Struggling with tree strap stitch tension

[P-Dub]

Try a thorough cleaning of the machine -- look for any short scraps of thread caught inside, under/around the bobbin, etc.

[Stalkentorp]

'I do have a presser foot pressure setting on my machine. I'll try playing with that tonight.
I did try sewing these straps then my hammocks - but got fed up, removed the Mara 50, sewed 2 hammocks with Mara 70, then put this back in. Perhaps I should try winding a new bobbin with the 50 and giving that a go.'

I had a verty similar situation once, but after I failed with 50 I decided to stop sewing for a while.

[justaboutso]

This isn't a solution to the problem, because you should be able to sew just fine with what you have, but a potential solution to the situation. Instead of the Mara thread, try a Tera 60 or Tera 40 and I bet those will work fine. The Tera is made a bit differently, and is much more smooth and slick. I find it pulls through dense/heavy fabric a lot easier. Added benefit is it's a lot stronger for any given diameter than the Mara.

[MrPoopular]

This isn't a solution to the problem, because you should be able to sew just fine with what you have, but a potential solution to the situation. Instead of the Mara thread, try a Tera 60 or Tera 40 and I bet those will work fine. The Tera is made a bit differently, and is much more smooth and slick. I find it pulls through dense/heavy fabric a lot easier. Added benefit is it's a lot stronger for any given diameter than the Mara.

Great tip, Thanks!

[OneClick]

Not sure if this would help the tension issue, but I was sewing some last night and decided to use the reinforced straight stitch. Three lines end to end spaced about 1/4" and it's solid. It's easy and I don't believe you even need to reverse to lock it in.