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If you sew, you know. Sewing machine tensions frequently mess up, even on the finest sewing machines. The key is awareness of what makes the tensions work or mess up. Once you gain insight to the operation of tensions, you will greatly reduce your frustrations.

Two threads are used on your sewing machine to form stitches. One from the top and one from the bobbin. The machine is designed to create a certain amount of resistance on the thread as it moves through the machine. This resistance is known as tension. When all is right, the stitch forms in the fabric without excess on top or bottom.

The upper tension system is much easier to see and understand even on sleek modern machines that hide much of the apparatus. The thread moves through some guides, through a tension assembly with tension discs, through the take up lever, and down through the eye of the needle. To adjust the tension, just turn the adjustment knob.

The bobbin tension is not quite as obvious. In fact, you may not even be fully aware of it. In the early days of the sewing machine, it used what was called a shuttle. It was a long case with a pointed end and and open end to slid the bobbin into. Modern sewing machine use bobbins and bobbin carriers that are generally more rounded. You machine may have a top loading, front loading, or a side loading bobbin.

Basically, all the bobbin tension systems work alike. The bobbin goes into the bobbin carrier or holder. Thread wound on the bobbin, is pulled under a tension spring. Eventually, the thread is drawn up through the hole in the needle plate.

It is important to take special care when threading and inserting your bobbin. Since, there are some many different sewing machine models, first use the right bobbin. It is amazing how many times, the sewing machine messes up just because it has the wrong bobbin in it.

Second, be sure the bobbin thread is properly wound with no loops or loose threads and not too tight either. The thread should be smoothly wound around the bobbin.

The third step is to insert the bobbin into its holder. If you are new to your sewing machine, get the manual and double check the correct procedure. If you do not have a manual, take the machine to your nearest sewing machine technician and have them show you. Follow the procedure exactly every time. If the bobbin and carrier are not inserted properly, they will mess up. Note too, the thread must then go under the tension spring.

The fourth step, is to thread the bobbin tension. If you look closely, the thread goes under a small piece of metal which is actually the tension spring. This part is crucial. If the thread fails to slide under the tension spring, it will flop around, get tangled up, or appear on top of your fabric as puckers as you sew.

You can adjust the amount of pressure applied to the thread by turning the small screw located on the tension spring. To tighten turn it clockwise. To loosen turn it counterclockwise.

Fifth, some bobbin carriers are built into the machine or fasten in place to receive the bobbin. Other bobbin carriers are made as bobbin cases which detach from the machine to receive the bobbin and then are reinserted after loading the bobbin.

Tension is easy to test on detachable carriers. After inserting the bobbin and drawing the thread under the spring, hold the string and allow the carrier to dangle. If it drops, tighten the tension. Bounce the carrier a bit. If the tension refuses to move, loosen the tension a bit. If it drops an inch or so, it is about right. Now hold the carrier and pull the thread with your other hand. Does it come off smoothly, you are all set.

Test drop in bobbins by using the draw test. Pull the thread through the bobbin tension until it flows freely with a gently tug. Adjust the spring as needed.

Double check to identify any worn parts that might snag the thread. If you find a rough spot, burr, or other such spot; correct the problem before bringing the thread up through the needle plate hole and preparing to sew. Generally, once the bobbin tension is set, it should only need to be adjusted if you change the size of thread you use.