1.
The best way to check thread tension while
embroidering is to sew out three letter "I"'s
on scrap fabric using a good quality stabilizer.
It should show 1/3 of the bobbin thread in the
center of the column. If more than 1/3 bobbin
thread showing, either the top tension is too
tight and/or the bobbin tension is too loose.
If less than 1/3 of the bobbin thread is showing,
either the top tension is too loose and/or the
bobbin tension is too tight.
NOTE: Do not adjust any tension
until you have checked to see if the machine is
threaded correctly, and that you have a new needle
in the machine. Also, make sure the machine is
cleaned and oiled regularly. (That's why your
machine came with that little brush and oil! Check
your owner's manual.) Also make sure the hook
area of the machine is free of dust and particles
of thread. A small piece of thread can wreak havoc
with embroidery.
Always start any adjustment with the top tension.
It is usually righty, tighty; lefty, loosey, but
check your manual to make sure. If adjusting the
top tension does not correct the problem, then
start adjusting the bobbin. Some machine dealers
don't like for you to touch the bobbin tension,
but I'm a firm believer in knowing as much about
your machine and how it works as you can. Make
sure you are using the embroidery bobbin case
if your machine is a combo machine. (Many machines
automatically come with the extra bobbin case
to use with embroidery. If not, purchase an extra
one and mark it just for embroidery.) The bobbin
case is much more sensitive than the top tension.
Adjust the bobbin tension tighter by tightening
the small screw on the bobbin case. (Consult your
machine manual for location of screw.) Don't turn
it more than ¼ turn at a time. Right or clockwise
is tighter, left or counter clockwise is looser.
(Righty tighty, lefty loosey). After adjusting
the bobbin case, put it back in and do another
test sewout. Repeat this process until the tension
is correct.
If you're getting loops on the top side of your
embroidery, it could be the tension, the needle
or the thread. Use the best thread and needles
you can. Organ Embroidery Needles have been shown
to be one of the best embroidery needles on the
market today. Use good quality products and you'll
get good, quality results.
2. Did you
know that machine needles get invisible burrs
on them? We can not see them wit the human eye,
but they can distort our stitches and cause skipped
stitches on our projects. Change your needle with
every project.
3. Did you
know that your saliva will remove your blood?
That’s right! The DNA in your saliva will remove
your blood, not your husbands or your child’s,
but yours. Try it the next time your sewing pin
or needle prick your finger and you bleed on that
beautiful heirloom project you were working on.
4. When
embroidering on any kind of adhesive stabilizer,
such as Stabil-Stick or Hydro-Stick, I have found
that using an Organ Titanium Needle works best.
The Titanium coated needles seem to slide through
the adhesives easier, creating better embroidery
and less thread breakage.
|
