10
SIMPLICITY CUSTOM STITCH SELECTION
The upper thread tension dial controls the amount of needle
thread delivered to the bobbin case. Most thread tension
adjustments should be made using the upper thread ten-
sion dial. In some cases, the lower thread tension on the
bobbin case may need to be adjusted for specialty
sewing techniques.
UPPER THREAD TENSION
The numbers 0-9 on the dial represent upper thread
tension settings. The higher the number, the stronger the
upper tension. Tension settings between 3-5 are most
commonly used [Fig. 1]. In a balanced stitch, needle
thread and bobbin thread interlock in the center of the
two fabric layers [Fig. 2]. If needed, adjust an unbalanced
stitch by turning the dial until the new setting is aligned
with the indicator line on the machine [Fig. 1].
If the fabric gathers or the threads break, the upper thread
tension is too tight [Fig. 3]. Loosen the tension by moving
the dial to a lower number.
If loops form on the underside of the seam then the
upper tension is too loose [Fig. 4]. Tighten the upper ten-
sion by turning the dial to a higher number.
LOWER THREAD TENSION
The lower thread tension can be adjusted by turning the
screw on the bobbin case slightly to the right (clockwise)
to increase the tension [Fig. 5]. Turn the tension slightly to
the left (counterclockwise) to decrease the tension [Fig. 6].
TENSION ADJUSTMENTS
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Increase tension
Decrease tension
Fig. 2
R
ANGE
S
TITCH
P
ATTERN
S
TITCH
S
TITCH
P
RESSER
D
ROP
WIDTH
LENGTH
FOOT
FEED
N
A
Straight
0
0-4
All feet
Up/Down
N
A
Zigzag
0-5
0-4
All-purpose
Up/Down
N
B
Knit blindhem
3-5
4
Blind hem
Up
N
C
3-step zigzag
3-5
3
All-purpose
Up
N
D
Double action
3-5
3-4
All-purpose
Up
N
E
Woven blind hem
3-5
4
Blind hem
Up
N
F,G,H,I Decorative
3-5
1-4
Open toe
Up
N
J,K,L
Buttonhole
3-5
0.5-1
Buttonhole
Up
S
A
Triple stretch straight
0
3-4
All-purpose
Up
S
A
Rick rack
2-5
2-4
All-purpose
Up
S
B
Arrowhead
3-5
3
All-purpose
Up
S
C
Honeycomb
3-5
2-4
All-purpose
Up
S
D
Overcasting
3-5
3-4
Overcast
Up
S
E
Elastic overlock
3-5
3-4
All-purpose
Up
S
F,G,H,I Decorative
3-5
2-4
Open toe
Up
Upper thread too tight
Upper thread too loose
1
2
4
3
