Is your tension giving you a headache?

Getting the tension right on your sewing machine can be a real pain. Before you despair try these quick and easy fixes!

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1. Clean the bobbin casing of lint! Even using good quality cotton thread, you will get a build up of lint in your casing.



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2. Re-thread your machine! Sometimes it gets off track and can severely mess up your stitching. Make sure your thread is going through every thread guide. Check that your bobbin is in correctly! This is crucial. Double check in your sewing machine manual how your bobbin is supposed to go in.



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3. Was your bobbin wound too slowly? If it is too loose or too tight you can have tension problems.



Photo Credit: http://www.pumpkinpatchquilter.com/2013/01/a-little-about-thread-weight.html

4. Check that the thread coming off your spool and from your bobbin is the same brand and color. Different weights and kinds of thread can cause big problems!



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5. Do you have the right needle for the job? Needles differ greatly and we have a book that can help you choose the correct needle.
6. Change your needle! Old needles will often cause tension problems.  If it's dull or has burrs it could mar your fabric too!
   
   

   

   Photo Credit: http://schmetzneedles.blogspot.com/2012/11/sewing-machine-needle-dull-needle-with.html      



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7. Different weights of fabric require different tension settings. Play around with a scrap of fabric until the tension is right on your fabric. 

Do you have any quick fixes for tension issues? Let us know in the comments below!