Sewing Machine Overall Check

If the tension check in Step 1 revealed a problem, it's time to do an overall check of the machine. Sometimes the problem isn't the tension. If you haven't done the tension check, please do that first!

Step 2: Overall Check

Make these simple checks first:

1. Ensure the presser foot is up when threading the top thread. This releases the pressure on the tension discs to make threading easy and proper.
2. Clean any lint or thread stuck in the tension discs using an unwaxed piece of dental floss or a strand of pearl cotton. The tension discs are in the slot opposite the thread takeup lever.
3. Replace the needle, especially when beginning a new project. Verify the needle type and size is appropriate for the type and thickness of the material.
4. Make sure the thread hasn’t slipped out of the bobbin case tension spring.
5. If lint is caught under the bobbin case tension spring, remove it by running the corner of a piece of paper under the spring.
6. Do the Drop Test if the bobbin case is a front or side loading metal case.
   Remove the bobbin case from the machine. Hold the thread tail coming out of the bobbin case between the thumb and forefinger and dangle the bobbin case over the other hand.
   • If the case drops rapidly, it is too loose.
   • If it does not drop at all, even when bounced, it is too tight.
   • If bouncing causes it to slowly drop like a spider dropping on a web strand, the tension is about right and no bobbin tension adjustment is needed.
7. Replace the bobbin or bobbin case if there are signs of wear or damage. Use only bobbins recommended for the machine in order to prevent failure and eventual machine damage. Placing a metal bobbin in a machine designed for plastic bobbins will damage the bobbin case and may throw off the timing of the machine.
   • Metal Case: If the metal bobbin case has been dropped and the bobbin does not fit nicely, the case is damaged and must be replaced.
   • Plastic Case, Horizontal Top-Loading: Inspect the case, using a magnifying glass if necessary. Cracks and nicks indicate damage. "Smash holes" indicate the needle has hit the case. If damage is detected, replace both the case and the needle.
8. Inspect the bobbin thread to ensure it is evenly and solidly wound. If the proper threading path has not been followed or the bobbin was not firmly placed in the bobbin threading tension disc, the winding will be mushy causing unpredictable and unpleasant results. High speed winding may stretch some thread (typically invisible thread) and cause tension problems. If the machine can wind bobbins at different speeds, slower is better.
9. Rethread the machine, both needle and bobbin thread, to be sure the thread is flowing properly. Be certain the presser foot is up when rethreading the top thread.

Verify

Sew another test seam on scrap fabric to see if the checks have corrected the problem. If it has been fixed, no tension adjustments are needed. Hooray! Recheck the needle and bobbin thread to ensure it is the proper color, weight, and fiber for the project. Use cotton with cotton, silk with silk or wool, and polyester with polyester or polyester blends.

If tension adjustment is needed, then press on to the next page! If you are new to tension adjustment, be sure to ask for help from an experienced sewer or your sewing shop's service department. Have the manual for your machine ready!

Next Page

Article Index

Back to the List Of Articles.