Sewing Machine 101 - Thread Tension and Machine Maintenance

Рет қаралды 325,992

9 жыл бұрын

Part of the Sewing Machine 101 series - in this video I demonstrate a nifty method for choosing the right upper thread tension for the fabric that you're using. I also demonstrate the checking of bobbin thread tension using the Bobbin Drop Test. Afterwards I show briefly how to oil a sewing machine (always consult your sewing machine's manual for appropriate oiling locations and ensure your machine is unplugged from the mains prior to oiling or touching inner parts) and clean dust out of the bobbin case area.
Tutorial by Maz's Costume/Crafting Tutorial Page ( / mazcostuts )

Пікірлер: 113

@hopefulnice 3 жыл бұрын

Finally, somebody explains tension & how to adjust it according to the issues I'm having in a way that makes sense to me. You have no idea how much I appreciate this 🥺🖤

@EuphemiaGrubb 4 жыл бұрын

I'm an experienced sewing machinist but I've never got to grips with the tension. Your tutorial has solved all my problems. Thank you!

@ruthcherry2974 6 жыл бұрын

So helpful, I've been sewing for years, and having trouble with tension for just as long. This exacting tutorial is just what I need to watch. Thank you so much for taking to time to film this tutorial.

@thrithgolden2748 3 жыл бұрын

OMG genius! using different coloured threads on the top and bottom to try and sort out where your issue actually is coming from! thank you so much.

@billwardhaugh2563 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the tutorial and the way you explain everything, clear, precise and full of real information details. Thanks again, regards, Bill

@meetah100 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! This is the 1st time in my life I am using a sewing machine. I don't know why other tutorials exist when this video is the simplest and most comprehensive guide on sewing machine tension! Thanks a million!

@tellezara 6 жыл бұрын

Aww thanks I'm really happy to hear it's useful! :) I do the stuff in this tutorial for every new fabric I get to grips with, even after sewing for many years.

@sandrateer1994 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I have a new Brother PQ 1500 SL on a Grace QZone Hoop frame. I worked for hours and hours, days and days trying to get the tension correct. After watching this tutorial, I conquered the problem. Now I can quilt one of the many tops I have pieced. Yea! I will recommend your tutorials to others.

@maggieburke8740 29 күн бұрын

Just what i merdes after watching so manu vídeos that didn’t deal with my problems! Thanks so much!!

@kg8735 3 жыл бұрын

this tutorial is so helpful - thank you! After years of 'winging' it with my tension dials, at last I have detailed information of what to adjust -thank you so much!

@maureenmccormick01 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, explained brilliantly. I am a newbe sewer only just purchased my first sewing machine. This tutorial has given me confidence to do more....

@CCTippers 5 жыл бұрын

First look I thought that machine looks familiar, further on watching and yep I have exactly the same machine which is now just my back up, I actually had the needle holder come off and put it back on what I thought look wrong but it did not show it in the manual and after seeing yours yep it’s wrong so I will take it off and put it on the right way round, I feel like a wolly as I should have known this but it’s not easy to put back on as you have to get the thread guide pin just right. Great Video as I’ve had the same issues with thread braking I do wonder if it’s just a thing with this model I’ve sewn for some years now and still tension is always a jiggling act, you have explained it brilliant, thank you.

@janagatton6084 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant testing for applying correct tension. I was as a general principle that fatter fabric needed thinner/lower tension or high to low and conversely with thinner fabric needing higher tension. One recommendation I give to any sewer is that buy a machine with a push button thread cutter or it will make all your testing a miserable experience!

@lisarobinette3949 3 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU - I've been looking for this type of video - forever. Exactly what I have needed.

@pamelapadilla431 Жыл бұрын

The most informative video that I saw for thread tension. Thank you kindly.

@joannegilmour3774 5 жыл бұрын

This was an excellent video!!! Thanks for sharing it. I have struggled with understanding tension my whole life... mystery debunked!!! Thanks!

@AncoraImparoPiper 8 жыл бұрын

Perfect for the complete beginner like me. Thank you! Time to pull out that machine and experiment with some material.

@nanialoha4552 3 жыл бұрын

Me too!!! Great video!!

@tinavoyles8310 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I finally have a good understanding of tension now !

@susiejohnson4530 3 жыл бұрын

EXCELLENT!!! I learned something in your first SENTENCE!!! Thank you. Great video.

@zoeelauren4649 4 жыл бұрын

Love it!. Very simple explanation. Thank you.

@annette9747 4 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial, very clear and concise.

@naughtybynature6213 4 жыл бұрын

News flash wasn’t the thread or bobbin tension it was the timing after all those hours working on it the next day it was like I had done nothing as soon as I tried zigzag stitch and went back to straight stitch it was all out of wack so then it dawned on me it’s the timing mind you I never tried doing this but let me tell you I followed a video called City Sewing 🧵 and now I fixed the tension and I can do all the stitches and come back to straight stitch and it works like a charm I have no more problems with it I’m so excited 😆 I have my baby 👶 working and it’s right beside my other machine which is computerized happy 😃 sewing and Happy New Year to all

@barbaramcgrath534 7 жыл бұрын

Perfect..I have learned a lot about tension from this tutorial. Barb

@TRACYLB12 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant explanation because I was ready to get a new machine. Thank you.

@dudenaz 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent and very helpful video! Thank You.

@user-so9hy5ku5n Жыл бұрын

Super clear explanation for tension selection. Thank you🙏

@naughtybynature6213 4 жыл бұрын

I solved my tension problem after 10 hours and 18 minutes bobbin tension was too tight I figured it out after 9 hours and I adjusted it checked out all of the stitches 🧵 and it works beautifully now I was ready to get rid of it I hope 🤞 I never have a problem with my Brother tension

@nanialoha4552 3 жыл бұрын

My 3rd sewing machine but those were 80's machines.bought myself a new Brothers for my birthday! Praying I get this tention problem solved! All the thread that kept snapping off , terrible,and sooo time consuming! It would say " make a 15 minute mask" me,90 minutes,still rethreading lol..but now,this baby works like a dream machine!! Good luck to you all!! Aloha Blessings!! Oh and thank u for this awesome turtorial!! Yay!!!

@TheWonderfulWino 6 жыл бұрын

BRILLIANT!!!! Now THAT made sense!!!

@darja25 5 жыл бұрын

Can I just say I LOVE YOU!! you really helped me. God bless

@tellezara 5 жыл бұрын

Yay! Happy sewing :D

@darja25 5 жыл бұрын

@@tellezara It is now, with the proper tension! You really made it so clear! Cheers

@freedom1028 Жыл бұрын

This is really helpful and solved my problem. Thank you, thank you very much.

@p.s.sarojaiyer7614 7 жыл бұрын

good tutorial on thread tension.

@lupemoser8558 3 жыл бұрын

Great explanations, thank you so much.

@michaeldangelo5810 4 жыл бұрын

Thak you for the tip that too high a tension results in starting to go crooked. I was wondering why the upper ones (which looked good) weren't the better choices.

@diannebartolotta9641 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this. I have never understood this until now.

@TheSumad 4 жыл бұрын

Powerful teaching thanks

@manmeetkaurmadaan911 Жыл бұрын

Thanks I was wondering how to fix my machine and luckily got your video

@SandraRosario-mi1zs 3 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial. Thank you 😊 🥰

@conniedees4159 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you sooo Much.! this tutorial was a great help.

@tellezara 6 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it :D

@kathleenarcher-il8iq Жыл бұрын

Nice explanation video. Thank you😊

@user-yx5hc1oc8o 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for the helpful tips

@evelynmercedes1 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video.

@alexkay3677 8 ай бұрын

Thank you. Very helpful indeed.

@alexhutchison4517 8 жыл бұрын

Awesome. I looked and looked for a solution to my problem, and you pointed out exactly what it was. Thanks!

@sushilasooroojpal7727 6 жыл бұрын

G Hutchison ii

@rktman1965 8 жыл бұрын

Good tutorial on solving thread tension problems thank you well done. :-)

@aaliyahraks 6 жыл бұрын

thank you ... that helps a lot x

@s.p.v9509 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this tutorial! Best tutorial I've found to explain what tension on a sewing machine means and how to adjust it.

@olafurssonkyllian8153 8 жыл бұрын

now THAT is a tutorial , thank you so much , and on top of that you're funny .

@vimendoza3587 6 жыл бұрын

olafursson kyllian if

@cornishbabe9 6 жыл бұрын

great many thanks...

@pangvang392 6 жыл бұрын

How do I need to fix the machine, cause when I sewing the machine and why on top is not pretty like the butter....

@mi13estrellas 7 жыл бұрын

so do you use more tension for thicker fabrics? and for light fabric you go down in tension?

@tellezara 7 жыл бұрын

sophie m Yes, correct! don't forget you may also need a thicker needle for thicker or multi layer fabrics too!

@honeyofoats5619 4 жыл бұрын

tellezara what about stretchy fabric? I had so many problems with that fabric, what tension and else I need to do and how can I make the stitching straight and clean?

@franciscafernandes5800 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks ... but if I have skiped stiches top and bottom how should I fix.

@alvaroocampo6349 6 жыл бұрын

i love

@tcap7917 3 жыл бұрын

excellent

@georgerosado5194 7 жыл бұрын

omg..thanks so much

@robson3813 7 жыл бұрын

George rosado k

@maryraab9066 2 жыл бұрын

Can you help me please. My bobbin tension is making a zig zag while my top tension is perfect. What is happening here an what do I need to do to correct it? Thank you.

@bethbilous4720 5 жыл бұрын

So when i am sewig piping onto a throw pillow, I'm thinking i need more tension, correct? Because its thick.

@tellezara 5 жыл бұрын

Probably, yes, as you've got 4 layers to get through!

@janagatton6084 4 жыл бұрын

Also that clunking while you sew sounds like you need to change your needle

@julannsheppard6968 6 жыл бұрын

What tension do you use when you quilt?

@tellezara 6 жыл бұрын

Julann Sheppard I work it out using the exact same method as shown here, just with all my zig zag stitch settings put in, instead of straight stitch. As the choice of tension is affected by number of layers and type of fabric, you should do this test in as close to your actual sewing conditions as possible. So if I'm doing applique I will do this test with scraps of fabric, interfacing, batting etc layered as if it were the real thing. Hope that helps!

@molliebub95 4 ай бұрын

I hope youre still active 😅 my tension level being 9 still creates loops from the top thread.. however i do have a double threading machine so im assuming and hoping its just because ive not got the thread in the right slot on the tension wheel

@molliebub95 4 ай бұрын

I've just seen the tension dial doesn't actually do anything to the discs..

@sonyabond333 6 жыл бұрын

If you have not done so, you need to clean and oil your machine. It sounds like it needs it.

@inayaazmi3158 4 жыл бұрын

Hello.. i have a problem with the same as no. 1 the tread doesn't sew properly i keep try changes the tension but still the same what should i do?

@tellezara 4 жыл бұрын

Ensure machine is completely threaded up properly (i.e. haven't skipped any steps), that you're using the correct before for the fabric type, same thread weight on top and bottom, check your bobbin tension also (using the bobbin drop test). If you're trying to sew many layers of fabric or a single layer of very thin fabric, this can also cause tension issues. Thin fabrics can be used with stabiliser or interfacing. Hope that helps!

@inayaazmi3158 4 жыл бұрын

Thankyou for your advice

@laura1998K 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😀X

@tasnimkausar2803 7 жыл бұрын

l@@@@@@@@@@@@@

@homebodyheaven6114 4 жыл бұрын

How do I know if the problem is the top or the bottom tension? My top thread is all loopy underneath while the bottom thread is just laying flat. Was that because the top tension is to loose OR the bottom tension is too tight?

@tellezara 4 жыл бұрын

Top thread tension 90% of the time! But you can always do the bobbin drop test to check your lower thread tension. Also ensure top thread is threaded properly at each stage from spool to needle, as this can cause a similar issue too (cos not enough tension if you've missed a step somewhere)

@homebodyheaven6114 4 жыл бұрын

tellezara Thank you. I have retreaded top and bottom. Still working on it. Getting closer. ❤️

@homebodyheaven6114 4 жыл бұрын

tellezara What is the bobbin drop test?

@TheJudeJane 4 жыл бұрын

Homebody Heaven Make sure you inserted your NEW needle all the way up with the flat side toward the back (check your manual in case your needle's flat side faces a different direction but most have flat side toward back) and tighten the screw by turning the screw away from you (clockwise). Always replace needles after 8-9 hours of sewing. Needles should match the fabric weight as well as needle size. Try a 14 for light to medium wovens like cotton, size 16 for heavier weight like denim, canvas, and 18 for leather. Ballpoint needles for knits (like T-shirts and those fabrics with stretch and use zigzag stitch or an overlock stitch). Hope this helps.

@homebodyheaven6114 4 жыл бұрын

Jude Jane great idea!

@nomecognome8416 Ай бұрын

Sarei curiosa di conoscere il tuo q.i. Su di un panno rosso... filo rosso, senza contare che non riesci a mettere a fuoco un video. Complimentoniiii!!!

@judyhouse1 2 жыл бұрын

How about the stitch dial ?

@myrasmith7611 Жыл бұрын

my machine sticks when i start off so i have to start 2 inches in to sew

@anniebrook8724 Ай бұрын

I just repeated exactly what the author of this video did and sewed two lines of a top session 5😂

@ginangan8892 3 жыл бұрын

Don’t know why most showing random tension and not low to high and show stitches instead of putting thread to back

@cinnamonchica 6 жыл бұрын

nobody mentions is dial up is tighter or looser

@tellezara 6 жыл бұрын

rutipatrizia patrizia Higher number is higher tension, i.e. the tension discs grip the thread more so it's tighter :)

@periklisspanos7185 Жыл бұрын

No matter what after two minutes electric have no electricity and stop with problems

@helenacordeiro-rl3ig Жыл бұрын

Vait lixar

@TheMcginty222 4 жыл бұрын

Hi , can I use WD- 40 instead of oil ?

@tellezara 4 жыл бұрын

Use dedicated sewing machine oil or your thread will smell of WD 40 for some time!

@ItsDaJax 4 жыл бұрын

wd 40 is not a real lubricant and it will evaporate rather quickly. Infact it's more a degreaser, than grease.

@sewfab7805 3 жыл бұрын

No, to WD-40! You need sewing machine oil.

@engbsapal 6 жыл бұрын

you are not shwing all you are ajust upper and lower tension,you just say and move upper .you should show all setting number with mechine.

@splitsjourney7020 5 жыл бұрын

Eng Bee Teo shut up you can’t even spell

@homebodyheaven6114 4 жыл бұрын

Splits Journey maybe they don’t speak English and are doing the best they can? How many languages do you know?

@miiimoo3592 6 жыл бұрын

Google.com

@tasnimkausar2803 7 жыл бұрын

yyyyyyyy

@tasnimkausar2803 7 жыл бұрын

uuuuuuuuuu

@medqueen1 5 жыл бұрын

That sewing machine sounds like its ready for a metal heap

@1Saltyone 6 жыл бұрын

i think you should oil your machine , as you say you dont do it as much as you should, you sound like you make your money with your machine so you dont want it to stop because you couldnt be bothered, not a good example teach