Superior Threads Texture Magic, King Tut, and MasterPiece Quilting Threads by Alex Anderson |
Q. Can I rely on the automatic tension system to adequately adjust the top tension?
A. No. If you use different threads, fiber types, and sizes, your automatic tension setting most likely will not be adequate to adjust properly for all situations. Learning to manually adjust an auto-tensioned machine is very important when using a variety of threads.
Q. How do I know when the top tension is too loose?
A. The top thread loops on the back. You may also get what is called a birds nest, where the top thread bunches up underneath.
Q. How do I know when the top tension is too tight?
A. Thread breakage, thread shredding or fraying, seeing a lot of lint from a high quality thread, and/or feeling excessive resistance when pulling the thread through the needle. Make sure you also check the needle size because these symptoms may be related to using a too small a needle.
Q. Do some threads require looser tension settings even though they are not heavy threads?
A. Yes, especially metallic threads, hologram threads, and other sensitive threads.
Q. Is it necessary to adjust the bobbin tension?
A. Sometimes, but not nearly as often as the top tension. If a good bobbin thread is breaking, check the bobbin tension. It might be too tight.
Q. It seems like the top tension doesn’t change even though I adjust the setting. Why?
A. There might be lint or debris caught between or behind the tension discs prohibiting them from opening and closing properly.
Q. Can you help me reduce the tension and stress in my life?
A. Yes. Have a grandchild.