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Paige Handmade

You are here: Home / Sewing Machine Basics / Thread Tension & Troubleshooting

Thread Tension & Troubleshooting

in Sewing Machine Basics on 02/11/20

One of the most frustrating problems you may run into when learning how to sew is thread tension issues. The thread can be too tight and bunch up the seam or, more commonly, the thread is too loose and it creates a bird’s nest.

I remember this happening to me numerous times. I was convinced my sewing machine was broken, or maybe I got a bad one. It turns out it was not broken or bad. I just didn’t understand how to fix my own mistake.

If you are in the same boat as I was, let me help you sail to the Shore of Tension Knowledge. We will begin with a deep breath and a calm thought.

“I can figure this out.”

  1. Take the threads out of the machine; the bobbin thread and the top thread. If there are loose threads from cutting away a bad tangle, clear those away too.
  2. Re-thread your sewing machine with the presser foot in the raised position. Always double check your user manual for the exact path the thread should follow. The path is very important! You will always have tension issues if you miss the tension disc or the thread take-up lever. Make sure your bobbin thread is turning the right direction and wound correctly. I have two videos to help you with this step: bobbin & threading.
  3. Make sure your needle is not broken or bent.
  4. Look at your tension adjustment dial. What number is it set on? It will range from 0 to 8/9. Set it near the middle of your specific number range, 4 or 5. Those numbers are important and I will explain in just a moment.
  5. Grab some scrap fabric to test on, but before you begin make sure both threads are pulled about 3 in. or 7.5 cm behind and under the presser foot.
  6. Begin sewing slowly.

“What do these tension numbers mean?”

Memorize this: “Lower number means less tension, high number is higher tension.” 0 means zero tension on the top thread. 8 means high tension on the top thread.

Let your thread help you!

Use two different color threads, maybe pink and blue on white cotton, to help you see the tension of the stitch. In my thread tension video, I show several examples of low and high tension.

Remember that different fabric’s weights and thicknesses will effect the tension. Always stitch on a swatch before starting your project. I really mean always! Every single time. 100 percent, forever and always.

May you never get a thread tangle again, but if you do you will know what to do. Did this article or video help you overcome a thread tension issue? I would love to hear about it! Let me know in the comments about your tension victory.

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« How to Thread a Sewing Machine
Selecting Stitches on a Sewing Machine »

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  1. Selecting Stitches on a Brother Sewing Machine says:
    February 18, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    […] Here is an example of gradually increasing the stitch width for a zigzag stitch. As you increase the stitch width you may need to adjust the thread tension. […]

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Hi! I'm Paige... Paige

...an elf who has achieved Master Tinker status. Give me a tool and I’ll make something! I am married to the coolest nerd and Mama to two girly girls.

My mission is to take the overwhelm out of projects, so you can go get creative and make something you love! a little more backstory…

Getting Started Sewing

How to Thread a Sewing Machine

"You crawl before you walk, you walk before you run." You thread before you sew. I tell people that sewing is just a collection of techniques strung ... View Post

Thread Tension & Troubleshooting

One of the most frustrating problems you may run into when learning how to sew is thread tension issues. The thread can be too tight and bunch up the seam or, ... View Post

Selecting Stitches on a Sewing Machine

Selecting a Stitch Sewing machines can come with a large assortment of stitch options. You'll see some with *50 stitches, *110 stitches, *240 stitches, and ... View Post

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I'm working through @coreydamenjenkins Masterclass on Interior Design. I like the class so much and you know a digital class is good when you actually follow through with the assignments. Corey gives practical lists, thorough explanations and examples. I love the pattern mixing section. The class is about 2 hours long and every minute is useful. 

We haven't gotten a house yet, but I'm using this waiting period to get started on my design. I can define my style, order fabric samples, and narrow my resource list. I've found that many companies offer free/cheap swatches and samples. Examples: 1) @homedepot has free wood flooring and countertop samples. 2) @flooranddecor has 50¢ samples that you can return. 3) @interiordefine sends up to 10 free fabric swatches. 4) I used my style boards to pick out swatches from @fabricdotcom, which cost $3.00 each. You can order several different fabrics to choose between without taking a big risk. 

Also, the style board was made with magazines that I bought from @halfpricebooks. The magazines were $1 each and I grabbed about 8-10. Then I glued my clippings to a poster board that I cut in half. I can use this when online shopping and I have these pictures in my phone for when I am out and about. 

The time between the style board and finished room could be a whole year (who knows), but I feel so much more prepared already and it is so much fun. #interiordesign #styleboard #moodboard
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I have included 5 sizes (from baby to XL adult). The beanie is worked with DK yarn and predominantly a 4.0 mm [US6] 16-inch/40 cm circular needle. I used a small bent needle for my cables. 

You can find the pattern in my Etsy shop (linked in profile). I am so excited to see your #cablecarbeanie. 💕
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paigehandmade

A first look at the future Paige Handmade sewing s A first look at the future Paige Handmade sewing studio! 😍👏 No longer will I have my desk in the corner of our living room. I will have a whole ROOM! This space needs a little makeover. I'm taking the dark wallpaper down, refinishing the worn wood floor, and refreshing the space with paint. Then I'll set it up for sewing, creativity, learning, filming, etc. It will be a wonderful place. So very exciting!
My @masterclass homework assignment: make a mood b My @masterclass homework assignment: make a mood board. 💕🫧🌷🗽👛💎

I'm working through @coreydamenjenkins Masterclass on Interior Design. I like the class so much and you know a digital class is good when you actually follow through with the assignments. Corey gives practical lists, thorough explanations and examples. I love the pattern mixing section. The class is about 2 hours long and every minute is useful. 

We haven't gotten a house yet, but I'm using this waiting period to get started on my design. I can define my style, order fabric samples, and narrow my resource list. I've found that many companies offer free/cheap swatches and samples. Examples: 1) @homedepot has free wood flooring and countertop samples. 2) @flooranddecor has 50¢ samples that you can return. 3) @interiordefine sends up to 10 free fabric swatches. 4) I used my style boards to pick out swatches from @fabricdotcom, which cost $3.00 each. You can order several different fabrics to choose between without taking a big risk. 

Also, the style board was made with magazines that I bought from @halfpricebooks. The magazines were $1 each and I grabbed about 8-10. Then I glued my clippings to a poster board that I cut in half. I can use this when online shopping and I have these pictures in my phone for when I am out and about. 

The time between the style board and finished room could be a whole year (who knows), but I feel so much more prepared already and it is so much fun. #interiordesign #styleboard #moodboard
The Cable Car Beanie knitting pattern is now live The Cable Car Beanie knitting pattern is now live and available! 🥳 It is super squishy and warm. It is ribbed and cabled, so it is an entertaining project. 

I have included 5 sizes (from baby to XL adult). The beanie is worked with DK yarn and predominantly a 4.0 mm [US6] 16-inch/40 cm circular needle. I used a small bent needle for my cables. 

You can find the pattern in my Etsy shop (linked in profile). I am so excited to see your #cablecarbeanie. 💕
.
.
.
#paigehandmade #beanieknitting #knittingpattern #knittinginspiration #knittinghat #hatknitting #knitbeanie #winterknitting #knittinginstagram
Happy birthday, Cowgirl! 🤠🐎👢 We are so bl Happy birthday, Cowgirl! 🤠🐎👢 We are so blessed having Ezra in this world. She is so fun. She is a friend to anyone she meets. She thinks about others before herself. She loves a good joke. She is a voracious reader and crafter. She loves a goal and plan. She is a superstar big sister. She is 10 out of 10, five stars, one-of-a-kind, sugar, spice, and everything nice. God's little girl! 💕 Yee haw to being 9!
Two sweaters in 26 days. 💝 I love giving my dau Two sweaters in 26 days. 💝 I love giving my daughters handmade gifts. Anything that I have knit for them has been worn so many times. I'm so excited for the girls to receive these sweaters. They picked the yarn and have watched them grow, but they haven't gotten to try them on. They will on Christmas! 🌠

Pattern: #festivalsweater by @petiteknit 

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Slowly but surely a sweater grows. This sweater pa Slowly but surely a sweater grows. This sweater pattern is the #festivalsweater by @petiteknit. It's a fun and simple project. The bobble rounds keep it from being monotonous. 

I am working on the sleeves currently and hoping to finish it by the end of the weekend because I have to make another one for Jane. I am giving these sweaters to the girls for Christmas. They picked the yarn and see them being knit, but they can't try them on until Christmas! I am going to knit a mini matching sock ornament with their name on it to surprise them. Christmas knitting is fun! 

#christmasknitting #sweaterknitting #knittingforkids #knitting
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