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Tension
sews4fun
Joined: May 17, 2010
Posted: May 17, 2010, 9:23 PM
I have a quilt on my HQ16 that I am doing a pantograph on and after doing several rows with no problems my bobbin needed changed. Since then I haven't been able to complete a row because after stitching beautifully for about 12 inches my bobbin thread starts looping on top of the quilt and the top thread is like 1 long basting stitch. Have adjusted tension, changed needles,rethreaded, tried a different bobbin and keeps doing the same thing. Could there be a problem with my bobbin case or is there something else I can do?
Re: Tension
kathisalter
Joined: Dec. 2, 2008
Posted: May 18, 2010, 1:29 PM
Make sure the bobbin tension is set correctly. It is the foundation when setting your tension. After inserting the bobbin into the case, pull about a 6 inch long thread from the bobbin. Holding that thread, you should be able to lift the bobbincase off your hand and it should slide down like a spider on a spiderweb (not too fast, but not too slow). When you know that is set correctly, the adjustments should be on the top tension. Be sure that you have inserted the bobbin going the correct direction. When it is inserted into the bobbin case, have the open part of the bobbin case (where you can see the bobbin) facing you. When you pull on the thread, the bobbin should be turning clockwise.

If all these things have been done correctly and you are still having the tension issue, it could be that there is a ball of lint under the tension spring of your bobbin case. It is located on the outside of your bobbin case. On this website, go into the 'Education' section. Under this section, go into 'HQ FAQ'. The sixth question is 'How do I clean the lint from the tension spring on my bobbin case?' Click on this and it will show you how to clean the spring out.

I hope that one of these helps solve your tension issues. If continue to have problems, call Handi Quilter at 877-697-8458, Monday-Friday 10 AM-5 PM, MST. Ask for the Education Department and we will try to help you figure out what is going on.

Kathi Salter
Handi Quilter Studio Educator