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Member since 2/26/08
Posts: 92
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Posted on: 4/2/09 1:57 PM ET
My machine has developed a habit of loose stitches on the bobbin side especially after decorative stitching. Sometimes it also happens after a thread change, but it definitely happens just about everytime that I've done decorative stitching. Before doing the stitching the stitch will be fine, after it's all loose and loopy on the bottom.
I've tried changing needles, changing thread, rethreading, rewinding and reinserting bobbin etc. It takes a long time but usually one of these things will get it back going relatively normally until the next time. Does anyone have an idea what the problem is? I have a Pfaff 2058, which is manual tension, and vertical bobbin. My dealer is 2 hours away and uncomfortable to deal with. TIA
  
Member since 2/18/04
Posts: 1349
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Posted on: 4/2/09 3:28 PM ET
In reply to Debi in OK
Debi, have you tried just turning the machine off and back on to let the computer reset itself after doing the decorative stitches? You shouldn't ''have to'' but sometimes it helps.

Usually, loops and loose stitches on the bottom means that the top is either not threaded correctly or is not in the tension discs properly. Is it possible the thread is jumping out of the tension discs during decorative stitching?

The 2058 is a great machine and you shouldn't be having these problems. It may just need an adjustment of some sort.

HTH!

edited to add: Although the indication is that you have an upper thread issue, have you looked at or ''tweaked'' the bobbin tension? There's a tiny little screw on the bobbin case and tiny tiny adjustments to that can make a world of difference. I'm talking maybe 1/32'' at a time. Take the bobbin case out and with a full bobbin inserted and thread pulled through the tension and hole as usual, hold a 6 inch or so length of the thread and see what happens. If the bobbin case drops quickly, it may be too loose. If it feels very tight and won't drop at all, it's too tight. The old "righty tighty, lefty loosey'' rule applies with this screw but adjust in tiny increments.


-- Edited on 4/2/09 3:34 PM --
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"I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes--and six months later you have to start all over again!"

Pfaff 2170, Pfaff 7570, Pfaff 4852, Babylock Coverstitch, Huskylock 901,Bernina 1090, Bernina 1020, Singer 1936 Featherweight 221 and Gammill Quilting machine
  
Member since 2/26/08
Posts: 92
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Posted on: 4/2/09 5:31 PM ET
Well....it's true that the case doesn't drop at all if you hold it by the thread....but I will admit to being VERY intimidated by that little bobbin screw. I think it comes from "adjustable" mechanicals years ago that if you "adjusted" them.... they were never the same. Thanks for the advice.... now if I was only brave enough to even touch that screw.
As for letting it rest... I hadn't really tried it because the tension is manual and I didn't think it would matter....but perhaps I've missed something and I'll give it a go.
TIA for any other advice anyone.
  
Member since 12/15/07
Posts: 559
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Posted on: 4/2/09 5:31 PM ET
Quote:
Is it possible the thread is jumping out of the tension discs during decorative stitching?

Mine does that sometimes. It shouldn't. But it does.
  
Member since 10/24/07
Posts: 1830
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Posted on: 4/2/09 5:52 PM ET
In reply to Debi in OK
Hi Debi,
Are you saying that when you stitch the thread stitches look good on the top of the material and when you turn it over to look at the bottom they are loopy? Just clarifying...
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Pfaff P5.0, Bernina 560, Juki 654DE, Elna 745
  
Member since 2/26/08
Posts: 92
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Posted on: 4/2/09 6:13 PM ET
I am saying that.... the topside looks perfect. The underside can be anything from just indistinct stitches(that look like they are just one long thread rather than individual stitches) to having loops. Does that make sense? At any rate, when it's acting up ... you can just pull the bobbin thread and it pretty much will just come out. Thanks... I'm really desperate here. I'm getting really frustrated. ugh!
  
Member since 10/24/07
Posts: 1830
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Posted on: 4/2/09 6:27 PM ET
In reply to Debi in OK
Normally when this happens it is an upper tension issue. The top thread doesn't have any tension and it will form loops underneath. The bobbin thread will pull out easily because the correct stitch isn't being formed.
I would recheck how you have the upper thread threaded. It sounds like you don't have it through the tension disk or else it is threaded incorrectly.
When you thread it make sure the presser foot level is up so that way the tension disks open up. Make sure it is seated in there. Lower your presser foot lever after the top is threaded and make sure it is hard to pull. If it pulls too freely you need to tighten your upper tension or rethread correctly.
This is what it sounds like to mefrom what you are explaining.

Will also add to make sure your bobbin tension isn't too tight like PegL said. Loops are the upper tension but you also need to be comfortable with the bobbin tension. I've had to completely disassemble mine when I have had fuzz get into that area and I couldn't adjust my lower tension at all.
When adjusted a bobbin tension CW to tighten, CCW to loosen and think of it as a clock and just try 10 or 15 minute increments. That way you can always put it back to the original spot if you decide it isn't the bobbin tension.
Usually when holding it up and giving a jerk, the case should drop a little.

-- Edited on 4/2/09 6:39 PM --
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Pfaff P5.0, Bernina 560, Juki 654DE, Elna 745
  
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