Bobbin Thread Too Loose – Causes and Solutions
One thing you should always ensure you have on your machine as you stitch is proper tension. There is no way you can work with loose threads, and if you do, your stitches will not come out great.
Likewise, if the bobbin thread is loose, the stitches will not be even, and most likely, it will not look the same on both sides.
With good tension, the thread will flow easily. Well, there are several reasons why your bobbin thread is loose. This article will be covering this as well as the possible solutions. Read on!
Why Does Bobbin Thread Get Too Loose and How to Fix It?
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Before you start sewing anything, it is always important to check the state of your sewing machine. This checking includes ensuring that you are using the suitable needles, thread and never forget to ensure that you are using the correct tension on your bobbin thread.
The bobbin thread is essential when sewing, and therefore you need to ensure that it is in the best state. If you do not fix it right, it tends to get loose, ultimately affecting how your stitches may look.
Several reasons make the bobbin thread loose but most of which you can quickly fix by simply adjusting the tension on the thread. Here are some possible causes.
1. The Threading Is Not Okay
One of the most frequent causes why the bobbin thread is loose could be that threading in the machine is incorrect. Usually, when threading, the bobbin thread needs to go through suitable holes or channels.
As such, it will ensure that the thread gets a firm grip all through. Therefore, failing to thread the machine well will ultimately result in loose stitches.
If you are a learner in the sewing world, you will likely encounter this issue, especially if you do not know the right places to put the bobbin thread.
When threading, you need to ensure that the thread passes through all the right parts in the sewing machine. These parts ensure that you get tight stitches when sewing.
Solution – Correctly Thread a Machine Using a Bobbin Thread
Step 1: Place the Bobbin Thread on the Threaded Pin
Start by ensuring that the bobbin thread you are using suits your machine ideally. Then, go ahead and place the thread on the threaded pin and secure it in place using a spool cap.
Step 2: Passing the Thread Through the Bobbin Winder
Once you place the bobbin thread in the machine’s thread pin, you should pass it through the bobbin winder. To do this, pass the thread in the counterclockwise direction through the thread guides. Ensure that it passes through the pre-tension disc.
Step 3: Secure the Bobbin Thread
In the bobbin, there are two small holes where the thread should pass. Wind the bobbin severally around the center of the bobbin.
Step 4: Install the Bobbin on the Broader Shift
You can now insert the bobbin in the winder pin on the machine. Once the bobbin thread is in place, lock the bobbin winder, pull out excess thread through the slit and trim it. Ensure you leave a tail on the end that will run into the needle’s eye.
Step 5: Wind the Bobbin
Press the foot pedal to commence winding the bobbin and ensure you do so for several of its layers. Ensure the winding is tight such that the top of the bobbin fits in the bobbin case.
2. There Are Tension Issues on the Bobbin
Tension issues in the bobbin thread are another huge issue that may make the bobbin thread too loose. After sewing, the thread tension on the seam should be smooth and flat on both sides.
If you notice that the seam is uneven or not flat, the main problem could be due to loose bobbin thread.
Proper tension also makes the top and bottom stitches equal tension. If these stitches do not look the same, you should adjust the tension on the bobbin thread.
Unfortunately, many sewers avoid adjusting the tension on their sewing machines which makes the situation even worse.
Solution – Set the Correct Tension on the Bobbin Thread
When setting the correct tension for the bobbin thread, you need to look at the loose side and to that which is tight. Maybe it is the top that is loose, and the bottom can be tight.
The intention is to ensure that both sides are of the correct tension. But if you want to adjust the tension, you need to ensure that first, the threading on your machine is correct. Here is how you can set the correct tension for your machine.
Step 1: Find the Tension Regulating Dial on Your Machine
It is the point from which you will be increasing or decreasing the tension. Again, your machine manual should guide you in identifying it.
Also, there is a small knob on the bobbin case that you should also use to adjust.
Step 2: Adjust the Thread
The bobbin thread is usually the lower thread on the machine. When adjusting this thread, you should first use the top tension. You should be able to increase the tension until the bobbin thread is a bit tight.
To do this, turn the knob so that the numbers are increasing.
The best position to start with is turning it a quarter or half more. After that, you should keep turning the knob until the bobbin ceases to be loose.
Step 3: Test if the Settings Are Okay
To know if the tension on the bobbin thread is now okay, place the bobbin in the bobbin case. Then, hold the tail of the thread and catch the bobbin with your other hand. The case should move a little bit when you jiggle it.
3. Your Machine Is Dirty
A dirty machine can also make the bobbin lose. Tiny threads and other types of dirt usually accumulate between the tension discs of the machine. You can also find others in the bobbin case, at the throat plate, or around the bobbin.
They affect the bobbin thread’s tension such that as you sew, you do not even achieve stitches. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you clean the machine regularly and, more so, the area where the bobbin thread stays.
Solution – Clean the Bobbin Case
Step 1: Turn Off the Machine
Before cleaning, ensure that the machine is off.
Step 2: Remove the Bobbin Case
To do this, lift the needle to its highest position. You should then pull the Latch, after which you should be able to remove the bobbin case.
Then you should remove the latch levers out of the retaining ring. Finally, remove the hook and the retaining ring.
Step 3: Clean Up the Area
Ensure you do away with all the debris in that area and insert back the parts.
Tips to Prevent Bobbin Thread From Getting Too Loose
1. Ensure the Needles Are in Perfect Working Condition
If your needle has a bending or is blunt, it decreases the tension on the bobbin thread. Also, you need to make sure that you insert the needle correctly In the needle holder.
Moreover, ensure that the type of needle you are using perfectly suits the kind of bobbin thread you are using and your sewing material type.
2. Thread the Bobbin Thread Well
When threading, ensure you do it correctly such that the bobbin thread passes through all the thread guides. If it does not, the thread becomes loose.
Also, the winding on the bobbin should be even and should have no loops, and should correctly pass through the tension disks.
3. Ensure the Tension Is Correct
You should always ensure that the settings on the knob are correct. For example, you may need to set most tension settings at 4.
4. Ensure That the Latch Is Tight
The bobbin may be loose because the latch locks are not in place. Ensure that these locks are in place and that they are tight. To do this, turn the handwheel towards your direction so that the needle reaches its highest point.
5. Make Sure the Bobbin Case Is Intact
Another main reason why the bobbin thread will appear loose is if the bobbin case is not intact. A loose bobbin case makes the bobbin thread loose. So, as you insert the case, ensure you hear the clicking sound signifying that the bobbin is intact.
6. Use a High-Quality Thread
A low-quality thread will make the bobbin thread loosen. Moreover, it may result in uneven seams.
How to Know if My Bobbin Thread Tension Is Correct?
If the bobbin thread tension is correct, the stitched threads will meet together at the fabric center and form an even stitch. The bobbin thread should not appear at the top of your stitches, and also the upper thread should not be underneath your fabric.
When the bobbin thread tension is good, it will reflect on the stitches of the fabric.
What Are the Signs of Loose Bobbin Thread?
When the bobbin thread is loose, there will be loops on the underside of the fabric. The bobbin thread will also pull too much top thread to the underside of the fabric.
Moreover, you will realize that the stitches you make on your fabric are not even and will not look identical on both sides. So, if the top and back stitches are not the same, the bobbin thread is loose. That’s it! These signs will indicate that your bobbin thread may need some tightening.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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