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Fusion Tension
mandegunn
Joined: Sept. 13, 2009
Posted: Oct. 15, 2009, 1:24 PM
Hi,
I have a 3 day old machine (OK, I have 3 days experience). I'm running into tension problems. I sewed with NO problems with the bobbin (no idea what this thread was) that came in the machine with a 50 weight cotton on the top thread. Then I made 2 more bobbins with the 50 wt cotton and used the same on the top. I have had issues with top thread breakage, and it appears as though the top thread is pulling slightly to the back side. I don't wknow which of the 2 tensions to adjust first!

Margaret
Re: Fusion Tension
duncanc
Joined: Dec. 18, 2008
Posted: Oct. 15, 2009, 2:21 PM
Margaret,
If your thread is breaking as you sew you will most likely need to adjust both the top tension and the bobbin tension. Begin by loosening your bobbin tension until you can put the bobbin case in your hand and wrap the thread around your finger 4 - 5 times. Gently lift the bobbin case off your hand. It should be able to lift off your hand and slide slowly down (like a spider on a web). After you have your bobbin adjusted then move to your top tension. You may have to loosen it also. Remember that an adjustment on the bobbin case it very slight and that an adjustment on the top tension can be a full turn (or even more) of the tension knob. Also check the hook on the outside of the bobbin to make sure there isn't any lint under the hook. You can do this by gently sliding a fine pin under the hook. Make sure that the hook goes back into the correct position.
Usually the thread that comes with your machine is Superior Sew Fine. It is a 50 weight polyester.

Good Luck

Cheryl Duncan
Handi Quilter Studio Educator
Re: Fusion Tension
mandegunn
Joined: Sept. 13, 2009
Posted: Oct. 16, 2009, 12:16 PM
OK, so I have spent 3 hours doing trial and error only to be nowhere.

I currently have slightly loosened the bobbin tension. I behaves as you noted, although I will say that it feels looser than I remember the bobbin which came in the machine.

I have changed the needle, cleaned all lint and oiled. Made a new bobbin too. No matter what I do, I still end up with what looks like too tight tension on the top (no rr tracks or loops, but it shows a small dot of bobbin thread and feels tight) AND a similar thing on the back. I think I didnt see this initially because the fabric, top and bobbin thread were all white. Now, when one is a dark color, it is most obvious. I am reluctant to loosen the bobbin further as it seems to glide very easily down the thread.

Somewhere I read that turning the top tension knob away from me (CW) will loosen the tension. I feel as though this is not the case.

Please help!!!
Re: Fusion Tension
mandegunn
Joined: Sept. 13, 2009
Posted: Oct. 16, 2009, 12:59 PM
Additional info...
Just put in a prewound bottom line bobbin and used a So Fine on the top. I had to adjust (tighten) the bobbin tension a little, but very quickly had it looking good on top & bottom. Now, why can't I get it to do that with a heavier 50 wt cotton thread?! I really do NOT like the look of the super thin So fine threads and want to make tensions work with heavier cottons-
Re: Fusion Tension
leebeck
Joined: Oct. 19, 2009
Posted: Oct. 19, 2009, 10:44 AM
Margaret,
I had the same problem, plus more, Like you I like the cotton thread. I got the tension just right on the practice peice. Then I decided to use the thinner thread,because of the colors I wanted to use, now I can not get the tension right either, now I have good tension going left and bad tension going right so you can imagine what my quilting looks like.
Becky