Balancing Thread Tension; Tension Is Too Tight; Tension Is Too Loose; Adjusting The Needle Thread Tension For Zigzag Stitch - Janome DC2011 Instruction Book

Balancing Thread Tension

Correct tension
q Needle thread (Top thread)
w Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
e To loosen
r To tighten
The ideal straight stitch has threads locked between
two layers of fabric, as illustrated.
If you look at the top and bottom of a seam, notice
that there are no gaps. Each stitch is smooth and even.
When adjusting the needle thread tension, the higher
the number, the tighter the needle thread tension.
Results depend on:
- stiffness and thickness of the fabric
- number of fabric layers
- type of stitch

Tension is too tight

q Needle thread (Top thread)
w Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
e To loosen
r Right side (Top side) of fabric
t Wrong side (Bottom side) of fabric
If the bobbin thread shows through on the right side
(Top side) of the fabric, and the stitch feels bumpy,
turn the dial to a lower tension setting number to
loosen the needle thread tension.

Tension is too loose

q Needle thread (Top thread)
w Bobbin thread (Bottom thread)
e To tighten
r Right side (Top side) of fabric
t Wrong side (Bottom side) of fabric
If the needle thread shows through on the wrong side
(Bottom side) of the fabric, and the stitch feels
bumpy, turn the dial to a higher tension setting
number to tighten the needle thread tension.
Adjusting the needle thread tension for a zigzag stitch
For an ideal zigzag stitch, the bobbin thread does not
show on the right side (Top side) of the fabric and
needle thread shows slightly on the wrong side
(Bottom side) of the fabric.
See the illustrations for correct appearance.
To match this appearance, adjust the needle tension.
Correct tension
q Right side (Top side) of fabric
w Wrong side (Bottom side) of fabric
Minimize the amount of needle thread visible on the
wrong side (Bottom side) of the fabric without causing
excessive puckering, or causing the bobbin thread to
show on the right side (Top side) of the fabric.
Results vary with fabric, thread and sewing conditions.
Tension is too tight
q Right side (Top side) of fabric
w Wrong side (Bottom side) of fabric
The corner of each zigzag pulls together on the right
side of the fabric.
Tension is too loose
q Right side (Top side) of fabric
w Wrong side (Bottom side) of fabric
The corner of each zigzag point pulls together on the
wrong side of the fabric.
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