Bobbin tension and sewing machine tension both work together to create your stitch, but just what is bobbin tension? Simply put, it is the amount of pressure on your bobbin thread as it leaves the bobbin. There are different types of bobbins, it depends on the machine. Some machines have a front-loading bobbin, some have drop-in bobbins. Yet all bobbins perform basically the same function. This includes how their tension works.
How to test your bobbin tension
In most cases however, you can run your bobbin thread through to be sure your thread pulls out consistently – not too tight, and not super loose. You can see in the photo below, we just hold the thread, and bounce the bobbin softly to see how the thread pulls out of it. If the tension is too loose, your bobbin will fall away from you immediately, and most likely skitter across the room. This means the screw on the bobbin case needs to be tightened. On the flip side, if you bounce the bobbin and it literally doesn’t move – it’s holding the thread way too tight and the screw should be loosened.
The adjustments made to the screw should be slight – micro-adjustments really. Just a small tiny turn with your screw driver will affect the pressure.
Depending on your bobbin, you can adjust the tension via a tiny screw on the case. In the photo below, you can see the screw on this metal bobbin is adjustable. Yet in the set of photos beyond these, you can see the black case is adjusted just a bit different. During sewing machine services, we use a tensiometer to gauge the pressure so we’re able to be as exact as possible.
Time to test sew
Once the tension seems correct, insert your bobbin back into your sewing machine, and test sew a few lines on scrap fabric. The bobbin tension is only one part of the formula though. It works directly with your needle tension to ensure a perfect stitch. You bobbin tension may seem spot on, yet when you sew the stitch looks wonky. Adjust your machine tension to correct this issue.
The majority of the time, tension issues are with the needle tension as opposed to bobbin tension. Unless you dropped your bobbin case, or have had some other type of concrete issue – then you definitely want to check your bobbin tension. You may also want to check it if you’re switching to a much thicker thread.
To see this process in action, view the video below. We tested the tension on the bobbin for a Singer Featherweight sewing machine.
Bobbin tension is one thing we always check during your sewing machine’s service. To set up your own appointment and get your machine sewing smoothly once more, reach out to us today.
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Based in central Oklahoma City, Rummell Repair is a mobile sewing machine service and repair business traveling to the homes and businesses of our customers. We work on mechanical & computerized sewing machines, flat-bed and free-arm embroidery machines, long-arm quilting machines, sergers, and a variety of industrial & commercial machines. If you’re ready to book your own sewing machine service appointment and have a smooth experience without ever having to leave your home or business, take a moment to fill out our contact form here and we’ll be in touch in a jiffy.