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New Here - Tension Issues with a Brother PC_420PRW
volleyballmel Member since 6/24/12 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/25/12 7:49 PM I purchased a Brother PC_420PRW from Amazon about a year ago. I used it for some projects and then it's been in the closet until recently. It seems like the tension isn't right, looking at the manual my top thread isn't tight enough, even if I set it on 9 to test. I can still see the top thread on the wrong side of the fabric and I can pull the bobbin thread right out. I've changed the needle, the thread, the bobbin. I've checked the bobbin area to make sure there is nothing in the way. I've re-threaded the machine several times but same result. Is there anything I might have missed? I'm guessing I need to take it in for repair, the nearest authorized service center is about 60 miles away. I'm wondering if it would be easier just to send it in to Brother but I can't find the right page on their website for that info. Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks, Melissa
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7003	Login to reply to this post In reply to volleyballmel << Like this post Date: 6/25/12 7:56 PM I'd suggest a couple of things: Check to be sure there are no tiny threads in the bobbin area; remove the bobbin race and case to be sure. Second, you might have changed the thread, but did you keep the same brand of thread? And, did you buy the thread at Walmart??? Their thread is about as thin as a piece of fine hair, and worthless. Try something with some substance, such as Star, or Coats and Clarks (notice I added "and Clarks"--Walmart sells Coats) or Mettler, or Gutermann. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2521	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/25/12 8:10 PM Check your bobbin tension, too. It may be pulling the thread down no matter what your top tension is.
AminaHijabi Advanced Beginner Member since 10/22/10 Posts: 813	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/25/12 8:50 PM Is there any crap in the upper thread tension disk?
Marie367   Intermediate OH USA Member since 5/28/11 Posts: 1379	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/25/12 10:17 PM I had this issue when I owned it. I had only had it a few weeks when I began to notice it-you notice it more on some stitches than the other. I had to adjust the bobbin tension-there is a screw on the bobbin that adjusts the tension. It was too tight. I loosened it up alot and got the needle thread tension down to about midway-which is where it should be. It was a challenge to do however. I couldn't get the screw loosened though and thought I would have to take it in or buy a new bobbin case. I was persistent and worked with it. I always have had vintage mechanical machines and I was comfortable with playing with it. It took me awhile-I turned the screw threaded everything and tried it--multiple times until I got it right. Once I got it fixed I had a beautiful stitch! Maybe they are just leaving the factory too tight... Oh and I traded it for a Janome-I liked the Brother not loved it and the lighting was an issue for me. But it did not have anything to do with the tension issue. -- Edited on 6/25/12 10:19 PM --
volleyballmel Member since 6/24/12 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/25/12 10:25 PM I'll try the suggestions on the bobbin tension! I did try two different threads and they are the nicer threads, nothing cheap. Thanks!!!
GrandmaNewt Intermediate NV Member since 6/5/10 Posts: 303	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/26/12 9:44 AM The presser foot MUST be in the up position when threading this machine or the tension will not be right. Could this be your problem?
Tina Lou   Intermediate MA USA Member since 6/14/11 Posts: 19	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/26/12 10:38 AM I would suggest NOT making that trip to your closest authorized service center; it has been my twice-repeated experience that they do not care for machines that were bought online, nor are they very polite to the people who own those machines. Sending it to Brother may solve the problem, but you will have no way of knowing what they did or being able to fix it yourself when/if it happens again. I'd suggest you find a local shop with an excellent reputation and develop a relationship with them. ------ Tina
Mufffet   Intermediate VT USA Member since 8/14/05 Posts: 8925	Login to reply to this post In reply to volleyballmel << Like this post Date: 6/26/12 10:39 AM Quote: I purchased a Brother PC_420PRW from Amazon about a year ago. I used it for some projects and then it's been in the closet until recently. Was it in a case? Perhaps something was on top of it - I would have a sewing tech check it out after all this time in a closet. It might have some issue from storage.Good luck! -- Edited on 6/26/12 11:55 AM -- ------ "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama I have sewing machines

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