Girls, I need help, please. How can I tell when the tension is right on the embroidery machine? How much of the bobbin color should I see from the backside. My manual isn't very good ...more

auntbaba, I'll try, 2/3 of the thread that you see should be your top thread. Of that, 1/3 will be on TOP of your project and 1/3 will be on the bottom so that the bobbin thread is centered in that 1/3. Only 1/3 should be bobbin thread and it should ALL be on the bottom.

2 comments

by jrob 19 Apr 2008

I'm sure someone else could explain that better....

by auntbaba 19 Apr 2008

Thank-you jrob, I understand. I must have real tired last night! *4U

When it comes to bobbin fill, each machine will require one thats suit your machine, they are not all the same. Example, Janome machines like to use janome bobbin fill, Brother have a few more that suit, Singer seem to take a greater variety, so the solution is try a small amount first, and if you dony have any bobbin fill showing on the top of your work, and everything appears to be correct, stick to that bobbin fill. So many of us try different bobbin fill and they are just not suitable. Good luck, and maybe ask before you buy.

Looks like you got some good answers here. Good luck.

you didn't say what type of machine you have, heaven knows they are all different, but the general consensus is you shouldn't see the bobbin thread ever on the front and usually only in the center of your stitching on the back. Maybe you could try and find your machines manual online and then just read it that way. You could always call a store in your area that sells your type of machine and they will be glad to help you. Of course they'll want to sell you a new machine but you'll still get your info. Good luck.

Well, it looks like you've got your answer auntbaba, hope you can get that tension right. I'm with shirlene, some bobbin threads are better than others, I learned that one the hard way, haha, so now I stick to the one brand. Hugs and a flower sweetie.

Babylock manual says tension should be set so that the upper thread can slightly be seen on wrong side. I usually have mine set at 3.5 or 4 but machines vary with different thrds. Say U embr. a 1 back of 1 will have upper thread evenly on each side with bobbin thread in middle of back.

auntbaba, first have you bought a new brand of bobbin thread - I did recently and found out - it doesn't work with my machine - so I had to purchase it elsewhere and when I did - it worked fine and I didn't have to change my tension one little bit. *4U

1 comment

by auntbaba 18 Apr 2008

I haven't changed bobbin thread; I have been using Sulky.

I'm new-ish to this, so someone please correct me if I'm wrong. From what I was told, the bobbin thread is there almost exclusively to lock in the top thread and pull it to the back. Some designs will look like there's very little bobbin thread, others with have a bit more. You should never see the bobbin thread from the front, in any case. Did that help any?

4 comments

by chrisbdba 18 Apr 2008

Perfect embroidery tension should have 1/3 top thread, 1/3 bobbin thread, and another 1/3 top thread showing on the bottom.

by jrob 18 Apr 2008

exactly.

by auntbaba 18 Apr 2008

jrob, sorry, but I can't picture what you are telling me. Would you try again please?

by auntbaba 18 Apr 2008

Sorry, chrisbdba, I can't picture what you are telling me. Would you try again, please?

at explaining this.