The Upholstery Forum

Hi guys, im having some issues setting the thread tension on my machine. I have the bobbin tension as tight as i can get the screws and the top thread tension all the way backed off and it still looks like the bobbin thread is visible on the top. What can i do?

First thing first is to clean your machine especially the tread path including the tension discs and your bobbin in case. Once it’s all clean start by backing both the upper tension and bobbin tension to the middle settings. Now rethread the machine insuring it’s threaded the right way including the bobbin. Then try again always remember you want a balanced tension with as little tension as possible with a good looking stich

@stealthmode93 if you have another brand of thread try it and see if issues go away. I went from one brand to another and wound with the same issue you have.

I had an issue with a bad spool of thread. Changed spools and no more issues.

Also make sure you are using correct size needle for the thread you use. Too big of a hole will do that as well.

What machine do you use? Post pic of how it's threaded.

How many layers of material are you sewing through in that picture? Can you post a picture of the back side of the stitch as well.

So here is my machine threaded:


Here is the front of my stitch:

The back of my stitch:

The back if this cheap vinyl has a fuzzy layer, wondering if some of that is what im seeing.

I'm using a #19 needle for 92 thread.

Only sewing through 2 layers

Doesn’t look correct. Thread should go through take up spring

@IvanD after watching johns video it is threaded wrong. Now my machine is different where that take up spring is so i have to figure out how to thread it around that this evening.

Threaded wrong

Ok, so i rethreaded the machine and made sure its around the take up spring. No matter how i adjust the tension you can still see a small bit of the loop from the bottom thread on top and the bottom thread is to tight from the bottom because it looks flat, not like stitches. Gonna try some different vinyl or suede today because I think that fuzzy backing on this foam is what I'm actually seeing in the stitch.

My latest try with some cheap suede from joann fabric.

Now it seems like not enough tension on top. Remeber it's OK that seam changes with material thickness, density and thread. It can be different color thread and it will work differently (black is stiffer for example)

But because knot went down it seems like everything is good with your machine. Also, material looks too thin for the thread you are using and it may happen that there is no place for the knot to go.

This is the same tension but on the vinyl i was using.

I read your one post and it says you’re seeing the loop on top? So is the white thread the top or bottom? To me it appears the orange thread would be the top stitch just of how you have your salvage folded over like a French seam. If that’s the case you’re thinking backwards to what you described and need more tension on top still?

@Joemcglynn I think you having this problem because the vinyl you are using is so thin that even when the tension is centered you can still see the bottom thread. In your case I would sew you basic seams with the tension centered and then for the visible top stitches I would increase the bobbin tension and decrease the top tension. This will pull the knot all the way to the bottom and hide it giving you the look your after.