Tension Of The Thread - Brother XL-5500 Operation Manual

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE —————————————————————————————————————————
■ Twin Needle Threading
You should thread each needle separately.
1 Threading the Right Needle
Follow the same instructions for threading a
single needle. See page 18 for more details.
2 Threading the Left Needle
Thread the left needle in the same way that
you threaded the right needle using the
thread from the spool on the extra spool pin,
but do not pass the thread through the thread
guide above the needle before you pass it
through the eye of the left needle.
2
1 Right needle thread passes through thread guide
2 Left needle thread passes in front of thread guide
3 Thread guide
Note
Models that are equipped with a Needle
Threader
● You cannot use the needle threader to
thread the twin needle. Instead, thread the
twin needle by hand, from front to back.
Using the needle threader may damage the
machine.

Tension of the Thread

The tension of the thread will affect the quality of
your stitches. You may need to adjust it when you
change fabric or thread.
Memo
● We recommend that you sew a scrap piece
of fabric to check the thread tension before
sewing on your project.
● The basic thread tension setting is "5".
22
1
3
■ Possible Problems If the Tension Is Wrong
Upper tension is too tight.
Locks will appear on the surface of the fabric.
Upper tension control dial
Decrease the tension by turning the dial to a
lower number.
2
1
2
1
1 Reverse
2 Surface
Upper tension is too loose.
Locks appear on the reverse side of the fabric.
Upper tension control dial
Increase the tension by turning the dial to a higher
number.
2
1
2
1
1 Reverse
2 Surface
Note
● The lower thread tension has been adjusted
at the factory for general use. For most
sewing applications, no adjustment is
needed. When sewing with thin thread on
thin fabrics, the thread tension cannot be
adjusted adequately with the upper tension
control dial. Instead, the thread tension
must be adjusted according to the
procedure described below.
Lower tension is too loose.
Locks appear on the surface of the fabric.
Decrease the thread tension by turning the dial to
a lower number. If the result is still not
satisfactory, then adjust the bobbin thread tension
as explained below.
Bobbin
Increase the tension in the bobbin by turning the
screw with a small screwdriver in a clockwise
direction. However, do not turn the screw more
than one full turn.
Remember to return the screw to its original
position before starting your next project.
5
5