Sewing Machine Tension Loops on Bottom – Causes and Solutions
Sewing is an art. You can make many beautiful outfits of various fabrics by sewing. Nowadays, many households own a sewing machine. In short, sewing is a fun process, but only if everything works smoothly.
If any of the problems occur in any parts, then sewing gets disturbed. So it is necessary to fix all the problems. To do good sewing, having a good sewing machine with all its parts properly working is necessary.
After using it for a while, problems may arise. It includes situations like the sewing machine doesn’t catch the thread, the bobbin not catching the thread, the mini machine doesn’t sew, and many more.
One of the main issues that occur is the tension of the machine loops on the bottom. If the tension is not correct, then it would cause improper sewing on the fabric. So having the correct tension is obligatory.
Thus, we are listing a few reasons and solutions for fixing the tension of the sewing machine.
Why Does Sewing Machine Tension Loops on the Bottom?
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Having correct tension is mandatory; otherwise, it may result in improper sewing may result. What’s more, it may waste the fabric too.
So here are some significant reasons for the tension of the sewing machine getting looped at the bottom. To identify the correct reason for the next time you sew, we have listed a few of them.
1. There Can Be Needle Issues
If you don’t place the correct needle in the sewing machine, tension problems may occur. It includes issues, such as tension looping on the bottom. As a result, the needle would break down.
Therefore, it is necessary to use the right needle according to the fabric under the sewing process.
The needle should neither be large nor be small; it should be suitable according to the type of fabric. The needle-type should also be according to the thread you are using.
2. There Can Be Thread Issues
You should use the correct type of thread. Moreover, make sure you also use the right length of thread for proper sewing and avoiding improper tension at the bottom.
The thread should be smooth, and no knots should be present for proper sewing. Besides, the threads should not be loose. In short, the thread tension should not be below average.
Also, if there is more thread, then the stitch would be loose. Likewise, if there is a lesser thread, it would result in a tight stitch. So make sure you insert the right amount of thread into the machine.
The disc handles the top thread. So we can adjust the thread with those discs. The foot should be up when adjusting the thread on the discs. That’s because if the foot is down, the disc will close.
3. There Can Be Bobbin Problems
It is one of the main problems that can cause tension loops on the bottom. If you don’t wind the thread correctly in the bobbin, it might create trouble.
You should remove the last thread and insert a new one when starting a new sewing project. Wind the threads unhurriedly.
The Bobbin tension should not be looser or tighter. Besides, you should insert the bobbin into the Bobbin case correctly.
What’s more, the thread in the bobbin should be smooth, with no knots.
4. Top Tension May Be Loose
If the tension at the top is loose, then tension may get looped at the bottom. So fix the tension at the top.
For this, you may need to tighten the top tension to fix the bottom tension. The thread may bunch up on the lower part of the fabric because of a loose top tension.
5. Machine Might Be Dirty
If the machine parts are not clean, tension may loop at the bottom. Likewise, if the dirt is present at some parts, the thread would not move smoothly, and tension may get looped.
The dust may not allow a good resistance. Thus, it will help if you clean the dust correctly. No dust should be present in the bobbin, spool pin, discs, or any other part of the machine for good sewing.
6. Sewing Machine Might Be Malfunctioning
If there are damaged parts in the sewing machine, it becomes hard to maintain proper tension.
Any problem with the bobbin, spool pin, or any other parts could affect the thread tension. So you should check the sewing machine correctly. And if necessary, you can do some servicing too.
7. Sewing Machine Might Be Failing to Stitch at the Bottom
If you figure out that your sewing machine is not stitching underneath, then the reason might be that the top tension is loose, and tension gets looped at the bottom.
The machine would not stitch below, and the thread would bunch up on the lower part of the fabric. In this case, you should correct the top tension or else rethread the bobbin.
How to Fix Sewing Machine Tension Loops on Bottom?
You need to solve the tension problem for perfect sewing. There are some solutions listed below that can make it happen.
1. Correct the Upper Tension
First of all, you need to correct the upper tension of the thread. The upper tension of the thread may change because the thread in the bobbin would pull the upper thread so much.
Thus, to solve it, you need to tighten the upper thread. So, after you adjust the upper tension, there would be no loops in the lower thread. You can adjust the upper tension in the thread through the discs.
2. Adjust the Bobbin Placement
Make sure you place the bobbin correctly. The thread in the bobbin should be knot-free and smooth.
If you don’t place the bobbin correctly after cleaning your machine, it may disturb the tension. Thus, if you feel the machine’s tension is not correct at the bottom, place the bobbin correctly and check the thread in the bobbin.
Also, check the thread inserted in the bobbin, as it should be smooth.
3. Balance the Tension
The tension disc and the tension regulator together are known as tension assembly. You can try to achieve a balanced tension in the sewing machine.
Moreover, you can try using a thick thread to balance the tension. Besides thickness, you can also try tightening the threads for proper tension.
The threads should neither be too tight nor too loose for good tension.
For this, hold the thread with one hand and move the wheel in a counter-clockwise direction. After that, leave the needle and pull the upper thread from the lower side.
You can always experiment and change the tension according to the fabric and machines.
That’s because different machine models need different tensions. Likewise, different fabrics require different tensions.
4. Look for the Machine Maintenance
Chances are your sewing machine seeks maintenance. You can inspect the machine parts such as bobbin, bobbin case, spool pin, and balance wheel.
Besides, there should be no damage to any part of the sewing machine. Moreover, all parts should exhibit smooth working to avoid tension.
So, you can service the sewing machine at small intervals. Besides, you can oil the machine to increase its performance.
Besides servicing, you can clean these parts at some intervals. That’s because dust does not provide resistance. As a result, the machine fails to establish proper tension. And it all ends up with the tension getting looped at the bottom part.
5. Try Rethreading the Whole Thread
When you cannot detect the reason for tension loops, remove the thread and rethread the whole thread. As a result, it will help establish a stable tension.
While doing this, make sure the thread is not too loose or too tight at the bobbin. Hold the thread with one hand and then unwind on the opposite side. Now, with the other hand, place the bobbin in the bobbin case.
If it is too tight from the top region, lose it slightly to achieve an equivalent tension through the disc. The thread should also be not too loose because then the thread would wind unnecessarily.
Why Is a Good Tension Necessary to Avoid Tension Loops on Bottom?
Good thread tension is mandatory for sewing. Or else, many problems may occur because of the unbalanced tension. It includes some common issues, such as needle breakage, bobbin thread issues, and overall malfunctioning of the machine.
Likewise, there should be balance in the top and bottom threads. If not, it would result in an improper stitch, and the thread may get bunched up on the backside of the fabric.
Should You Adjust Upper Thread Tension to Prevent Tension Loops on Bottom?
Most sewers usually adjust the upper thread tension to avoid tension loops. You can adjust it through the dial.
It ranges from 0-9. The ideal tension is 4.5 for regular or straight stitching.
If you are doing any other stitching other than a straight one, you have to change the tension, or else the thread may get looped up on the fabric. Thus, you can change it between 3 to 4.
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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