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Thread Tension
Posted: July 19, 2008, 1:53 PM
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| I was wondering if any of you have problems with thread tension when using different color threads in the HQ. I went from using a King Tut 40 wt varigated thread,to a King Tut 40 wt solid white thread. I did my test on the side of the quilt to see if the tension was ok and it seemed fine. I started working on the quilt and after sewing a few stippling designs the top thread broke. I loosened the top tension just a tad, did a quick test and it seemed to work fine. I started quilting again and the top thread broke again. I've adjusted it many times and can't seem to find the right balance. Needless to say this is very frustrating. There are times when I quilt 4 or 5 quilts with no tension problems and then all of a sudden breakage or loops occur and I can't seem to get it right I just wish there were more handbook instructions to read other than the small booklet that came with the machine. I also wish the tension dial was numbered to you would know what tension level you are at. I do go by the righty tighty, left loosey, but I guess I just need more practice. Does any one have any suggestions or comments. Thanks so much! Missy |
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Thread Tension
Posted: July 19, 2008, 2:54 PM
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missybee, I had the same problem when I went from using thread with color to a white thread. The bobbin tension needed major adjusting. It was far too tight for the white thread. Put your bobbin in the case and then hold the thread and dangle the bobbin in your hand. The bobbin should dance in your hand as you pull the thread with your other hand. It shouldn't be so tight that you can't pull thread out or so loose that the thread pulls too easy. I also needed to clean out my bobbin case too. I then looked at my top thread and found that it was too tight in the tension disks. This was due to lint in the disks. Try cleaning them out and re-threading the machine. I usually can go from one color to the next with out making adjustments but when you go from a color to white it needs adjustment. It could be due the dyes used. I even got my book out to make sure it was thread correctly. Give it a try and let us know how you do. I haven't had to call them yet but I heard the HQ tech support is great. |
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Thread Tension
Posted: July 20, 2008, 8:50 AM
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Neecee, Thanks so much for your suggestions! I tried them all and finally got the tension right! I guess I just have to calm down when these things happen, step away from the machine and go back with a positive attitude. I guess I just get more tense when I'm quilting other people's quilts. I feel such a keen sense of responsiiblity after they put so much hard work in completing the quilt top and I want to do the best job possible. You and all the others on this forum are a great source of inspiration! Thanks again! Missy |
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Thread Tension
Posted: July 20, 2008, 11:05 AM
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| I always check my tensions with each bobbin change. Another thing I have found to help is the MAGIC BOBBIN GENIES. They are teflon washers that you put into your bobbin case. They really help with the backlash. Since using these I can say I've cut my problems at least by half. |
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Thread Tension
Posted: July 20, 2008, 12:12 PM
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crashnquilt, Thanks for the tip. I haven't heard of the magic bobbin genies. Where did you find them? |
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Thread Tension
Posted: July 22, 2008, 2:22 PM
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Hi, My machine and I are having a love-hate relationship. A couple of days ago I did a small quilt with just a loopy stipple all over design and was pleased with the tension, etc. The next day I did another small quilt with just a bigger stipple all over. On the back in spme places the tension looks great but then in some other areas it looks like if I took a pin and inserted it under a stitch I could pull all the stitches out. I am using the stitch regulator at 12 and I try to go real slow. I am using Perma Core Tex 40 thread (The same as I did the other quilt only different color.) It is so frustrating as when you start and check the tension, it looks really good but then when you get it off the frame, you see the not so good tension. I know I am real particular but when the bacing is a solid color it really shows. So would like some advice from the experts out there. I am kinda new to this. Have had this machine 1 1/2 years and am still trying to get confidence to do more that an all over stipple deisgn. My Mom has a old Gammill short arm with no regulation and you can only use from the back of machine. I still use hers sometimes as the tension is always good and is so quiet. Thanks for the help Kathy |
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Thread Tension
Posted: July 23, 2008, 11:51 AM
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Since I started using the MAGIC BOBBIN GENIES most all of my tension problems disappeared. I still check the tension every time I change bobbins. But as far as actual quilting, mine is good all the way to the end of the bobbin thread. I got my MAGIC BOBBIN GENIES from www.sharonschambers.com but I do believe there are a lot of places that carry them. Also, I use the MAGIC BOBBIN GENIES in my domestic machine as well. These washers have stopped the backlash in the bobbin. When using the stitch regulator you can get backlash from speeding up and slowing down. Just type MAGIC BOBBIN GENIES in a search engine and you should find them. They are about $10.00 for a bag of 10 but it's well worth the investment. You change the washers when you start seeing some wear and tear on the washer. So far I've only used 1 washer either of my machines. Also, I do put a TINY drop of oil inside the bobbin case so the bobbin will move smoothly within the case. I hope this helps. |
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