Adjust the Needle Thread Tension for Straight
Stitch
• Correct tension
Needle thread (Top thread)
Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
To loosen
(_ 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 a seam, notice that
the stitches are evenly balanced.
When adjusting the needle thread tension, the higher the
number, the tighter the top thread tension.
Results depend on:
• stiffness and thickness of the fabric
• number of fabric layers
• type of stitch
•Tension is too tight
Needle thread (Top thread)
Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
To loosen tension
Right side (Top side) of fabric
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.
• Tension is too loose
Needle thread (Top thread)
Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
To tighten tension
Right side (Top side) of fabric
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.
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