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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
tension
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 lo
wer number.
If loops form on the under side of the seam then the
upper tension is too loose [F
ig. 4]. Tighten the upper
tension 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
Upper thread too tight
Upper thread too loose
STITCH PATTERN
S
TITCH
S
TITCH
P
RESSER
D
ROP
WIDTH LENGTH FOOT FEED
A Straight 0 1-4 All feet Up
A Zigzag 1-5 1-4 All-purpose Up
B C D E Decorative satin 3-5 .5-1 Open toe Up
F Blindhem 3-5 4 Blind hem Up
G Shell stitch 3-5 1-4 All-purpose Up
H Double Action 5 4 All-purpose Up
I 3-step zigzag 3-5 2-4 Overcast Up
J Multi-cord 5 .5-2 Overcast Up
K Feather 3-5 4 Open toe Up
L Honeycomb 3-5 4 Open toe Up
M Overlock 3-5 4 Overcast Up
N Slant overcast 3-5 4 Open toe Up
O Arrowhead 3-5 4 Open toe Up
P Q R Decorative 3-5 4 Open toe Up
S Triple stretch straight 0 4 All-purpose Up
S Rick rack 1-5 4 All-purpose Up
T Buttonhole 3-5 .5-1 Buttonhole Up