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what are tension discs on a sewing machine

by Betsy Kessler Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Tensions disks control the amount of pressure applied to the thread for an even feed to the machine needle causing an evenly formed stitch. Many newer sewing machines have the disks hidden inside the machine casing. On machines with hidden tension disks, there are usually electronics controlling the tension on the disks.

Tensions disks control the amount of pressure applied to the thread for an even feed to the machine needle causing an evenly formed stitch. Many newer sewing machines have the disks hidden inside the machine casing.Dec 3, 2019

Full Answer

Where is the Tension Disk on a sewing machine?

Many newer sewing machines have the disks hidden inside the machine casing. On machines with hidden tension disks, there is usually electronics controlling the tension on the disks. Always have the presser foot raised when threading the sewing machine so that the disks are not engaged and are open to accepting the thread.

What does tension mean on a sewing machine?

On the sewing machines, the higher number refers to high resistance on the top thread. If you can see bottom threads visible from over the fabric, though the top threads are not seen from the fabric’s bottom. Then, the tension dial goes higher. How To Adjust Tension On Old Singer Sewing Machine?

How do you adjust the tension on a sewing machine bobbin?

Use a tiny screwdriver and turn the screw on the side of the bobbin case by ¼ turn. Turn it right to increase the tension and left to decrease it. Test the tension again. Repeat until the thread only drops a few inches.

Do sewing machines have tension dials?

Having proper tension on your sewing machine is crucial because it ensures your stitching will be consistent and look the same on both sides. But, as important as correct tension is, even well versed sewers avoid the tension dials on their sewing machines.

How do I clean my sewing machine tension discs?

0:030:43Just go in between the each side of the tension disk up there. And and that's up just move yourMoreJust go in between the each side of the tension disk up there. And and that's up just move your fabric backwards and forwards done.

When should tension discs be threaded?

Making Sure the Tension Unit is Properly Threaded First, when the presser foot is lifted, the tension unit spring is compressed which loosens the tension disks. This allows the thread to easily pass between the two discs when threading the machine.

What is a tension plate on a sewing machine?

The tension plates/discs are forward of the check spring, and are what the thread passes through. These push against the thread to determine the tension. The tension cup covers the plates and gives the tension spring a solid surface to press evenly against.

How do you thread a tension disc?

0:253:16Fabric. The larger the number is on the tensioner dial the stronger the thread is clamped betweenMoreFabric. The larger the number is on the tensioner dial the stronger the thread is clamped between these two disks and the lower thread is more pulled out of the bobbin.

Why does my sewing machine keep jamming underneath?

2:2210:11So the reason is that you're not either holding on to the threads. When you start sewing.MoreSo the reason is that you're not either holding on to the threads. When you start sewing.

Why is my fabric bunching up when I sew?

Cause. Tension pucker is caused while sewing with too much tension, thereby causing a stretch in the thread. After sewing, the thread relaxes. As it attempts to recover its original length, it gathers up the seam, causing the pucker, which cannot be immediately seen; and may be noticeable at a later stage.

How do I know if my bobbin tension is correct?

Swiftly pull up on the thread. The thread should unwind just slightly and the bobbin case should drop an inch or two. If the thread unwinds without resistance and the case slips to the floor, your bobbin tension is too loose. If the bobbin case doesn't budge, your bobbin tension is too tight.

What are the parts of a sewing machine called?

Bobbin and Bobbin Case (1) The bobbin is wound with the thread that will make up the underside of a machine stitch. ... Slide Plate or Bobbin Cover (2) ... Presser Foot (3) ... Needle and Needle Clamp (4) ... Throat Plate (5) ... Feed Dogs (6) ... Tension Regulator (7) ... Take-Up Lever (8)More items...•

Why is the thread looping under my fabric?

A: Looping on the underside, or back of the fabric, means the top tension is too loose compared to the bobbin tension, so the bobbin thread is pulling too much top thread underneath. By tightening the top tension, the loops will stop, but the added tension may cause breakage, especially with sensitive threads.

What tension should I use for cotton?

Cotton requires a moderate tension setting, usually between three and four. Always start adjusting your tension settings with your upper tension.

Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?

Skipped stitches are usually caused by an old or worn needle. With every stitch, there is friction placed on the point of the needle and with repeated action, the needle experiences abrasion. Over time, the needle becomes dull and doesn't perform well. This results in skipped stitches.

Why does my thread keep pulling out of the needle?

Another reason that thread keeps jumping out of the needle could have to do with the spool on the sewing machine. The wrong size spool or a spool installed incorrectly can make it impossible for the thread to stay in place. Be sure to check that the spool is the right size, in place, and spins without shaking.

What Do The Tension Numbers Mean On A Sewing Machine?

A sewing machine needs a bottom and top thread to put a correct stitch. The threads have to work harmoniously with one another to get interlinked right in the fabric’s middle. The lack of balance in this regard will make one thread pull another at the other side. It will lead to a poor-quality stitch that doesn’t hold.

Sewing Machine Tension Settings

A number of factors impact the tension settings on a sewing machine. And one of them is the type of fabric you are stitching. So, for instance, the tension settings when you are sewing fleece will not be the same as when you sew leather.

How To Adjust Tension On Sewing Machine Bobbin?

Most sewing machines come with their bobbin tension set at a standard point. You are good to go with this standard setting, but that does not mean you will never have to change it. After all, you are not going to sew the same material again and again for the rest of your life, right?

How To Fix Sewing Machine Tension Knob?

Fixing the tension knob of your sewing machine seems like a job for the pros, isn’t it? In reality, it is not that big a deal. All you need to do is follow the given steps:

How To Replace Tension Assembly On Sewing Machine?

Though there are multiple types of tension assemblies, their way of work is similar across every machine. This tension assembly is important for adding resistance on the top part. The resistance makes sure the stitches stay in place. So, without tension assembly, the bottom and top thread won’t interlock properly.

How To Adjust Tension On Old Singer Sewing Machine?

The adjustment principle of its bottom tension is the same for every Singer machine. The spring remains a bit arched with small adjusting screws to control the spring pressure.

Endnote

And that’s it! You now have all the details you need to set the right tension, regardless of the fabric you use. Go ahead and try these tips now, and see for yourself.

Clean Tension Disks Supplies

When I just want to clean tension disks and buff them up a little I use a short strip of fleece, 8-10 inches long and ¾ to 1in wide. When you stretch fleece it tends to curl into a round hollow tube and it will grow in length.

How To Clean Tension Disks Without Disassembling Them

With the feed dogs raised and the tension disks released this tube will slide easily between the disks. If I am just buffing some excess oil residue from the disks then I will use a dry piece of fleece and lower the feed dogs to reapply pressure to the tension disks and gently pull the tube back and forth between the disks.

Clean Tension Disks In Action

In case you are a visual learner we have put together a video of how we clean tension disks.

What is the tension disc on a sewing machine called?

The tension discs and tension regulator together are called the tension assembly. The tension discs squeeze the thread as it passes between them, while the tension regulator controls the amount of pressure on the discs. On older machines, there are only two tension discs, controlled by a screw or knob.

What are the four tension devices on a sewing machine?

All machines have basically the four tension devices shown: thread guides, tension discs, tension regulator for upper thread , and bobbin-case spring for bobbin thread. These ensure that the same amount of thread flows simultaneously from the needle and the bobbin, producing a symmetrical stitch.

How to record bobbin tension?

To record the bobbin tension for future reference, make note of the bobbin-screw position, including reference to thread opening or open side of bobbin case. To make a temporary tension adjustment, select the threads for the needle and bobbin, then fill the bobbin and thread the machine.

How to fix tension on bobbin?

If necessary, use a magnifier to see the stitches clearly. If the tension isn’t perfect, fix it by adjusting the bobbin spring; tighter if the bobbin thread shows on the upper layer, and looser if the needle thread shows on the underlayer. Make another test seam, and examine the stitches, repeating until the stitch is balanced.

How to tell if bobbin thread is too tight?

The easiest way to spot unbalanced tension is to look for visible knots or loops at the end of each stitch. When the bobbin thread shows on the right side, the needle tension is too tight or the bobbin thread, too loose, as shown at left in the illustration below. When the needle thread shows on the wrong side, ...

Why do you need a hole in the bobbin case?

Some machines include a small hole in the bobbin-case finger, through which to feed the bobbin thread to increase the tension for improved stitch definition when topstitching, satin-stitching, and embroidering, without touching your tension settings.

What to do if bobbin doesn't work?

If that doesn’t work, get out your second bobbin case, and start moving the screw in quarter-turns to loosen or tighten it, as your sample dictates. Typically, when you use a lighter-than-normal thread for both needle and bobbin, the tensions will stay balanced, even though they’re both lighter.

Why is it important to have proper tension on a sewing machine?

Having proper tension on your sewing machine is crucial because it ensures your stitching will be consistent and look the same on both sides. But, as important as correct tension is, even well versed sewers avoid the tension dials on their sewing machines.

How to keep a tension log on a sewing machine?

It’s a good idea to start a tension log for your sewing machine. Just keep a notepad with the numbers written down for which tensions work with certain fabrics, threads, and needles. Note the brand, type, and size. This will make the adjusting process much simpler in the future.

What happens if you pull bobbin thread?

If they’re both pulling equally, the seam will be even and consistent. If one side is pulling too much, the thread from the other side will be visible. If the bobbin thread shows on the top side of the seam and the top thread is straight, the upper tension is too tight.

How to clean a bobbin light?

If not, remove the needle and foot. Take the bobbin housing apart, and remove the top cover where the light is, and brush it out with a small brush. Drip a few drops of machine oil onto a soft washcloth and wipe down the inside of the bobbin housing and the shafts in the top part.

How to decrease top tension?

To decrease your top tension if it is too tight, turn your knob so the numbers are decreasing. Try ½ to 1 number lower, then test the stitches on a piece of scrap fabric. Continue until it looks even on both sides and you can no longer see the needle thread on the wrong side of the fabric.

What are thread guides?

Find the thread guides. The thread guides are the metal devices that help regulate tension. They are various loops that you run the thread through before looping it into your needle. They keep the thread from getting tangled and distribute the tension evenly from the spool to your fabric.

Why are my stitches not even?

If your top and bottom stitches aren’t even, it may be due to your tension not being right on the top or bottom.

Janome Sewing Machine Tension Problems and Solutions

Various tension issues could arise when using a sewing machine, even when using your Janome model. How to fix them and do it well is what will determine its functionality.

How to Know if Your Janome Sewing Machine Tension Is Correct?

Your machine tension will be correct if the thread at the top and underside of the fabric remains balanced. There should be no loops on any sides. Moreover, the stitching too should be even.

When Should You Adjust the Tension on a Janome Sewing Machine?

You should adjust the tension if you don’t get balanced machine stitches. Also, if the bobbin thread shows on the top of the fabric, you need to adjust it. If the needle thread shows on the underside of the fabric, it is also time to make adjustments.

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