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Member since 7/16/07
Posts: 30016
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Posted on: 3/10/08 4:58 PM ET
Aaargh -- see below. This just started happening! Does anyone know what causes this, and how I can fix it? The underside looks fine. This is a zig-zag, but the crazy tension of course also occurs on a straight stitch.


-- Edited on 3/10/08 5:08 PM --
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my shield and my very great reward ~ Gen. 15:1

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ~ Albert Einstein

People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be, not what you nag them to be. ~ Scudder N. Parker
  
Member since 6/18/03
Posts: 2145
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Posted on: 3/10/08 5:39 PM ET
My machine hasn't learned this trick yet (though it's a matter of time) but one rule of thumb that's worked well for me - problems on the top (of the seam) indicate bobbin problems, problems on the bottom indicate top thread problems. Is your bobbin threaded correctly? It looks like it's waaay too loose which could mean it's missing the bobbin tension bit or that the tension is too loose. Try rethreading (it's amazing how often that fixes seemingly impossible problems - no, I'm not admitting how I've learned that) the whole thing, top and bottom threads, and if that doesn't work take a close look at the bobbin, making sure the tension's ok. HTH.
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Kit
"Never underestimate the power of the right dress!" - drsue
"Hyu gots to know how to sveet tok de costumers, dollink" - Girl Genius, 11-24-08
  
Member since 7/16/07
Posts: 30016
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Posted on: 3/10/08 8:19 PM ET
In reply to KitnRose
Quote:
one rule of thumb that's worked well for me - problems on the top (of the seam) indicate bobbin problems, problems on the bottom indicate top thread problems

Kind of like left brain controls right side/ right brain controls left side! I remembered hearing that same thing somewhere, so after trying rethreading and a few other things I adjusted the bobbin tension just slightly and it did make a difference. With mechanical things I'm always guessing, though -- I don't even know whether I tightened the tension or loosened it. I assume from what you say I must have tightened it. I'm going to recheck to be sure, but it may be solved for now. Thanks for your help!

-- Edited on 3/10/08 8:21 PM --
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my shield and my very great reward ~ Gen. 15:1

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ~ Albert Einstein

People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be, not what you nag them to be. ~ Scudder N. Parker
  
Member since 2/17/07
Posts: 2506
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Posted on: 3/11/08 10:10 PM ET
When you are setting bobbin tension with the tiny little screw on the bobbin case, the old saying of "Lefty loosey, righty tighty" holds true. More bobbin thread tension by turning the screw tighter, or to the right. You may have found out that a little bit makes a big difference here.

Have fun!

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A sewing machine is just a welder for textiles.
  
Member since 7/16/07
Posts: 30016
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Posted on: 3/11/08 10:38 PM ET
In reply to Al Johnson
Yes, I did turn it to the right -- but just barely! It's amazing to me that such a tiny change could make a difference.
Thanks!
------
my shield and my very great reward ~ Gen. 15:1

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ~ Albert Einstein

People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be, not what you nag them to be. ~ Scudder N. Parker
  
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