How To Adjust Tensions Part 1

Tensions are a common source of frustrations for sewing machine users. To hear some talk about this issue, you might get the idea that you need a complete sewing machine repair course just properly adjust sewing machine tensions.

This may be why years ago, users were instructed never to touch their tension adjustments. Just let the professional sewing machine repair technician set the tensions, and leave them alone. If they get out of skew, take the machine back to the sewing machine repair guy.

You might be surprised how many thousands of new sewing machine owners were told precisely the above sentiments.

Personally, I believe the sewing machine user needs to understand tensions and tension adjustments on their sewing machine. If you change the size of thread, your tensions will change too. Unfortunately, the tensions on most sewing machines are not automatically going to measure the size of your thread and loosed or tighted for perfect tension.

Instead, it is up to the user to adjust the tensions. This should not require dozens of sewing machine repair courses, although there is a great deal to learn about your sewing machine.

What you need to understand, is that your sewing machine tensions are designed for you to easily adjust them.

There is a small screw on you bobbin carrier that adjusts the bobbin tension spring. A slight turn to the right will tighten or increase tension. A slight turn to the left will loosen or decrease tension. In the next post, I will explain the basics of bobbin tension.

The upper tension is also easily adjusted and even more convenient. On the front or top of your machine close to the needle take up lever, is a dial. It usually has numbers on it. Increase the number to increase tensions. Decrease the number to decrease the tension.

Faulty tension adjustment makes a great excuse for professional sewing machine repair, but it can also be expensive to get a tune up everytime your tensions mess up.