Tension Trouble shooting checklist
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Is the presser foot lever down?
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Have I oiled my machine?
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Is the quilt too tight on the frame?
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Is the thread coming off the cone freely?
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Has your thread jumped out of the tension discs?
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Check your threading. Has anything been missed or has the thread flipped itself around some-
thing?
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Is the hopping foot too high or too low?
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Is your take up rail too high? Did you lower the take up rail after your last quilt?
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Do you need to change your needle?
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Is your needle in properly?
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Top Thread Breaking
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Check that your thread is coming off the spool freely and that it is threaded thru the thread
guide directly above the spool of thread.
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Check to see if the thread has looped itself around the spool pin.
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Check to see if the needle is in correctly, with the scarf facing the back of the machine.
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Have you recently changed the needle? Is it as high as it will go in the needle bar?
Eyelashes
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Eyelashes on the back of the quilt can be caused by too little top tension. Turn the thread ten-
sion disk clockwise 1/2 turn.
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Repeat until stitch quality is good. Remember the upper and lower thread play tug of war with
each other.
Loose Top Stitch
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Is the presser foot lever down? It lowers the hopping foot and engages the tension disk.
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Is the bobbin thread inserted in the slot of the bobbin case?
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Adjust the tension disk 1/2 turn clockwise. Repeat until stitch quality is good.
Quilt Top Puckers
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Is your backing fabric stretched too tight? While the backing fabric needs to lie flat and with-
out wrinkles, stretching it too tight can make the quilt top pucker when you release the backing
fabric.
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The top tension may be too tight. Adjust the tension disc 1/2 turn counter clockwise. Repeat
until stitch quality is good.
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