Butterfly B1201B, Manual

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Butterfly B1201B/T - Single Head 12 Needle Embroidery Machine Manual
Upper Thread Tension
The upper thread tension refers to how tense or tight the thread feels when you pull it through
the very last thread guide eyelet when the thread is properly threaded. There are many metrics for
measuring this. However, the final metric usually just depends on what the final embroidery looks like.
Upper thread tension is completely different between one cone and the next and the tensions
change as the thread is used. Therefore, the tensions must constantly be checked. Because the
B1201B/T has 12 needles and only one bobbin, it is always best to preset the bobbin tensions (next
section) first and then change the upper threads to conform to the bobbin tension. In other words,
once the bobbin is set, it should not be adjusted much. Each time the bobbin is changed, it may need to
be set again. The operator should always recheck bobbin tensions when changing the bobbin (next
section).
When pulling the upper thread from the final thread guide eyelet hole (NOT through the
needle), the tension on the thread should feel about the same as if the other end of the thread was tied
to 3 US Quarters ($0.75), being dragged across a smooth surface. Generally you should start with
tightening both tension knobs at about 50% and then slowly adjusting from there. Once everything is
set, you should only adjust with the second tension knob located on the tension base. Minor
adjustments during and after embroidery will be required and should only be done with this second
knob.
When the machine is embroidering (assuming the bobbin tension is set) you can visually tell if
the tensions are set or need adjusting. It is common (and required) to make minor adjustments often. If
the thread appears to be loopy then the tension knob needs to be tightened. Typically it takes about ½
turn to make even a slight difference. If the thread appears too tight and/or there are a lot of thread
breaks, then the tensions need to be loosened. It is recommended during the first run of a design to
slow the machine speed down as slow as possible and make minor adjustments to the tension while
slowly speeding the machine up until the tensions are correct. If bobbin thread is coming up on the top
of the embroidery then the upper thread may be too tight assuming the bobbin is set correctly. If the
bobbin is not set correctly, then the bobbin might be too loose.
There are several other ways to test tensions. One is referred to as the ‘H’ or ‘I’ or ‘Column’
test. In this test, once the embroidery is completed, look underneath the embroidered item. Columns
of embroidery such as the column of an ‘I’ should be 1/3 bobbin with 1/3 thread on each sides of the
bobbin.
‐ If the bobbin is correctly set
o
Too much bobbin (more than 1/3 of the column)? – Loosen upper thread
o
Too little bobbin (less than 1/3 of the column)? – Tighten upper thread
‐ If the bobbin is not set
o
Too much bobbin (more than 1/3 of the column)? – Tighten bobbin
o
Too little bobbin (less than 1/3 of the column)? – Loosen bobbin