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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Sews4dogs
Date: 12-24-2006, 09:46 PM (1 of 5)
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I don't know why my stitches are suddenly ... bad. I've sewed a dozen pillowcases the last 2 weeks. 100% cotton fabric, using either 100% poly, 100% cotton, or poly/cotton gutterman/mettler thread. Today I switched my thread (color choice) and when I began to sew, the fabric was puckering. I changed the needle, cleaned/oiled machine, rethreaded machine. Now the fabric is not puckering, but the top stitch looks like a long continuous stitch, but the bottom looks fine, you can see the individual stitches. When I backstitch (backtack?), that stitch comes out loose on top. I have never moved the tension or stitch dials until I tried to fix this problem, to no avail. I was hoping to finish my last 4 cases tonight (Xmas gifts), but I guess I'll just owe them. Any suggestions you can give me? Laurie |
User: Sews4dogs
Member since: 10-29-2006 Total posts: 16 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-24-2006, 10:10 PM (2 of 5)
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Loosen your top tension dial. It is pulling the bobbin thread all the way to the top of the fabric. The top and bottom thread should meet in the center of the fabric and often needs to be adjusted to match the fabric/thread/needle you are using. You might also like to use a sharp needle as opposed to a ball or universal needle for this...something like a 11-12 size would work nicely. The sharp needles penetrate the fabric well whereas the ball or universal point needles more or less smash into the fabric which isn't as good on a nice cotton. I usually lengthen my stitches just slightly for cotton too...like from a 12 to a 10 or from 2.5 to 3.0, depending upon the type of machine adjustment you have.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 12-25-2006, 01:11 AM (3 of 5)
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It could be that your bobbin thread has come out of the bobbincase tension
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: pretnichols
Date: 01-18-2007, 02:54 PM (4 of 5)
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Okay, over the weekend, I cleaned & oiled my machine, somehting that hasn't been done in years. I knew it was overdue, and I had a problem with zig/zag before Christmas. Anyway, no matter what I do, the bobbin thread is coming through the top, and the top thread is loose. I've tightened tension; loosened tension, changed thread, wound a new bobbin, put in a new needle, and still have the same problem. I'm very frustrated, since I was planning to do quite a bit of sewing. I have been teaching my daughter on this machine, but have told her that until I fix the problem that we need to stop. Do I need to take it in? Help!!! 
Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: wghmch
Date: 01-18-2007, 03:15 PM (5 of 5)
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Peggy, First, determine whether the lower tension feels too loose or the upper feels too tight, by pulling on the threads. (Presser foot down for the upper) If the lower is too loose, inspect the tension spring on the bobbin case. The screw could have come loose; the spring could have gotten bent up; or there could be someting like a wad of thread under the spring, holding it up. If the top feels too tight, check first for something simple like the thread wrapped an extra time around one of the thread guides or the spool pin. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
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