Thread tension HIGH

[foxrun]

So to get the tension correct enough to make nice looking stitches in the lightest material I have, I have to set the thread tension around 8. Do I need to loosen my bobbin tension so that number comes down? What do you guys have your tension # set at? Thoughts?

[Tacblades]

Maybe i made a vid that might help.
https://youtu.be/8KJwkgDltuI

[Ramblinrev]

So to get the tension correct enough to make nice looking stitches in the lightest material I have, I have to set the thread tension around 8. Do I need to loosen my bobbin tension so that number comes down? What do you guys have your tension # set at? Thoughts?

The short answer is NO!. There is no relationship between the bobbin tension and the thread tension. They act totally independently. In general, the rule of thumb is don't mess with the bobbin tension unless you know exactly what you are doing and why you are doing it. You won't damage the machine if you do, but you won't fix the problem and you will introduce more variables that don't need to be there. Be aware that the very thin fabrics we use a lot do not allow the lock stitch to embed between the layers the way a thicker fabric will. So a thinner thread may be a better solution to the issue than messing with the bobbin tension. A stitch formed under too much tension is more likely to break

That said... IF the bobbin tension is way too tight,(have you messed with it before?) It might be helpful to loosen it a tad. But do so in extremely small increments (<1/8th turn each adjustment) and once you get it where it should be leave it set.

[foxrun]

Thank you both. I did mess with it before... I will try to loosen in ever so slightly.
Thank you!

[foxrun]

Maybe i made a vid that might help.
https://youtu.be/8KJwkgDltuI

Very helpful. Thank you!

[jadekayak]

The short answer is NO!. There is no relationship between the bobbin tension and the thread tension. They act totally independently. In general, the rule of thumb is don't mess with the bobbin tension unless you know exactly what you are doing and why you are doing it. You won't damage the machine if you do, but you won't fix the problem and you will introduce more variables that don't need to be there. Be aware that the very thin fabrics we use a lot do not allow the lock stitch to embed between the layers the way a thicker fabric will. So a thinner thread may be a better solution to the issue than messing with the bobbin tension. A stitch formed under too much tension is more likely to break

That said... IF the bobbin tension is way too tight,(have you messed with it before?) It might be helpful to loosen it a tad. But do so in extremely small increments (<1/8th turn each adjustment) and once you get it where it should be leave it set.

This is really bad advice.
Bobin tension has every effect on top tension.
You can run,lose,average,tight bobin tension and your top tension will have to be similar to get a good stitch.
If your bobin tension is not right and you don't know what your doing you could make it worse.
If your machine has a removable bobin case you should be able to perform a drop test(YouTube or google search)
If you have a fixed bobin case like mine(singer 328P) you can buy a tension setter or use your fingers if you have a but of experience.

Thread tension setting vids are also all over the net(sewn samples)and fabric weight is one of the biggest factor in proper tension variance.

[Bubba]

This is really bad advice.
Bobin tension has every effect on top tension.
You can run,lose,average,tight bobin tension and your top tension will have to be similar to get a good stitch.
If your bobin tension is not right and you don't know what your doing you could make it worse.
If your machine has a removable bobin case you should be able to perform a drop test(YouTube or google search)
If you have a fixed bobin case like mine(singer 328P) you can buy a tension setter or use your fingers if you have a but of experience.

Thread tension setting vids are also all over the net(sewn samples)and fabric weight is one of the biggest factor in proper tension variance.

I think he means not changing bobbin tension if it is already properly set and not use bobbin tension for constant and frequent adjustments. He'll correct me if I'm wrong.

[rkraneis]

If you ever only use the same strength of thread, you should be able to leave the bobin tension alone (once it is set up correctly). I often use different threads so I often have to adjust it (removable bobin -> drop test). If in doubt do some test stitches changing only one variable at a time. My old Pfaff has a nice explanation in the original manual ...

[5shot]

As long as it works the way you want it to, there is no need to worry about it. If you get maxed out and need more, then you can loosen the bobbin tension by 1/8th turn and try again. When I use #69 in my home machine I have to tweak it. There are other tricks as well, but you are fine as it sits. I have never seen a home machine break a thread because of tension...a cluster yes, but not tension.