19
Adjusting the Needle Thread Tension for a
Straight Stitch
• Correct tension
q
Needle thread (top thread)
w
Bobbin thread (bottom thread)
e
To loosen
r
To tighten
The ideal straight stitch has threads locked between
two layers of fabric, as illustrated (magnified to show
detail).
If you look at the top and bottom of the seam, notice
that the stitches are evenly balanced.
When adjusting the needle thread tension, the higher
the number, the tighter the needle thread tension.
Results depend on:
- stiffness and thickness of the fabric
- number of fabric layers
- type of stitch
q
w
e
r
r
q
w
t
e
• Tension is too loose
q
Needle thread (top thread)
w
Bobbin thread (bottom thread)
e
To tighten tension
r
Right side (top side) of fabric
t
Wrong side (bottom side) of fabric
The needle thread shows through on the wrong side
of the fabric, and the stitch feels bumpy. Turn the
dial to a higher tension setting number to tighten the
needle thread tension.
r
q
w
t
e
• Tension is too tight
q
Needle thread (top thread)
w
Bobbin thread (bottom thread)
e
To loosen tension
r
Right side (top side) of fabric
t
Wrong side (bottom side) of fabric
The bobbin thread shows through on the right side of
the fabric, and the stitch feels bumpy. Turn the dial to
a lower tension setting number to loosen the needle
thread tension.
