I’m inexperienced with sewing machines but I’m learning quickly! I just learned THE THICKER YOUR FABRIC THE LOWER THE TENSION NUMBER, the THINNER THE FABRIC THE HIGHER THE TENSION NUMBER SETTING NEEDS TO BE!! Otherwise you’ll get loose stitches and the thread gets caught below!! I also noticed that I did Not at first have the thread inside the tension discs mechanism instead they sat on the tension track top like he mentions in the video so that helped me out greatly solved half my problem, the other half I figured out on my own by trying different fabrics and thicknesses which led me to figure out that the thickness correlate to the tension number, the thicker fabric needs a lower tension or what that means is the thread is allowed to flow more freely without resistance! The flip side of that being that the thinner fabric needs a higher tension number like my vintage kenmore model 1249 for example I tested a jersey tee shirt asi don’t have extra fabrics rn so I took that and filled it over so that acted like I was going to make a hem etc, and with my tension on two or three or even four the stitch was horrible and loose and wonky until I set it all the way up to 9 and that solved the issue, BUT of course first I had to make sure my bobbin was correctly set up and the tension correct as he showed in video which fixed my bottom thread issue of looseness! So back to my tension 😂 so when I folded the jersey fabric again which equals four layers, I seen the tension needed to be on 2 or 3 ! And wallah 🎉 perfect gorgeous stitches! I also noticed that the rate/speed at which your fabric is going along which I had to help it because mine doesn’t Automatically feed like other machines unsure why yet lol😂 but if I steadily pull it along, the stitches are absolutely perfect, however if I feed it too fast the stitches jump off I don’t feed it they bunch up, learning so much in such a short time, but that’s how I roll 😆 I have this passion for learning at least one new skill per year two is better though 😝, last year was electric welding wire fed MiG and stick welding! I now have enough skills to survive if the world gets pushed back to the old days lol! Enjoy your life all and happy crafting ❤
Hi French teacher here. I hope you don't mind if I correct your pronunciation of the word wallah. The word is actually voila (it actually means see there) and you just need to add a v sound before the wallah and you'll be pronouncing it correctly.
Although this video is few years old but the way it shows techniques of tension adjustments is unique and not found in many other videos. I must say that I had a problem with our sewing machine that puzzled me with continuously breaking the upper thread in a couple of seconds from starting in addition to mess it creates in the bobbin area that jams the machine. I have looked at various videos to find a solution and tried every available help they offered but none was helpful. I nearly gave up and thought your video is the last one I was going to give it a go and then I would take our machine (Singer) to the agent for repairs if it doesn't help. I followed each and every step you showed and to my surprise and astonishment, It worked like a charm. Thank you for the information and the clear and easy instructions. You made me look like a professional when my friends were starting to make fun of me. P.S. I have never worked on a sewing machine before and this is my first experience which with your help turned out to be a pleasant one.
I’ve been sewing for about 50 years & only been able to get my machine sorted out by a service. During this Corona Virus I’ve been keeping sane by sewing. Thanks to your wonderful videos & clear explanations, I’ve been able to keep my machine going. I’m soooo grateful. They’re fun too!
I think you should add one important thing that newbies won’t know and that’s the thicker the fabric being seen the lower the tension number and also the rate at which the fabric is fed along through had a big impact on stitch quality and these things helped fix the problem of loose and wonky stitches!
YOU SAVED ME 85 DOLLARS!!! That may not sound like a lot, but its a boat load to me, with your instructions I was able to fix my sewing machine, which is everything to me right now, on my own! (without having to pay a technician)THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I had upper tension problems, with the help of a flash light I discovered there was thread caught in my discs and pried it out with a long needle :) and my stitches look great on both sides again. :) :) :) I wish you all the best!
You have helped me out soo much!! Thank you. I appreciate you teaching me how to reset the bobbin tension, and make sure that it is right. Hallelujah...seriously, I am so happy to have found you. Praise God!
This is seriously THE BEST tension video. I have been watching hundreds, and each has good points, but none of them have everything in one video. This has it all. Very grateful to have found this. I couldn't figure why my top thread was showing so much on the bottom. No one seemed to be able to answer that for me. Lifesaver here. On to watch more of the Man Sewing videos!!
I fixed my machine with the help of this video!! I had watched several videos before this with no luck fixing the problem! Rob is very informative, and explains everything! A MUST WATCH VIDEO IF YOU ARE HAVING TENSION PROBLEMS! Thanks so much ROB!!
Rob you are not just entertaining and funny, but you explain the problem so clear and lucid - even a dummy like me gets it. I tried following others explain what you explain, but they made it into a rocket science with all their gizmos on thread measurement and tension; it left me with more tension: Thank you for making it so basic.
Rob, you are great. I never truly understood about correcting tension problems. Your video is clear and concise and I appreciate you taking time to explain it so clearly.
It may take me a long time to learn what he beforms but watching /listening is worth it so I can sew all the things I've put off since my machine doesn't work!
Thanks so much for sharing this video. My machine all of a sudden went wacko yesterday. I did thread the upper with one color and the lower with a different color and I believe it’s working well now. Thank you for showing the thread with the bobbin and how it should go clockwise - awesome tip!!!
Mum gave me her sewing machine today because I wanted to learn. She hasn't used it for years and couldn't figure out the tension issue. So I took it home, watched the video and voila I was able to fix it as a begginer who has never touched a sewing machine before in my life. You sir, are a genius. Thankyou.
I learned to sew from my mother. She was mystified about tension, so it was always mystified by tension adjustment and I'm sure she didn't know about the different colored top & bottom threads being for diagnosing stitch problems. This video was like a fog lifting in my brain. I never understood how my sewing machine worked mechanically. I am so grateful. Thank you!
Thank you so much I am setting here crying I have spent two days trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. The first problem you addressed was my problem. Tread the machine with the presser foot up. Praise God for you
Just got into sewing with my new Babylock and your videos! Boy sewing has changed since the days of watching my mother. Love your enthusiasm and how you keep it to the point...not a lot of blah, blah boring backstory that many youtubers do. Plus, I think I’m in love with you! My husband may start to get jealous with my addiction to your videos :-). You have a great star quality about you.
I know this is an older clip - but the info is classic sewing 101:::well, maybe classic sewing 102! Great stuff to know whether you’re a newbie or a vintage seamstress. Just recently…after 60 years of sewing…I finally got bold enough to adjust that pesky little screw on the bobbin case…and it fixed my tension issue straight out!💕
I have never heard anyone explain tension SO VERY WELL (and I'm really old-ask my kids "when God said Let there be light, mom threw the switch"). Love you and your videos. Keep ut the excellent work. You are the perfect complement to Jenny.
Thank you, thank you. I bought a sewing cabinet yesterday and it came with a New Home machine that didn't work. My husband dosed it with penitrating oil and we got it going and cleaned. I knew my only problem was tension and with your video I had it running in 24 hours.
Wow, I mean WOW! I've been sewing for decades (like six of 'em) and NOBODY ever explained or showed so clearly how to deal with tension disks. I've sewn on a Singer treadle, circa 1945 to a new all-bells-'n'whistles model and never knew a lot of this stuff. Thanks, dude.
Thank you for a nice simple informative way of servicing my machine. I have been sewing for 30 + years and had been to,d I didn’t need to old my machine at all. I followed your method and my machine stopped squealing and is now sewing perfectly. Thank you again
I have been sewing for over 50 years and I have been learning so much from your tutorials and especially the maintenance ones. You explain things so well and make everything so funny and enjoyable to learn. Last weekend my daughter-in-law had me sew some baby blanket bindings on some fleeced blankets. Wouldn't you know things started going berserk. I watched your tut on tension and you hit on a few points I never even thought of -- and today when I was making fleece hats and going through 4 layers of material - my machine went nuts again. I checked everything, but you hit on a point about thread - lo, and behold my thread that was in the bobbin was a different type than what was on the machine and thin in spots and so I changed the thread and cleaned the tension plates with the pipe cleaner and everything went so smoothly --- I can't thank you enough for your awesome teaching techniques -- your are absolutely wonderful !! Thank you - thank you - thank you !!
Thanks you Rob & Man Sewing! Your explanations are fantastically clear and useful. With Corona Virus in full swing on the East Coast, the ongoing medical face mask shortage brought me to join a local sewing group that is making face-masks specifically designed for donating to our medical community. Sadly my sewing machine stopped working a week ago, bringing my face-mask making to a full halt. However tonight I am so grateful to have found your video tutorials. They have taught me how to fix my own sewing machine and I can now resume my mask sewing for my community. Thank you so much.
Awesome Video! I've been sewing since I was 9 years old. Many years ago. I learned so much about tension, thread size and quality and the pipe cleaner! What a blessing. I want to watch all your videos now.
Hi Rob. Thanks for the clear explanations, you are a legend👍🏽. You’ve demystified tension and cleaning my machine. Your gift for communication and passion for sewing is infectious ( in a good way). You helped me rediscover my 😍 of sewing that got lost somewhere along the way. Love your projects and general content and please keep doing what you do and sharing your knowledge. Best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧🖖🏽👏🏽
This is the best tutorial I have watched! I was able to make adjustments, learned about which way the bobbin thread should run in the bobbin, and how to clean the tension discs. I am 65 and have done a lot of sewing but never was confident in this area. Thank you :-)
Thank you! I'm a 54 year old beginner, and I didn't know to thread my machine with the presser foot up! I believe you have solved some of my frustrating problems!
I thought I was going to have to take my machine in to the dealer for maintenance and the starting cost just to look at it was $199! I even thought about buying a new cheap model machine but just couldn't. Your video enabled me to fix the machine myself - I'm amazed at what an easy fix it was. Thank you!
I just started sewing. Making masks for covid protection. I didnt have a clue why my machine started going berserk. Then I realized my bobbin was a bit tight thanks to your check, and I wasnt threading with the foot up. And now everything is great and going again. Thank you so much.
OMG I've been having tension issues and I have watched several tutorials on tension to no avail. Suddenly I GET IT. I will probably watch this several more times as well as take notes. Thank you so very much! You did a really good job.
Thank you for this video. I had a severe needle jam on machine, after which my upper tension was messing up. Because of this video I determined that I probably needed a new shuttle as mine was plastic. You saved my machine and me costly repairs!
You are awesome! Very clear in your manner of speaking, and your close up video shots are perfect. I have learned so much from you, even though I have been sewing for over 50years! I just forwarded this to my sisters, all of us newly retired and doing more sewing on our old machines, which we never maintained properly!!
This is the FIRST video I have found that actually solved my problem. I had bought 60 wt. bobbins and THAT WAS THE ONLY PROBLEM. Once I changed it out, all the tension "problems" went away. Thank you, Steve!
Thanks rob you made it so simple to correct my tension on my machine. Seems this day and age these videos are the way to go. All our sewing repair shops are closed due to lockdown I couldn't go much longer without stitching. Cheers from New Zealand
After, I followed all your cleaning & oiling to resolve my tension issue. I was amazed at how much "dust bunnies & thread" I was still able to find. (wish I could send a photo) from just one afternoon. Don't get me wrong, after over 6,500 (not a typo) of 21" x 18" Christmas stockings (last year) for our lost soldiers. I honestly believed I was cleaning my machine. Which I did, everyday before I started my up to 18hrs & 2 needles (if I didn't break a needle or 2) while sewing. I wish I would have seen these videos last year. Again, my greatest appreciation & Thanks for your superb videos.
So grateful for this video. My machine has a top bobin. I have been trying to get the tension right for days. Nothing I did at the top thread tension got it right. So took out the bobin case and losened it slightly, now the tension is perfect. I wasn't sure about doing it but it has worked!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I was pulling my hair out with uneven stitches on my brand new baby lock Lyric when sewing thick layers. I changed my upper tension to a higher number and it is stitches out beautifully. I have been sewing since I was 14 and learn something new every day.
Thank you so very much. I'm sewing COVID protection for charity and my machine has been going crazy. (So have I!) All about the tension and now it's purring along. My blood pressure is down, too. Many thanks for being so helpful and positive.
Excellent! I was ready to take my machine to a repairman just to get the tension issue solved because I knew that was the problem but had not been able to resolve it after trying different needles and thread. This video included every bit of advice I needed to get it back into working condition. Broke out my computer-repair tool kit and even opened the machine up for a bit of oiling and general maintenance after fixing the tension. Thanks!!
Thank you very much for the clear explanations you give on tension and threading. I most certainly learnt from you and I love how you just get to the point and get it done.
Rob, you are amazing. I"m glad I found your videos. Your lighting and editing of your videos is so professional. I have a degree in fashion design and construction and never was taught about tension. Unbelievable. Your instructions about everything sewing is so easy to follow. I've done just about every kind of sewing. My mother was the expert quilter, as well as, being a well known Florida watercolor artist. I don't quilt, but have so much respect for those that do that form of sewing. Thank you for your videos.
Tensions are my biggest fear. Thank you. I just subscribed so, I’m not sure if you have ever made a chart for which tension would be better for what thread. So much to learn
Neat trick cleaning the tension disks and also to pull your thread out from the needle when changing threads which I wasn't doing. Thanks so much. Really enjoy your enthusiastic tutorials.
Hi Rob, That was a really fabulously detailed explanation on the relationship between the upper and lower thread tensions. I love to know the "whys" of everything so that I can figure things out myself later ( I hope), so having both the visual and audio as well as the review was AWESOME. I had also been switching from straight stictch to zigzag without adjusting the tension, so I'll be aware of that as well. First time I've seen you, but I'll be back!
now THIS WAS AWESOME. I've been sewing for many years and I learned a lot ! Tension is the only thing that ever gave me problems but now I understand how to figure it out !
I looked ALL over the internet on how to fix my sewing machine !!! I found nothing that helped. THEN I came across your videos !!! Thank you so much !!!
Thank you so much for your video on tension disks. It was causing me stress on wondering why my tension was not working properly on my machine. Thank you for the knowledge in how to clean out the disks.
This won't let me send a picture in the comments. I would luv u to see what my machine does and see what in the world u think is the culprit! Thanks for all of the education u do for us!!
Perfect, no questions to ask, you answered them all, and I can refer back as I face tension issues as I learn how to sew. Best tutorial in learning about tension.
Excellent video for us knuckle daggers new to using a sewing machine. I traded a tent for a Janome HD3000 machine so that I can sew light weight leather and several thicknesses of Denim. With 50 plus years in the Sheet Metal Trade, I'm pretty anal about adjustments and oiling moving parts. Thank you much for the tension adjustments.
Thank you very much for the clear explanation. So much better than the sewing machine manual which left me puzzled and confused, and also a bit worried. I am now much more confident.
Best explanation I have seen on tension adjustment. Thank you for doing this video. Detailed info but still fun and most of all informative and easy to understand.
❤❤❤❤ OMG!! I could kiss you! I didn't know that there was bobbin tension. I've been fighting this machine for 20 years! I LOVE YOU! ❤❤❤❤ THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Thank you sooooo much. I was about to throw my machine out the window but came across your video. I fixed the tensionproblem with two colours of thread and a simple screw on the bobbin. You are my hero Rob!
Great video! I learned some new things and I have been sewing for years. Now I know that my issue is that When I am threading the upper part of my machine I don’t pay attention to the level of the foot. Which might account for some erratic sewing because the tension isn’t right. Thank you so much. You gave great explanations and samples!😎
Thank you so much, your instructions on bobbin tension has solved my problem. I was very near chucking my sewing machine in the bin or smashing it to pieces with a hammer.
So good to know! I love to quilt but my old singer went wacky and inherited kenmore was sewing great then went all wacky. Tried for days to adjust them and gave up. Think I'll try again. My cousin said it sounded like they jumped time. Do you have a video on how to fix that?
Thank you for sharing, I managed to solve my wife's Janome DC6030 thread looping issues using your 2 coloured thread method to find the root cause for the top thread tension. Another video mentioned to clean the top tension discs area. My wife was please. Thank you for providing this video.
THANK YOU!!! 😊 I was having trouble with the stitches, kept aadjusting tension, even cleaned and oiled my machine again! I was ready to buy a new bobbin case, but decided to change to a finer thread, problem solved! Straight nice stitches! So simple! 🙃
First time I have seen your video's, as I have just started out getting to grips with my machine your video is very useful to me, I now know what I am looking for when things go wrong, it has been a bit of trial and error up until now. I will be following more of your videos from now on.
wow! This is the most thorough video I have ever seen on sewing machine tension. you even called out by pq1500 by name. I was actually clicking around the internet to see if I could figure out if the chick spring loses its springiness overtime. ISO a lot and I was wondering why I feel like I need higher tension as the months go by.
Great info brother I really appreciate it! I was just able to figure out I was creating errors because of a lack of ability vs tuning on a brand new machine! I wasn't holding the thread at the start and was threading through with the foot down, creating a LOT of bird nesting etc! PS. Good to see other men getting their geek on!
Thank you so much! Your instructions helped me adjust the tension on my mother’s late 1970’s machine. I couldn’t find anything helpful but you did an amazing job & thank you for using different machines
Thank you so much, solved my tension problem immediately just from your description, just went over, did how you said, ran a test and it's perfect.. ***** 5 stars
thank you for the tips....after several weeks of frustration....doing my first FMQ on a quilt I made and my bobbin thread starts breaking...like the thread cutter just cuts it! I changed needles, cleaned, got out the magnifying glass, started over and over and was about to take to shop when I found your video...I decided to go ahead and change the needle again per your suggestion, and, wahla...works beautifully again. I actually was using a quilting needle and switched out to a top stitch needle. who knew.
Thank you and you are awesome the way you explain these things. My sewing machine has been seating there for a while with bad tension and the sewing machine repair shops wants to charge a lot of money $$$$ to just service it and money is tight right now as you know…..thank you so much for your video and I’ll try your suggestions and May God help me because I really need to use my sewing machine and ..the darn repair man wants to charge $150 he’s crazy..thank you for sharing 👍👍👍
Great explanation. Returning to sewing after many years and need to understand the machine basics, how it works to solve problems. Great video! Thank you!
Thanks much. I have the spring issue. My machine is quite old and the spring is bad. I never knew it played such a vital role in sewing so when I realized that the bottom thread was all over the place when I tried to sew, I tried adjusting the stitch length, I tried adjusting the discs over and over but nothing and this got me a bit frustrated. Thanks for letting me know that the spring thing actually serves an important purpose
With the Corona virus making sewers (hahahah!) where they weren't before, I have been watching many videos about sewing masks, and also about fixing (old) sewing machine tension. I enjoyed your explanations very much and thank you for putting this up. Blessings.
Great video for at least two reasons: Instructions were clear and well presented, - by an actual machine tech, no less, Secondly, the demonstration included an older machine and all bobbin types, My machine is nearly 50 years old, ( I bought it used) and I spent $100 about 2 years ago getting the stitching problems fixed, I don’t want to invest any more money in this old Necchi, so I’m hoping I can fix it myself this time (it has gone wonky again) with the help of this video. Fingers crossed, With supply chain problems, I may not be able to get the Janome I’ve got my eye on.
What everyone else said! Wonderful, educational, enjoyable to watch. Now my go to source to keep my Singer Slant-O-Matic 503A (1961) humming along! Thank you.
Thank u. U helped me fix my sewing machine. I knew it was the tention but had no idea how to fix it. I will defiantly use ur videos in the future with any problems I have. Thank u
This is fantastic, thank you! I never knew about threading the machine with the presser foot up, I guess I've just been lucky until now not to encounter the problem. Also I really appreciated the tips you gave on checking, 1 if the tension is working at all, and 2 how to adjust. Thank you, you may have saved me a whole load of time 😊
love the videos. i am currently training to be a sewing machine technician , i am on a 4 year engineering apprentaship but learning sewing machines at work , we use juki lockstitch and overlockers and pegasis overlockers also , your videos are helping me!
I have a Kenmore 158.460 that my husband bought used for my birthday in 1975!!! It’s been dependable for all these years, but this is the first time that I’ve understood the tension process. Thank you for your tutorials!!! I’m making the face masks on the Joann Fabrics site and the tension on my machine is wrong. I’m working to get it right, but I’m not sure what to do to the top cylindrical adjuster above the needle side of my machine. The thread is very loose on the bottom of the fabric. Thanks! ~Rose
What caused my feedogs to go down and they will absolutely not come back up no matter how much i try? Thank you for any help. Enjoying all your helpful videos, to the point and clear instructions. Keep em coming ❤️👍
Good to know about the wax thread issue! It looks so appealing on the spool 🙁 good thing I never bought it! so much other great information too, I’m definitely keeping your videos saved in case I need to rewatch for troubleshooting..I have a feeling my machine is just extremely coated with lint and dust after watching this 😅
I’m inexperienced with sewing machines but I’m learning quickly! I just learned THE THICKER YOUR FABRIC THE LOWER THE TENSION NUMBER, the THINNER THE FABRIC THE HIGHER THE TENSION NUMBER SETTING NEEDS TO BE!! Otherwise you’ll get loose stitches and the thread gets caught below!! I also noticed that I did Not at first have the thread inside the tension discs mechanism instead they sat on the tension track top like he mentions in the video so that helped me out greatly solved half my problem, the other half I figured out on my own by trying different fabrics and thicknesses which led me to figure out that the thickness correlate to the tension number, the thicker fabric needs a lower tension or what that means is the thread is allowed to flow more freely without resistance! The flip side of that being that the thinner fabric needs a higher tension number like my vintage kenmore model 1249 for example I tested a jersey tee shirt asi don’t have extra fabrics rn so I took that and filled it over so that acted like I was going to make a hem etc, and with my tension on two or three or even four the stitch was horrible and loose and wonky until I set it all the way up to 9 and that solved the issue, BUT of course first I had to make sure my bobbin was correctly set up and the tension correct as he showed in video which fixed my bottom thread issue of looseness! So back to my tension 😂 so when I folded the jersey fabric again which equals four layers, I seen the tension needed to be on 2 or 3 ! And wallah 🎉 perfect gorgeous stitches! I also noticed that the rate/speed at which your fabric is going along which I had to help it because mine doesn’t Automatically feed like other machines unsure why yet lol😂 but if I steadily pull it along, the stitches are absolutely perfect, however if I feed it too fast the stitches jump off I don’t feed it they bunch up, learning so much in such a short time, but that’s how I roll 😆 I have this passion for learning at least one new skill per year two is better though 😝, last year was electric welding wire fed MiG and stick welding! I now have enough skills to survive if the world gets pushed back to the old days lol! Enjoy your life all and happy crafting ❤
Hi French teacher here. I hope you don't mind if I correct your pronunciation of the word wallah. The word is actually voila (it actually means see there) and you just need to add a v sound before the wallah and you'll be pronouncing it correctly.
Although this video is few years old but the way it shows techniques of tension adjustments is unique and not found in many other videos. I must say that I had a problem with our sewing machine that puzzled me with continuously breaking the upper thread in a couple of seconds from starting in addition to mess it creates in the bobbin area that jams the machine. I have looked at various videos to find a solution and tried every available help they offered but none was helpful. I nearly gave up and thought your video is the last one I was going to give it a go and then I would take our machine (Singer) to the agent for repairs if it doesn't help. I followed each and every step you showed and to my surprise and astonishment, It worked like a charm. Thank you for the information and the clear and easy instructions. You made me look like a professional when my friends were starting to make fun of me.
P.S. I have never worked on a sewing machine before and this is my first experience which with your help turned out to be a pleasant one.
I’ve been sewing for about 50 years & only been able to get my machine sorted out by a service. During this Corona Virus I’ve been keeping sane by sewing. Thanks to your wonderful videos & clear explanations, I’ve been able to keep my machine going. I’m soooo grateful. They’re fun too!
I think you should add one important thing that newbies won’t know and that’s the thicker the fabric being seen the lower the tension number and also the rate at which the fabric is fed along through had a big impact on stitch quality and these things helped fix the problem of loose and wonky stitches!
Seems like you explaining my problem but I don’t understand you quite well
Thank you, Rob! You saved me a 50 mile drive (one way) to town to have my machine looked at by a professional. I fixed it myself with your guidance.
YOU SAVED ME 85 DOLLARS!!! That may not sound like a lot, but its a boat load to me, with your instructions I was able to fix my sewing machine, which is everything to me right now, on my own! (without having to pay a technician)THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I had upper tension problems, with the help of a flash light I discovered there was thread caught in my discs and pried it out with a long needle :) and my stitches look great on both sides again. :) :) :) I wish you all the best!
You have helped me out soo much!! Thank you. I appreciate you teaching me how to reset the bobbin tension, and make sure that it is right. Hallelujah...seriously, I am so happy to have found you. Praise God!
This is seriously THE BEST tension video. I have been watching hundreds, and each has good points, but none of them have everything in one video. This has it all. Very grateful to have found this. I couldn't figure why my top thread was showing so much on the bottom. No one seemed to be able to answer that for me. Lifesaver here. On to watch more of the Man Sewing videos!!
I fixed my machine with the help of this video!! I had watched several videos before this with no luck fixing the problem! Rob is very informative, and explains everything! A MUST WATCH VIDEO IF YOU ARE HAVING TENSION PROBLEMS! Thanks so much ROB!!
Rob you are not just entertaining and funny, but you explain the problem so clear and lucid - even a dummy like me gets it. I tried following others explain what you explain, but they made it into a rocket science with all their gizmos on thread measurement and tension; it left me with more tension: Thank you for making it so basic.
this is the most amazing tutorial on tension, even 6 years later. thank you so much!!
Rob, you are great. I never truly understood about correcting tension problems. Your video is clear and concise and I appreciate you taking time to explain it so clearly.
It may take me a long time to learn what he beforms but watching /listening is worth it so I can sew all the things I've put off since my machine doesn't work!
Thank you!! All other tensions videos I’ve watched left me more confused than before I watched them!
Thanks so much for sharing this video. My machine all of a sudden went wacko yesterday. I did thread the upper with one color and the lower with a different color and I believe it’s working well now. Thank you for showing the thread with the bobbin and how it should go clockwise - awesome tip!!!
Mansplainin’ on mansewing. The mechanical deets under the hood. Love it. Thanks.
Mum gave me her sewing machine today because I wanted to learn. She hasn't used it for years and couldn't figure out the tension issue. So I took it home, watched the video and voila I was able to fix it as a begginer who has never touched a sewing machine before in my life. You sir, are a genius. Thankyou.
I learned to sew from my mother. She was mystified about tension, so it was always mystified by tension adjustment and I'm sure she didn't know about the different colored top & bottom threads being for diagnosing stitch problems. This video was like a fog lifting in my brain. I never understood how my sewing machine worked mechanically. I am so grateful. Thank you!
Thank you so much I am setting here crying I have spent two days trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. The first problem you addressed was my problem. Tread the machine with the presser foot up. Praise God for you
Just got into sewing with my new Babylock and your videos! Boy sewing has changed since the days of watching my mother. Love your enthusiasm and how you keep it to the point...not a lot of blah, blah boring backstory that many youtubers do. Plus, I think I’m in love with you! My husband may start to get jealous with my addiction to your videos :-). You have a great star quality about you.
The best lesson on tension I have ever had!
I know this is an older clip - but the info is classic sewing 101:::well, maybe classic sewing 102! Great stuff to know whether you’re a newbie or a vintage seamstress. Just recently…after 60 years of sewing…I finally got bold enough to adjust that pesky little screw on the bobbin case…and it fixed my tension issue straight out!💕
I have never heard anyone explain tension SO VERY WELL (and I'm really old-ask my kids "when God said Let there be light, mom threw the switch"). Love you and your videos. Keep ut the excellent work. You are the perfect complement to Jenny.
Thank you, thank you. I bought a sewing cabinet yesterday and it came with a New Home machine that didn't work. My husband dosed it with penitrating oil and we got it going and cleaned. I knew my only problem was tension and with your video I had it running in 24 hours.
Wow, I mean WOW! I've been sewing for decades (like six of 'em) and NOBODY ever explained or showed so clearly how to deal with tension disks. I've sewn on a Singer treadle, circa 1945 to a new all-bells-'n'whistles model and never knew a lot of this stuff. Thanks, dude.
Thank you for a nice simple informative way of servicing my machine. I have been sewing for 30 + years and had been to,d I didn’t need to old my machine at all. I followed your method and my machine stopped squealing and is now sewing perfectly. Thank you again
I have been sewing for over 50 years and I have been learning so much from your tutorials and especially the maintenance ones. You explain things so well and make everything so funny and enjoyable to learn. Last weekend my daughter-in-law had me sew some baby blanket bindings on some fleeced blankets. Wouldn't you know things started going berserk. I watched your tut on tension and you hit on a few points I never even thought of -- and today when I was making fleece hats and going through 4 layers of material - my machine went nuts again. I checked everything, but you hit on a point about thread - lo, and behold my thread that was in the bobbin was a different type than what was on the machine and thin in spots and so I changed the thread and cleaned the tension plates with the pipe cleaner and everything went so smoothly --- I can't thank you enough for your awesome teaching techniques -- your are absolutely wonderful !! Thank you - thank you - thank you !!
wheel is stuck help me
Thanks you Rob & Man Sewing! Your explanations are fantastically clear and useful. With Corona Virus in full swing on the East Coast, the ongoing medical face mask shortage brought me to join a local sewing group that is making face-masks specifically designed for donating to our medical community. Sadly my sewing machine stopped working a week ago, bringing my face-mask making to a full halt. However tonight I am so grateful to have found your video tutorials. They have taught me how to fix my own sewing machine and I can now resume my mask sewing for my community. Thank you so much.
Awesome Video! I've been sewing since I was 9 years old. Many years ago. I learned so much about tension, thread size and quality and the pipe cleaner! What a blessing. I want to watch all your videos now.
Hi Rob. Thanks for the clear explanations, you are a legend👍🏽. You’ve demystified tension and cleaning my machine. Your gift for communication and passion for sewing is infectious ( in a good way). You helped me rediscover my 😍 of sewing that got lost somewhere along the way. Love your projects and general content and please keep doing what you do and sharing your knowledge. Best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧🖖🏽👏🏽
I’ve been sewing for 40 years, you’ve taught me sew (😉) much, that I didn’t know about tension!😊
This is the best tutorial I have watched! I was able to make adjustments, learned about which way the bobbin thread should run in the bobbin, and how to clean the tension discs. I am 65 and have done a lot of sewing but never was confident in this area. Thank you :-)
Thank you! I'm a 54 year old beginner, and I didn't know to thread my machine with the presser foot up! I believe you have solved some of my frustrating problems!
tnwanda1963 ME TOO. Wow!
And I’m not a beginner :O
I thought I was going to have to take my machine in to the dealer for maintenance and the starting cost just to look at it was $199! I even thought about buying a new cheap model machine but just couldn't. Your video enabled me to fix the machine myself - I'm amazed at what an easy fix it was. Thank you!
I just started sewing. Making masks for covid protection. I didnt have a clue why my machine started going berserk. Then I realized my bobbin was a bit tight thanks to your check, and I wasnt threading with the foot up. And now everything is great and going again. Thank you so much.
OMG I've been having tension issues and I have watched several tutorials on tension to no avail. Suddenly I GET IT. I will probably watch this several more times as well as take notes. Thank you so very much! You did a really good job.
Best tutorial I've seen I was struggling with my machine for at least 2h but as soon I saw the video I put my machine to work in 5 minutes👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I've been sewing most of 40 years now and never had anyone explain how to adjust the bobbin tension. Thank you for this.
wheel is stuck help me
@@Love-jv3pv I hope you have resolved your issue of a stuck wheel. A YT year has come and gone, status report please.
@@ajcoolbreeze3961 pp1
This was by far the most useful, thorough and enjoyable video on tension “tensions” I have watched. Thanks a million!
Thank you for this video. I had a severe needle jam on machine, after which my upper tension was messing up. Because of this video I determined that I probably needed a new shuttle as mine was plastic. You saved my machine and me costly repairs!
You are awesome! Very clear in your manner of speaking, and your close up video shots are perfect. I have learned so much from you, even though I have been sewing for over 50years! I just forwarded this to my sisters, all of us newly retired and doing more sewing on our old machines, which we never maintained properly!!
This is the FIRST video I have found that actually solved my problem. I had bought 60 wt. bobbins and THAT WAS THE ONLY PROBLEM. Once I changed it out, all the tension "problems" went away. Thank you, Steve!
Thanks rob you made it so simple to correct my tension on my machine. Seems this day and age these videos are the way to go. All our sewing repair shops are closed due to lockdown I couldn't go much longer without stitching. Cheers from New Zealand
After, I followed all your cleaning & oiling to resolve my tension issue. I was amazed at how much "dust bunnies & thread" I was still able to find. (wish I could send a photo) from just one afternoon.
Don't get me wrong, after over 6,500 (not a typo) of 21" x 18" Christmas stockings (last year) for our lost soldiers. I honestly believed I was cleaning my machine.
Which I did, everyday before I started my up to 18hrs & 2 needles (if I didn't break a needle or 2) while sewing.
I wish I would have seen these videos last year. Again, my greatest appreciation & Thanks for your superb videos.
So grateful for this video. My machine has a top bobin. I have been trying to get the tension right for days. Nothing I did at the top thread tension got it right. So took out the bobin case and losened it slightly, now the tension is perfect. I wasn't sure about doing it but it has worked!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I was pulling my hair out with uneven stitches on my brand new baby lock Lyric when sewing thick layers. I changed my upper tension to a higher number and it is stitches out beautifully. I have been sewing since I was 14 and learn something new every day.
Thank you so very much. I'm sewing COVID protection for charity and my machine has been going crazy. (So have I!) All about the tension and now it's purring along. My blood pressure is down, too. Many thanks for being so helpful and positive.
Excellent! I was ready to take my machine to a repairman just to get the tension issue solved because I knew that was the problem but had not been able to resolve it after trying different needles and thread. This video included every bit of advice I needed to get it back into working condition. Broke out my computer-repair tool kit and even opened the machine up for a bit of oiling and general maintenance after fixing the tension. Thanks!!
Thank you very much for the clear explanations you give on tension and threading. I most certainly learnt from you and I love how you just get to the point and get it done.
Rob, you are amazing. I"m glad I found your videos. Your lighting and editing of your videos is so professional. I have a degree in fashion design and construction and never was taught about tension. Unbelievable. Your instructions about everything sewing is so easy to follow. I've done just about every kind of sewing. My mother was the expert quilter, as well as, being a well known Florida watercolor artist. I don't quilt, but have so much respect for those that do that form of sewing. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you, thank you! I’m creative but not in sewing. Now I understand how to use my machine better!
I can't thank Rob enough for his troubleshooting demo here!! Fixed my issue and had an evening of happy free motion quilting!!
Tensions are my biggest fear. Thank you. I just subscribed so, I’m not sure if you have ever made a chart for which tension would be better for what thread. So much to learn
Neat trick cleaning the tension disks and also to pull your thread out from the needle when changing threads which I wasn't doing. Thanks so much. Really enjoy your enthusiastic tutorials.
Hi Rob,
That was a really fabulously detailed explanation on the relationship between the upper and lower thread tensions. I love to know the "whys" of everything so that I can figure things out myself later ( I hope), so having both the visual and audio as well as the review was AWESOME.
I had also been switching from straight stictch to zigzag without adjusting the tension, so I'll be aware of that as well.
First time I've seen you, but I'll be back!
Finally, a step by step instruction on tension!! I was afraid it was going to go to the shop, but you saved me! Thank you so much.
now THIS WAS AWESOME. I've been sewing for many years and I learned a lot ! Tension is the only thing that ever gave me problems but now I understand how to figure it out !
I looked ALL over the internet on how to fix my sewing machine !!! I found nothing that helped. THEN I came across your videos !!! Thank you so much !!!
Thank you so much for your video on tension disks. It was causing me stress on wondering why my tension was not working properly on my machine. Thank you for the knowledge in how to clean out the disks.
This won't let me send a picture in the comments. I would luv u to see what my machine does and see what in the world u think is the culprit! Thanks for all of the education u do for us!!
Perfect, no questions to ask, you answered them all, and I can refer back as I face tension issues as I learn how to sew. Best tutorial in learning about tension.
Excellent video for us knuckle daggers new to using a sewing machine. I traded a tent for a Janome HD3000 machine so that I can sew light weight leather and several thicknesses of Denim. With 50 plus years in the Sheet Metal Trade, I'm pretty anal about adjustments and oiling moving parts. Thank you much for the tension adjustments.
Thank you very much for the clear explanation. So much better than the sewing machine manual which left me puzzled and confused, and also a bit worried. I am now much more confident.
Best explanation I have seen on tension adjustment. Thank you for doing this video. Detailed info but still fun and most of all informative and easy to understand.
Oh my gosh I have been sewing since 1969 and I have learned so much from this video. Thank you.
❤❤❤❤ OMG!! I could kiss you! I didn't know that there was bobbin tension. I've been fighting this machine for 20 years! I LOVE YOU! ❤❤❤❤
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Thank you sooooo much. I was about to throw my machine out the window but came across your video. I fixed the tensionproblem with two colours of thread and a simple screw on the bobbin. You are my hero Rob!
Great video! I learned some new things and I have been sewing for years. Now I know that my issue is that When I am threading the upper part of my machine I don’t pay attention to the level of the foot. Which might account for some erratic sewing because the tension isn’t right. Thank you so much. You gave great explanations and samples!😎
Thank you so much, your instructions on bobbin tension has solved my problem. I was very near chucking my sewing machine in the bin or smashing it to pieces with a hammer.
So good to know! I love to quilt but my old singer went wacky and inherited kenmore was sewing great then went all wacky. Tried for days to adjust them and gave up. Think I'll try again. My cousin said it sounded like they jumped time. Do you have a video on how to fix that?
Clearest explanation of machine tension I have ever seen. Thank you Rob.
Thanks for watching! I'm always glad to help however I can! :)
Thank you for sharing, I managed to solve my wife's Janome DC6030 thread looping issues using your 2 coloured thread method to find the root cause for the top thread tension. Another video mentioned to clean the top tension discs area. My wife was please. Thank you for providing this video.
THANK YOU!!! 😊 I was having trouble with the stitches, kept aadjusting tension, even cleaned and oiled my machine again! I was ready to buy a new bobbin case, but decided to change to a finer thread, problem solved! Straight nice stitches! So simple! 🙃
First time I have seen your video's, as I have just started out getting to grips with my machine your video is very useful to me, I now know what I am looking for when things go wrong, it has been a bit of trial and error up until now. I will be following more of your videos from now on.
wow! This is the most thorough video I have ever seen on sewing machine tension.
you even called out by pq1500 by name.
I was actually clicking around the internet to see if I could figure out if the chick spring loses its springiness overtime. ISO a lot and I was wondering why I feel like I need higher tension as the months go by.
Great info brother I really appreciate it! I was just able to figure out I was creating errors because of a lack of ability vs tuning on a brand new machine! I wasn't holding the thread at the start and was threading through with the foot down, creating a LOT of bird nesting etc! PS. Good to see other men getting their geek on!
My 35 year old machine is sewing perfect again thanks to your video.
Thank you so much! Your instructions helped me adjust the tension on my mother’s late 1970’s machine. I couldn’t find anything helpful but you did an amazing job & thank you for using different machines
Thank you so much, solved my tension problem immediately just from your description, just went over, did how you said, ran a test and it's perfect.. ***** 5 stars
Rob, the absolute best sewing machine tutorials ever, repeat............ever! Hugs!
thank you for the tips....after several weeks of frustration....doing my first FMQ on a quilt I made and my bobbin thread starts breaking...like the thread cutter just cuts it! I changed needles, cleaned, got out the magnifying glass, started over and over and was about to take to shop when I found your video...I decided to go ahead and change the needle again per your suggestion, and, wahla...works beautifully again. I actually was using a quilting needle and switched out to a top stitch needle. who knew.
Great lesson, also have been sewing for years and never new how to properly adjust the tension, thanks
Thank you and you are awesome the way you explain these things. My sewing machine has been seating there for a while with bad tension and the sewing machine repair shops wants to charge a lot of money $$$$ to just service it and money is tight right now as you know…..thank you so much for your video and I’ll try your suggestions and May God help me because I really need to use my sewing machine and ..the darn repair man wants to charge $150 he’s crazy..thank you for sharing 👍👍👍
Great explanation. Returning to sewing after many years and need to understand the machine basics, how it works to solve problems. Great video! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your insight - I have been sewing for a number of years and I learned a number of good tips!
Thanks much. I have the spring issue. My machine is quite old and the spring is bad. I never knew it played such a vital role in sewing so when I realized that the bottom thread was all over the place when I tried to sew, I tried adjusting the stitch length, I tried adjusting the discs over and over but nothing and this got me a bit frustrated. Thanks for letting me know that the spring thing actually serves an important purpose
This is VERY HELPFUL, it exsplained in detail,I have a BROTHER SEWING MACHINE, and went to the problem
OMGosh... Thank you for this. I have heard bits and pieces of this before, but it never "clicked". This was a fantastic tutorial!!
With the Corona virus making sewers (hahahah!) where they weren't before, I have been watching many videos about sewing masks, and also about fixing (old) sewing machine tension. I enjoyed your explanations very much and thank you for putting this up. Blessings.
Great video for at least two reasons: Instructions were clear and well presented, - by an actual machine tech, no less, Secondly, the demonstration included an older machine and all bobbin types, My machine is nearly 50 years old, ( I bought it used) and I spent $100 about 2 years ago getting the stitching problems fixed, I don’t want to invest any more money in this old Necchi, so I’m hoping I can fix it myself this time (it has gone wonky again) with the help of this video. Fingers crossed, With supply chain problems, I may not be able to get the Janome I’ve got my eye on.
Thank you !
You are an amazing teacher.
You taught this old dog some new tricks.
ah. Tension destroyer here. Thank you for broadening my horizons. Great job
That pipe cleaner trick has solved my problem! Been struggling with this for hours
What everyone else said! Wonderful, educational, enjoyable to watch. Now my go to source to keep my Singer Slant-O-Matic 503A (1961) humming along! Thank you.
Thank u. U helped me fix my sewing machine. I knew it was the tention but had no idea how to fix it. I will defiantly use ur videos in the future with any problems I have. Thank u
This is fantastic, thank you! I never knew about threading the machine with the presser foot up, I guess I've just been lucky until now not to encounter the problem. Also I really appreciated the tips you gave on checking, 1 if the tension is working at all, and 2 how to adjust. Thank you, you may have saved me a whole load of time 😊
love the videos. i am currently training to be a sewing machine technician , i am on a 4 year engineering apprentaship but learning sewing machines at work , we use juki lockstitch and overlockers and pegasis overlockers also , your videos are helping me!
good tip on the tension discs and the presser foot being up when threading. Never thought of that. Thank you.
I have a Kenmore 158.460 that my husband bought used for my birthday in 1975!!! It’s been dependable for all these years, but this is the first time that I’ve understood the tension process. Thank you for your tutorials!!! I’m making the face masks on the Joann Fabrics site and the tension on my machine is wrong. I’m working to get it right, but I’m not sure what to do to the top cylindrical adjuster above the needle side of my machine. The thread is very loose on the bottom of the fabric. Thanks! ~Rose
What caused my feedogs to go down and they will absolutely not come back up no matter how much i try? Thank you for any help. Enjoying all your helpful videos, to the point and clear instructions. Keep em coming ❤️👍
Good to know about the wax thread issue! It looks so appealing on the spool 🙁 good thing I never bought it! so much other great information too, I’m definitely keeping your videos saved in case I need to rewatch for troubleshooting..I have a feeling my machine is just extremely coated with lint and dust after watching this 😅
I think you are very knowledgeable about sewing machines. I saw a few of your tutorials and learned a lot already. greetings sophie
Thanks Rob! Thanks for explaining what the parts are AND what they do! That's how my brain works! Very informative. Thanks again!