havent strayed far from five, so i have tried 4 and 6. what am i doing wrong? the machine does great with heavier fabrics.
2007-11-23 08:05:26 · 11 answers · asked by curvy_chick000 4 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Great Trouble Shooting Tips:
I just wanted to add a few of my own now.
Check List:
Needle: Size 11 is needed for sewing satin, and light weight fabrics.
Pressure Foot: make sure it is attached correctly, Use a straight stitch foot.
Top tension: set control between 2 & 5 for straight stitches.
(and adjust accordingly)
Bottom tension: Should be adjusted so that both top and bottom stitches lay evenly (not loose or too tight on either side of the fabric) when "a test" run is done on the fabric.
To adjust the bottom tension....use the small screwdriver that came with the machine, in one hand, hold the bobbin so that the adjusting screw is facing you. To increase tension-make tighter- turn to your Right,
to decrease tension-make looser- turn to your Left.
Tip to help remember-Righty is Tightey---Lefty is Loosey
You might have to make several adjustments to both tensions, and do a test on a sample piece of the fabric.
(also make sure the bottom bobbin case and shuttle is kept clean-too much fuzz could throw off the botton tension.)
Remember everytime you change fabric weights, you must change needles, and top and bottom tensions too, and do a test on a scrap piece of that fabric. After that, is should be happy sewing. Good Luck.
2007-11-23 11:10:08 · answer #1 · answered by Mama Mia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the thread is bunching or looping on the bottom then check the tention guage on your machine it is usually an knob inwhich the thread is put through. If it is just staying in one place check the feed foot, this is the foot under the fabric that moves it forward (also make sure the upper foot is in the down position before sewing).... Some fabrics like satin may need what is called a feed dog foot, this is a special attachment which takes the place of the top foot and helps feed the fabric through the machine....... If this does not help email me with more details...... A great sewing book is the VOGUE sewing book it has EVERYTHING you need to know about sewing it is the only book you will ever need. NOTE: The old and new versions are exactly the same only some of the pictures are updated to more modern ones....
2016-05-25 03:18:17 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you might be having bobbin issues. Are you getting a blobby mess of thread on the back of your fabric, too? Apparently, you're not getting the right tension for the fabric you're using. Check your bobbin casing and see if there's a snag there. Next, play with the tension, and see if you can get a bit more slack in your thread. Make sure your feed dogs are moving when you're sewing. Also, make sure your machine is oiled. I'm not talking about drowning the poor thing, but even sewing machines need routing maintenance. If you're going to use delicate fabrics, make sure you have a small-holed throat plate, and use a thinner needle. Additionally, make sure you've got decent thread. Hopefully, that covered all the bases. If all else fails, have somebody take a look at your machine.
2007-11-23 09:39:01 · answer #3 · answered by autumn rose 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are you starting too close to the beginning of the fabric? Start a little ways in and run your seam to the end, then turn the piece around and go back to where you started that seam. Sew from there to the beginning (except it's now the end, because you turned it around).
If that's not the problem and it's only happening on that kind of fabric, use a new ball point needle and a longer stitch length for delicate fabrics. Replace your needles often.
Has the machine been cleaned and tuned within the past year? If so, you would never need to fool with the tension.
.
2007-11-23 09:43:30 · answer #4 · answered by Kacky 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Look for a burr on the part that moves the fabric along or on the needle, especially on the needle, which should be changed for different fabrics. Also, check the bobbin tension.
2007-11-23 08:41:31 · answer #5 · answered by Tom 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi, try using tear away or wash away stabilizer or a light spray of sizing. Definetly change the needle and work on a sample before you work on the actual project.
2007-11-23 08:45:53 · answer #6 · answered by Stacy P 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If your tension selector isn't doing it for you, try this with some extra material, put a one or more pieces of paper under it. The paper should rip off easily after you are finished.
2007-11-23 08:12:40 · answer #7 · answered by Mommiedearest 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Oh so helpfull, ihave the same issue, going to try each step.
2015-01-10 20:35:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might need to change the needle size.
2007-11-23 08:10:03 · answer #9 · answered by kathay 1 · 4⤊ 1⤋
it could be your needle blunt,or tension not suitable.
2007-11-23 09:03:38 · answer #10 · answered by susan b 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋