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From: HeatherL
Date: 12-10-2006, 01:08 PM (1 of 5)
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Often, when I do a zigzag stitch...the top looks perfectly fine (like VVVVVV) but the bottom looks more like YYYYYY. It seems to be a tension balance problem. I keep thinking that the bottom is tighter than the top and have tried tightening the top tension to compensate, but then I often end up with YYYYYY on both sides, and a nice pucker in the seam allowance. However, I have also gotten bad results from loosening the top tension...loose VVVVVV on top and *loops* on bottom. Argh! I imagine it's just going to be a matter of fine-tuning each time based on needle, thread, and fabric. But in the meantime, is there a rule of thumb for this? Should I be defaulting toward a tighter or looser upper tension?? (My machine has an "auto" setting, but that always results in the problem as originally stated.) |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 12-10-2006, 02:21 PM (2 of 5)
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You are right that it is a tension balance problem, most likely the lower tension being too tight. However it could actually be a camstack or pendulum timing problem causing a tension problem. Some models are nearly imposible to get the zig zag tension correct and the tension still be right for straight stitch. If you could tell us the brand and model we could probably tell you what needs to be done. Another question is are the stitches constant YYYs that look uniform or does the point where the threads meet fluctuate?
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: HeatherL
Date: 12-11-2006, 08:15 AM (3 of 5)
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Thank you for your feedback. You're right in your line of thinking: I have to adjust tension differently for straight and zigzag stitches. The straight is much easier to tweak and maintain. As you can imagine, this makes me nuts when I'm using both in a project and have to switch back and forth!! My machine is a Singer 9134 tabletop model. And for the most part the YYYYs are uniform, although occasionally they seem to get tighter as I go, if I'm working a long piece. *sigh* I could always use my serger for things like seam finishing, but this still leaves me out in the cold for things like satin stitches around applique edges and other decorative stuff. |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 12-11-2006, 12:43 PM (4 of 5)
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When you set that machines tension on "Auto" you are really just setting the tension at 4 - 4 1/2. The Singer 9000 series is one that the has problem you are experiencing. With your stitch length at 2.5 & tension on "auto" make sure your straight stitch looks the same top and bottom when sewing on two layers of medium wt. fabric. If not adjust bobbin tension until they do. Although your service tech can probably tweek things a little and improve the situation some I'm afraid you will never have a perfect zig zag on that model unless you adjust the bobbin tension each time you change from straight stitch to zig zag. To do that for zig zag just loosen the bobbin tension about 1/16 - 1/8 of a turn. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Cathie.Tombs
Date: 12-11-2006, 04:35 PM (5 of 5)
| Tom has amazing tips here. Although I never had the auto features, many of us have troubles with tension, doing straight, or zigazg stitch, not to mention the satin stitching. I presently sew on an older White, and have sewn extensively on older Singers, icluding a treadle. There is also an amazing attachment I once had, before my last move, alas, no longer, that can get a straight stich machine to do zigzag!!!! Sandra Betzina mentions keeping a notebook, as we progress through each project, including tension, stitch size, thread type, with swatches. This helps us remember. I sew mainly on lighter weight fabrics, with drape, and find that tension is greatly helped if stabilizers are used. I like to keep it simple, and cheaper, so experiment. Tissue paper is great, even towel paper, also Seams Great along (under stitching) seam line. I find that stabilizing helps tension, but, the added benefit of improved structure. Good luck, and happy sewing!!!!!! |
User: Cathie.Tombs
Member since: 08-27-2006 Total posts: 44 |
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