Top Thread Tension - Husqvarna Viking Platinum Q 165 User Manual

Top Thread Tension

One of the joys of quilting with the Platinum Q|165 is its ability to handle many different types of thread.
You can quilt with almost any high-quality thread as long as you first adjust the bobbin tension and then
adjust the top tension to suit the thread you've chosen.
Puckering, gathers, and thread breakage occur when the top tension is too tight. Loops and thread nests
occur when the top thread tension is too loose or you are using a poorly wound bobbin. Tension may need
to be adjusted depending on the fabric, thread, or batting you are using on the project.
 NOTE: Top tension should be adjusted after the bobbin case foundation tension adjustment
is made.
 NOTE: Dark threads will be thicker (because of dye) than light threads of the same weight. The type
or brand of thread may also affect tension settings. Each time you change threads, you should check
your tension.
 IMPORTANT: Before adjusting the top tension remember to pull the top thread up into the tension
discs (flossing the thread). Otherwise it will float outside the discs providing little or no top tension.
This could cause thread nesting problems on the bottom side of the quilt.
Machine Quilting Tip: Test the tension settings before quilting
The best way to make sure the top and bottom tension settings are balanced is by quilting.
Keep 4-inch squares of light solid fabric on hand to place at the side of the quilt on the extra
batting and backing. Then quilt some loops and swirls and look at the stitches on top and
bottom to ensure the tension looks balanced. Fine tune the top tension as needed.
To adjust the top tension
• Test stitching with a scrap of fabric placed on the extra batting and backing at the side of the quilt.
Adjust the tension knob as follows until you have balanced tension. Continue to test the stitching on the
fabric scrap until you are happy with the tension.
To tighten top tension
• To adjust the top thread tension to be tighter, turn the tension knob clockwise.
To loosen top tension
• To adjust the top thread tension to be looser, turn the tension knob counterclockwise.
 NOTE: Unlike the bobbin case tension adjustment, which requires minute adjustments, the top
tension knob may require turns anywhere from a quarter of a turn to two to four turns to achieve
balanced tension.
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