I'm working on making some tree straps to match a couple hammocks I sewed and I'm having issues with thread tension.
I'm just attempting a straight stitch as my old sewing machine doesn't have any fancy stretch stitches. I started out trying to do a small zig-zag stitch, the tension didn't seem overly strange - but the needle kept getting stuck on the bottom and breaking the top thread whenever I'd cross or touch areas that were already sewn, so I went to a straight stitch.
It seems to be fine when I do a test on some black poly straps, but when I try to sew the color matched poly straps from RSBTR the tension keeps getting all wonky. I'm not sure if they're a tighter weave or what.
I'm using Mara 50 thread & I've tried several needles (ensuring the one I started with isn't dull). I've watched all Jellyfish's videos on thread tension, choosing needles, etc.
Each time I attempt to sew my boxes, the top thread looks great - but when I flip it over the bottom is an absolute mess. The bottom thread is super loose & baggy and I can see the loops from the top thread as well.
It seems like both threads are too loose. I've tried tightening them independently - but I can only eliminate the looseness on the underside when I crank the tightness WAY up on both. At this point the stitches are so tight they're almost disappearing into the straps, which obviously isn't right.
I've never really struggled with thread tension before - so this is frustrating.
Here's how the bottom looks when the thread tension is set so it looks normal and balanced when sewing ordinary fabric.
PXL_20201216_163006685.MP.jpg
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