You're a freaking gem! I was losing my mind because my bobbin kept snagging and causing bird's nest, I was seriously close to tears. I'm learning so RUclips is my best friend right now. Thank you for the walk through.
Beginner sewer here knowing absolutely nothing but this video helped soo much. It took a good 30 minutes to get the perfect color stitch on both sides. I first messed around with the tension settings, it was close to perfect until I oiled any parts inside that touch each other and tried again and finally got the perfect even stitch on both sides I’m so excited thank you so much for this.
Omg... where you you been my whole life? Informative without 20 minutes of talking about nothing?! I love your videos! Just found your channel! ❤❤ thank you!
Thank you! I'm self-taught and have made every mistake known with sewing. It gets so frustrating at times that I abandon my project and don't come back to it for months. Your video helped a lot!!
Thanks so much for all this information. I am basically self-taught on the sewing machine, so the really basic things (like which side to thread on) that may seem like a no-brainer to someone who knows what they're doing, are a revelation to me! THANK YOU!!
A few things.. Type of fabric is a HUGE variable for tension setting. The reason you had to go to 9 was because you were pulling through paper. Also, a dull needle will make a jagged hole which will require a false increase in top tension. If I'm sewing very fine fabric, I will wind my bobbins with beeswax pressed against the thread while it winds. This allows me to set the least amount of top tension so the fabric does not get distored by the sewing thread.
...lol, same here . it's been sitting on my table in living room for over a year, I'm working up the courage to try again. I do not want to break it. Hopefully this video will help
Thank you for making this video... you have just helped a 54 year old male teacher here in England make a a set of curtains for his old sailing yacht... not a neat job but they are 100 times better than the old ones that have rotted away. For some reason I started "bird nesting" half way through the job with the 20 year old sewing machine an old lady in my street lent me after we started chatting as I dropped off lock down groceries. The Japanenglish instruction book was of no use... another machine that nearly went through a window. Cheers from the UK.
Excellent! Refreshing, down-to-earth, helpful video, something for everyone but especially beginners. No babbling, nineteen-to-the-dozen, and no distracting background music. Worthy of subscription!
Dear EE, You helped me love sewing again. I dreaded that birds nest, which happened a lot. You taught me how to solve this, in such a smart way. Thank you--your sewing super powers are awesome.
I’ve been searching for an hour and you’re the first person to tell me my tension depends on MY machine! Everyone else just showed me how to thread and stitch. Thank you!
I was so frustrated with my sewing machine that I was crying. Then I prayed to God and I found your video. To the point, clear instructions. Thank you so much!!
I was having trouble also..I had my machine for months and TODAY I found my flaws what I was doing wrong..I fixed it now I got a perfect stitch thread not breaking as much..wow just keep at it..okay
Of all the classes I've gone to, no one ever said anything about the thread going in back. So I always have had a 50/50 chance of getting it right. Then I had no idea what I did differently! Thank you SO much!💗
I’ve had this issue for years and never came across anything or anyone mention the direction of the spool and the thread coming from the back. I can’t thank you enough and can’t wait to try it!!
CindyInUSA Well, not all machines use the top spool with thread coming off back of it. I do have one machine out of three that the thread must come from FRONT of spool, so always refer to your manual! See my tips posted here in comments for NEVER getting a bird's nest! 😊
@@TheJudeJane I was about to comment that my new singer M2100 says to put my thread on turning to the front (clockwise). She says here to always have thread coming off from the back. I was going to ask if that's for all machines or just the kind she's using. I think you just answered my question. My singer instructions are correct. Thank you. (I'm a newbie sewer in case you couldn't tell). 😅
Jus Di Harrington I retyped TIPS TO SAY GOODBYE TO BIRD'S NEST!for you! 1.) Make sure the presser foot ALL the way in UP position BEFORE you thread. Why? To open up tension discs to receive thread so tension is correct! 2.) Make sure thread not caught anywhere and carefully thread through all guides as indicated in your manual. What? No manual? Google your machine/model # and get manual! It is a Bible for your machine. 3.) Turn handwheel (that large wheel on right hand side) TOWARDS you. Lower needle into fabric. Computerized machine does this for you. No computer screen on right hand side of machine means you have a mechanical sewing machine and must lower needle manually! NEVER EVER turn that big handwheel AWAY from you! Why? It could DAMAGE your machine or knock timing off. 4.) If you have automatic needle threader, thread needle. If you do not have automatic needle threader, thread needle FRONT to BACK. 5.) Hold thread straight out TOWARD YOU at least 5" and turn handwheel TOWARD you after you put bobbin into bobbin case. The bobbin thread will form a loop. Carefully "unloop" it and gently pull BOTH threads UNDER and BEHIND the presser foot. Make sure at least 5" of both threads. Why? If thread too short, you will unknowingly pull the thread OUT of your needle and wonder why your machine does not form stitches and only needle holes-LOL! 6.) Hold these thread tails TAUT. Lower presser foot DOWN over fabric. **If you sew with presser foot up, you will cause bird nest jam!!**7.) Sew at least three COMPLETE stitches and LET GO OF THREAD TAILS. You ask "Why did I hold them taut behind the sewing machine bed?" Well...hopefully you see how they can't slip down that hole in the throat plate causing a bird's nest! Hope these tips help, Ladies & Gents. 🎤Mic drop!!
@@TheJudeJane you helped a lot! I do have a question. When I get to the end and I'm finished with that row of stitching I'm ready to lift the foot and pull fabric out. The needle and fabric are almost always hung up under the plate. I pull the big wheel toward me and it feels stuck. Won't move. I have to move wheel backwards a little to make it get un hung. I hope I haven't messed up my new machine. I just don't know another way. I'll try to explain better. I'm sewing on something. Everything seems fine. I stop sewing because I'm finished with that part. The needle is down. It won't come up and release the material until I roll the big wheel back (not forward). I can't move it forward with my hand. It's been doing this ever since I started sewing. I haven't seen on it a lot. Maybe an hour total sewing time. Thanks for all that info above. I knew a lot of it. I've been watching a lot of videos. And I did get the manual online. There's a lot I don't know too. You sound like a pro at sewing. So nice of you to help others. Like me who are new and learning.
My thread just jumbled up last night and I was so frustrated that I walked away in disgust saying, "Time to go to bed...Grrrrr!" THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the tips and the clear instructions! Excellent!
I used to have this problem (my machine was threaded correctly) & I met someone whose family ran a large sewing machine company. He told me that my thread might be "too old". (my thread was a few years old). I bought new thread & never had the problem again. Now I always make sure to use "fresh thread" for my machine and I save my "older thread" for hand stitching repairs.
I'm noticing a problem with thread as well. I was trying to make Face Masks (we're in the pandemic now) but could not get the tension right and had a lot of breakage from both the spool and the bobbin. I wanted to use up my older supplies. I'm seeing a powdery lint under the feed dog. I changed colors and got better results. Some of my thread collection may go back to the 1980's. So thread has a "shelf life"? I'd like to see more information on this topic. How would that "shelf life" impact our projects? i would hate to think my vintage clothes are going to come apart at the seams. I'd also like to be more selective about thread in the future.
@@jaha5761 Here's a link to a thread manufacturing company, discussing just this issue, and a quick test you can do to tell if your spool of older thread is okay. . . www.superiorthreads.com/education-what-is-the-shelf-life-of-thread I'm in my mid sixties and still using my grandmothers thread I received after she passed. There's a special connection I feel with her when I use her thread. She used a fine vintage Pfaff, I had serviced and passed down to my granddaughters. . .
@@jenh2o1030 Depends on the thread. I got in the habit of buying new thread whenever I had a new project, so as to avoid tension problems. (The older thread is fine for hand sewing.) If you are having tension problems & your machine is properly threaded, then try using a fresh spool instead.
I have been sewing for YEARS, but never knew why, sometimes, my thread would “bird nest”. Very frustrating. Your video clearly shows how to thread the machine AND the bobbin and to place them correctly. You saved me! Thank you for your clear, concise instructions!!
Thank you! Can't believe I was doing something so simple as not having the thread come from behind the bobbin and behind the spool. I really appreciate that you broke it down to the basics. You clearly have a teacher's heart!
Thank you so much, I've been an amateur sewer for years and I never knew about having the thread rolling from around the back of the bobbin, so helpful! I also love the tip about having the sewing needle down to start, that has helped me so much too! That and switching out the 20 year old thread I thought I'd use up for new thread instead, finally my sewing machine is sewing like butter, which is what I've always wished for and have struggled with never being able to have! This video is life changing! Thank you so much! :)
Thank you! It’s my first time sewing and I couldn’t understand why I was getting the birds nest behind my fabric. You even added some directions that the manual didn’t have about threading the machine! Thank you!
Lord told me today not to fear. Then the Holy Spirit led me here and I realized that one of the fears is my sewing machine. Talk about a metaphor of an object becoming the wielder of dominance. This very problem you're digging into here causes me needles(s) amounts of frustrations and (obviously) bad outcomes. Thanks for the encouragement :D Milla
Ebony, hold the threads for the first three stitches to avoid the thread mess at the beginning, and if threads are long they can cause problems . When you need an upper tension at 9 setting it indicated that you need to adjust the bobbin case tension. Ste top tension back to a 3 or 4 and adjust the bobbin tension which was too tight to a looser tension which means turn the tiny screw to the left (lefty loosy). It will then be trial and error to achieve a balanced stitch. After the bobbin tension is balanced with the upper the bobbin tension should not need adjusting in the near future, unless the bobbin case iss dropped. Your video is nicely done.
dougngn I want to throw it out the window, but don't want to have to tell husband why he has to replace the window. Have just packed it away for a long time, but remembering the aggravation of all that wadded up thread underneath makes my blood pressure go up. Will have to try and get it out and try changing to a new needle, and new thread, first of all. Then may have to mess with the tension. I don't know whether I'll be mad or relieved if any of these stupidly easy fixes works. (Am likely to be insulted if Granny's antique thread on real wooden spools is not good enough for snooty new fangled, only 50 yrs old, sewing machine.) Hmph. Thanks a million for your tips, though. If they work, I'll have a whole new pastime for these endless Coronavirus days.
Thank you!!! This totally resolved my issue. Being new to sewing I was about to give up. My inner guidance told me to check out RUclips and found your video. Now I can start sewing!! Thank you again!!!
I also read that when threading a machine the presser foot must be up. That way the tensions discs are wide open. Lowering presser foot closes the discs.
Thank you! After an hour of watching beginning sewing videos, you're the ONLY one that mentioned the presser foot needs to be down. That was my problem and I didn't know until you mentioned it!!!
I was trying to sew a COVID-19 mask and was getting nesting that was ruining my mask project. I never understood tension. I must say your video was so clear. I was able after testing finding the right tension. Thanks to you I was able to finish my project. Thank you for your excellent video!
Thank you so much Eboni!!! My daughter has been struggling with her machine for weeks now. We watched your video and now she’s back to sewing. Thank you again!!!!!
Haven’t sewn in years. I’m 76. Just took out my Moms vintage singer 401. Circa 1957. What great tips. Talk about old thread. I have wooden spools from Mom. On my way to check and make sure my thread is in the right direction. Also, I have the original manual. Clear instructions, large print. Bless you.
Jenna Anne Sewing machine "dumb"? See my comment How to NEVER GET A BIRD NEST. Much success to you-I know you just need a little more help. Your sewing machine is a great companion when you know how to keep her running smoothly!😊
This video explained a lot! Thank you for showing the process and what the end result should look like with the right tension. The two different thread tip is a great idea! I started sewing about 7 years ago and things were going fine for like a month until the thread underneath the fabric started bunching. I couldn’t figure it out so I just threw the sewing machine back in the box and it just sat in my garage up until now, lol!
Gurl, thank ya so, so much. I'm still new to the sewing machine. I've been sewing by hand most of my life, but now I can use the actual machine. I appreciate your video!
I have searched and searched for information to fix my tension issue. Bingo I finally hit the JackPot. I can't thank you enough. I wish I could give you more than 1 thumbs up!!!!!!! Thank You Thank You!!!
Thank youu! Shame to say, I've been sewing for years and could never understand of getting the tension right on my machine. You broke it down nicely. Subscriber
Thank you for that tip. Your comment about the tension needing to be adjusted higher the more you use the machine saved the day! Been researching this bunching issue for 2 weeks now and you just saved me from taking my machine in to be serviced. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much! I’m new at sewing and the bird’s nest issue ‘bout had me tossing my machine out the window. This was very informative and simple to follow. Bless you!
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that you walked through literally everything, not assuming that the watcher knows anything. I'm a beginner and I learned so much. Thank you again!
Thank you Ebony! At the 3 min mark you said what you were going to do and I shut off the video and began the test...I went up one half a notch (on the top tension) until the thread looked perfectly even underneath. Mine is set now at just over 4. WOW SO simple. I knew it was simple but I feel that your explanation was so clear and it helped me perfectly. Thank you so much for ending my frustrations with this situation. One little “funny” from my childhood, in the early 70’s (I’m 58 now) My mom and two of my three older sisters sewed so it was natural that I would do it as well. My mom looked at me very threateningly and said “don’t you EVER touch this knob!” It certainly put the fear into me but Now I appreciate why she said that, Lol. My dad said the same thing with the rear view mirror in the car!
Thank you so much you just solved my problem. I bought an old singer sewing machine. 1974 #774 The instructions weren't very clear. I rethreaded as you showed and that did it!! You are awesome! Thank you!!!!
THE most helpful video on this issue! I’ve been an amateur sewer since I was 4 and no one’s been able to explain the tension pedal to me as good as you!
Thank you SO MUCH for this useful information! This is the only place I could find which direction the thread must go (in front of or behind the spool). So simple yet EFFECTIVE, and to the point!! Thank you!
i have been having this problem for a couple of weeks now, everything stitching fine and then suddenly my machine just hiccups and i have a mess of thread in back. thank you for explaining about which way to load the top thread though my spindle is horizontal instead of vertical, i never knew if it made a difference. and I'll definitely be trying out the tension test. this was really helpful
I'm having this issue as well but having the presser foot up, didnt help. do you recommend anything else? :( I have a lot of fabric mask orders to complete but its at a hault!! HELP! I was so frustrated. i gave up fixing it at 4am last night
@@Gigichew I hope by now you were able to fix, but please know that the knob is only changing the tension on the top thread. To change the tension on the bobbin thread, you have to tighten the tiny screw on the bobbin case. Hope that helps and gets you back into mask production! God bless!
I am so grateful for this channel. You have helped me in 7 minutes what I could not learn on any other channel. I have had so much frustration till now. You are an absolute hun. Thank you so much.
My hero!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I'm new to sewing and you're the only video I found that mentioned about the pressure foot. Love from Cape Town, South Africa!
I just found your video and you helped me realize that I have been pulling the thread from the front and not the back. I turned it around and it was as smooth as can be! Thank you for this!
Thank you for such a well explained problem issue. New point for me, how to position the top thread spool, very interesting. Thank you again. Never too old to learn.
Lidia Johnston Some machines are threaded with the thread coming off the spool from the FRONT. Check your manual and if you need one, Google your machine brand and model # and get one. Read it!! It is your machine's Bible and you will save yourself a ton of time and trouble following the easy steps. Your machine is your friend. Love it and it will give you many years of pleasure.🙂
Thanks so much! My machine is over 40 years old and I was always instructed not to touch the tension, so I never learned how to fix it when the stitches are uneven. I will now use your method to try to fix, and maybe I need servicing, too.
Girl….. THANK YOU!!! I gave up on sewing. And just started again. But this time … I was determined to find SOMEONE who knew how to fix my problem. And girl… you really just saved everything. Thank you so much!
You did a fabulous job explaining all of that in layman terms. I’m trying to make mess but I keep bundling up the thread. No wonder, this sewing machines is 45 years old and it’s been about that long since I used it. I’m Going to try all your suggestions. Stay safe and thank you
Love being creative. Hate sewing. But THANK YOU because I now understand what the heck has happened to my machine thats making me tear my hair out and cuss into the wee hours... old age 😃 I increased the tension from 5 to 8 and now it works beautifully. I'll be looking into a service in the near future. Appreciate the quick, straightforward help and advice!
TIPS to NEVER get a bird nest: 1. Make sure presser foot raised in UP position when you thread and that you put presser foot DOWN when you sew! 2. Thread machine with presser foot in UP position and set your tension to 4. 3. Turn handwheel (large wheel on right side of machine) TOWARDS you! (Never away from you coz you can damage your machine!!!). 4. If you already have your bobbin in, hold thread straight out towards you and needle will go down and pick up bobbin thread when you turn big wheel with your right hand towards you. It will make a loop. Pull both threads and take 5" of thread tails under presser foot and keep pulling toward back of machine bed. 5. You need 5" of thread so the thread does not fall under the needle plate and get tangled on the machine teeth (called feed dogs - they move your fabric when you sew). Also, if thread in your needle not pulled out enough, when you lower it into fabric if thread too short, it will come out of needle! 6. Hold onto those thread tails. Make sure presser foot is in DOWN position so it can hold fabric under the presser foot while you pull thread tails and then hold the threads taut (UNDER PRESSER FOOT and BEHIND MACHINE BED - the flat part of machine your fabric is on) until you sew at least three COMPLETE stitches. 7. Let go of threads now. Remember to have needle in the fabric before you step on foot pedal - EVERY TIME- not just the first time. Good sewing habits. A computerized machine might function with automatic foot down, but NOT a machine that does not have a computer screen. TIP: read your manual! Some machines require thread on top spool to go in FRONT of spool. I have three machines. That is one feature that can be different on each one!! Hope this helps someone. Happy sewing, Ladies and Gentlemen! (Mic drop!!!!)😊
This is a very helpful video! I haven't sewn anything in almost 30 years so I gave away my machine. I pretty much gave up because of the bird's nest issue thinking something was wrong with the bobbin tension or that it was just a cheap basic machine. You made an important point that the machine may simply need servicing. I just ordered a new machine and will have more confidence using it.
Honestly this video really helped! Thank you so so much! I never would’ve even thought of adjusting the tension on my machine would be the issue. Again thank you!
Thank you. Finally, after all other videos I watched, yours solved my machine's tension issues. Correct threading of the upper thread and bobbin placement did it for me.Thank you!
I want to tell you how much I loved this video. I was stressing over the issues I was having with my sewing machine and you solved my problem. I am now a subscriber. :)
My new machine was working great, then thread started bunching. Your first tip about having the thread come from behind was my problem! Wow! Thank you so much!!!
THANK YOU!! I was ready to throw my machine out the window!! My top thread was backwards 😑😑 fixed the whole problem I'd been fussing with the thing for 2 days lol
Thank you for this video! I tried using my sewing machine for the first time and I was having this issue. Now I’m going to use ur tips and try again thank you!
Thank you so so much! For the longest time I was in an intense love-hate relationship with my machine and never knew how to troubleshoot it. Thank you for making it so simple to understand!
After 3 hours of frustration with my daughters machine, I came upon this video. Excellent, systematic approach to solving stitching and bird nest problems. Thank you for posting this. You are the queen!
Ah you even started off with a very helpful tip! The thread placement is so much more important than I realized! Ill have to make sure my thread is facing the right direction when I play around with my machine again. This whole video is super helpful, I wrote down like every tips! Me and other newbies are very thankful for this video!!
Thank you so much for this, I’ve been getting the “bird’s nest” effect 😂 and couldn’t figure out what I’ve been doing wrong and was blaming the machine instead of my own incompetence! Greetings from the UK 🇬🇧, stay safe xxx
I also have a love/hate relationship with my machine. My blood pressure goes up when I think about sewing.
😂😂😂😂 I felt this.
Haha me too
Thought it was only me!
SAME
Omg ikr
Thank you. I had thought that my machine was broken permanently after 20 years and thanks to You found out it was just a tension issue.
You are a gem. I learned more in 7 minutes than I did in hours with other channels. Thank you for your focused approach.
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No doubt point blank and from the hip can not ask for anything better. Thanks for all you do.
@@JasonSmith-qx3zh ee
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That's exactly how I feel 😮
Love them people who explains things clearly and straight to the point 👌 👏
You're a freaking gem! I was losing my mind because my bobbin kept snagging and causing bird's nest, I was seriously close to tears. I'm learning so RUclips is my best friend right now. Thank you for the walk through.
Thank you!! I don't feel violent towards my sewing machine anymore!!!
Andrea Johnson 😂😂 same girl!!
Ha ha I am totally relating to that feeling.
Same!!!!!
Ha ha! I called my machine “evil” this week!
Andrea Johnson 😂😂😂😂😂same
Beginner sewer here knowing absolutely nothing but this video helped soo much. It took a good 30 minutes to get the perfect color stitch on both sides. I first messed around with the tension settings, it was close to perfect until I oiled any parts inside that touch each other and tried again and finally got the perfect even stitch on both sides I’m so excited thank you so much for this.
Omg... where you you been my whole life? Informative without 20 minutes of talking about nothing?! I love your videos! Just found your channel! ❤❤ thank you!
Thank you! I'm self-taught and have made every mistake known with sewing. It gets so frustrating at times that I abandon my project and don't come back to it for months. Your video helped a lot!!
Same🙆🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️😅
Same!
Same girl, but then I learned few things here and there on RUclips, now I feel I know where the problems come from so I can fix them
Thanks so much for all this information. I am basically self-taught on the sewing machine, so the really basic things (like which side to thread on) that may seem like a no-brainer to someone who knows what they're doing, are a revelation to me! THANK YOU!!
Doesn't look as a no brainer, looks like someone who's happy to try something new !❤
Me tooo❤yeah.
Same!! Just started 2 months ago and I’m on my 5th project! Thank you Ebony!
A few things.. Type of fabric is a HUGE variable for tension setting. The reason you had to go to 9 was because you were pulling through paper. Also, a dull needle will make a jagged hole which will require a false increase in top tension. If I'm sewing very fine fabric, I will wind my bobbins with beeswax pressed against the thread while it winds. This allows me to set the least amount of top tension so the fabric does not get distored by the sewing thread.
Your comment saved my sanity thank you !!
Girl you are working in over time. I was just side-eyeing my sewing machine because of this exact issue. thank you thank you.
Who you telling. I was legit having this issue when she uploaded. How did she be knowing this 🤔😂
...lol, same here . it's been sitting on my table in living room for over a year, I'm working up the courage to try again. I do not want to break it. Hopefully this video will help
MsJLong27 same here lol
I've never heard the term "side-eying". What does that mean, please?
Koley W 👀
Thank you for making this video... you have just helped a 54 year old male teacher here in England make a a set of curtains for his old sailing yacht... not a neat job but they are 100 times better than the old ones that have rotted away. For some reason I started "bird nesting" half way through the job with the 20 year old sewing machine an old lady in my street lent me after we started chatting as I dropped off lock down groceries. The Japanenglish instruction book was of no use... another machine that nearly went through a window. Cheers from the UK.
Hello! How did your curtains hold up overtime?
Still going strong and sailing the Irish Sea... 😂
@@Kingfisherk26 Oh goodness! I wasn’t expecting a reply so soon! Haha, would you mind sharing a video or tutorial on how you learned to make yours?
@@Kingfisherk26 Oh goodness! I wasn’t expecting a reply so soon! Haha, would you mind sharing a video or tutorial on how you learned to make yours?
Excellent! Refreshing, down-to-earth, helpful video, something for everyone but especially beginners. No babbling, nineteen-to-the-dozen, and no distracting background music. Worthy of subscription!
Dear EE,
You helped me love sewing again. I dreaded that birds nest, which happened a lot. You taught me how to solve this, in such a smart way. Thank you--your sewing super powers are awesome.
Girl I started weeping when my machine started stitching again
Lol I know the feeling!
I’ve been searching for an hour and you’re the first person to tell me my tension depends on MY machine! Everyone else just showed me how to thread and stitch. Thank you!
I was so frustrated with my sewing machine that I was crying. Then I prayed to God and I found your video. To the point, clear instructions. Thank you so much!!
I was having trouble also..I had my machine for months and TODAY I found my flaws what I was doing wrong..I fixed it now I got a perfect stitch thread not breaking as much..wow just keep at it..okay
Of all the classes I've gone to, no one ever said anything about the thread going in back. So I always have had a 50/50 chance of getting it right. Then I had no idea what I did differently! Thank you SO much!💗
I’ve had this issue for years and never came across anything or anyone mention the direction of the spool and the thread coming from the back. I can’t thank you enough and can’t wait to try it!!
CindyInUSA Well, not all machines use the top spool with thread coming off back of it. I do have one machine out of three that the thread must come from FRONT of spool, so always refer to your manual! See my tips posted here in comments for NEVER getting a bird's nest! 😊
@@TheJudeJane I was about to comment that my new singer M2100 says to put my thread on turning to the front (clockwise). She says here to always have thread coming off from the back. I was going to ask if that's for all machines or just the kind she's using. I think you just answered my question. My singer instructions are correct. Thank you.
(I'm a newbie sewer in case you couldn't tell). 😅
@@TheJudeJane I couldn't find your tips in comments. There's over 600 comments. Maybe I missed it.
Jus Di Harrington I retyped TIPS TO SAY GOODBYE TO BIRD'S NEST!for you! 1.) Make sure the presser foot ALL the way in UP position BEFORE you thread. Why? To open up tension discs to receive thread so tension is correct! 2.) Make sure thread not caught anywhere and carefully thread through all guides as indicated in your manual. What? No manual? Google your machine/model # and get manual! It is a Bible for your machine. 3.) Turn handwheel (that large wheel on right hand side) TOWARDS you. Lower needle into fabric. Computerized machine does this for you. No computer screen on right hand side of machine means you have a mechanical sewing machine and must lower needle manually! NEVER EVER turn that big handwheel AWAY from you! Why? It could DAMAGE your machine or knock timing off. 4.) If you have automatic needle threader, thread needle. If you do not have automatic needle threader, thread needle FRONT to BACK. 5.) Hold thread straight out TOWARD YOU at least 5" and turn handwheel TOWARD you after you put bobbin into bobbin case. The bobbin thread will form a loop. Carefully "unloop" it and gently pull BOTH threads UNDER and BEHIND the presser foot. Make sure at least 5" of both threads. Why? If thread too short, you will unknowingly pull the thread OUT of your needle and wonder why your machine does not form stitches and only needle holes-LOL! 6.) Hold these thread tails TAUT. Lower presser foot DOWN over fabric. **If you sew with presser foot up, you will cause bird nest jam!!**7.) Sew at least three COMPLETE stitches and LET GO OF THREAD TAILS. You ask "Why did I hold them taut behind the sewing machine bed?" Well...hopefully you see how they can't slip down that hole in the throat plate causing a bird's nest! Hope these tips help, Ladies & Gents. 🎤Mic drop!!
@@TheJudeJane you helped a lot!
I do have a question.
When I get to the end and I'm finished with that row of stitching I'm ready to lift the foot and pull fabric out. The needle and fabric are almost always hung up under the plate. I pull the big wheel toward me and it feels stuck. Won't move. I have to move wheel backwards a little to make it get un hung.
I hope I haven't messed up my new machine. I just don't know another way.
I'll try to explain better.
I'm sewing on something. Everything seems fine. I stop sewing because I'm finished with that part. The needle is down. It won't come up and release the material until I roll the big wheel back (not forward). I can't move it forward with my hand. It's been doing this ever since I started sewing.
I haven't seen on it a lot. Maybe an hour total sewing time.
Thanks for all that info above. I knew a lot of it. I've been watching a lot of videos. And I did get the manual online. There's a lot I don't know too.
You sound like a pro at sewing. So nice of you to help others. Like me who are new and learning.
My thread just jumbled up last night and I was so frustrated that I walked away in disgust saying, "Time to go to bed...Grrrrr!" THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the tips and the clear instructions! Excellent!
rscats67 If you are a beginner, see my tips posted here in comments and if you follow them, you should NEVER get a bird's nest. Hope they help! 😊
My tips are at very top of the comments list.
I used to have this problem (my machine was threaded correctly) & I met someone whose family ran a large sewing machine company. He told me that my thread might be "too old". (my thread was a few years old). I bought new thread & never had the problem again. Now I always make sure to use "fresh thread" for my machine and I save my "older thread" for hand stitching repairs.
This was an Aha moment for me! That my problem! Old thread!
I'm noticing a problem with thread as well. I was trying to make Face Masks (we're in the pandemic now) but could not get the tension right and had a lot of breakage from both the spool and the bobbin. I wanted to use up my older supplies. I'm seeing a powdery lint under the feed dog. I changed colors and got better results. Some of my thread collection may go back to the 1980's.
So thread has a "shelf life"? I'd like to see more information on this topic. How would that "shelf life" impact our projects? i would hate to think my vintage clothes are going to come apart at the seams. I'd also like to be more selective about thread in the future.
@@jaha5761 Here's a link to a thread manufacturing company, discussing just this issue, and a quick test you can do to tell if your spool of older thread is okay. . . www.superiorthreads.com/education-what-is-the-shelf-life-of-thread
I'm in my mid sixties and still using my grandmothers thread I received after she passed. There's a special connection I feel with her when I use her thread. She used a fine vintage Pfaff, I had serviced and passed down to my granddaughters. . .
How old is old thread
@@jenh2o1030 Depends on the thread. I got in the habit of buying new thread whenever I had a new project, so as to avoid tension problems. (The older thread is fine for hand sewing.) If you are having tension problems & your machine is properly threaded, then try using a fresh spool instead.
I have been sewing for YEARS, but never knew why, sometimes, my thread would “bird nest”. Very frustrating. Your video clearly shows how to thread the machine AND the bobbin and to place them correctly. You saved me! Thank you for your clear, concise instructions!!
Thank you! Can't believe I was doing something so simple as not having the thread come from behind the bobbin and behind the spool. I really appreciate that you broke it down to the basics. You clearly have a teacher's heart!
Thank you so much!!! I have been sewing for over 50 years and have never understood how to fix my tension! This was so clear and concise!
I didn't even know I had a tension issue--I just recognized the bird nest from the thumbnail. Thank you!
Ebony, you are a gifted teacher! Thank you for your focused approach and easy to follow instructions👍 Blessings to you and anyone reading this 🙏💗
Thank you so much, I've been an amateur sewer for years and I never knew about having the thread rolling from around the back of the bobbin, so helpful! I also love the tip about having the sewing needle down to start, that has helped me so much too! That and switching out the 20 year old thread I thought I'd use up for new thread instead, finally my sewing machine is sewing like butter, which is what I've always wished for and have struggled with never being able to have! This video is life changing! Thank you so much! :)
Thankyou so much, Im a complete beginner and didnt even think of the tension. Everythings working again, you are priceless to me!!!
I watch this video every time I have a tension problems and never fails!! You’ve saved me hours of frustration.Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for teaching me this ☺️☺️☺️ I sewed my first pot holder today
Thank you! It’s my first time sewing and I couldn’t understand why I was getting the birds nest behind my fabric. You even added some directions that the manual didn’t have about threading the machine! Thank you!
Lord told me today not to fear. Then the Holy Spirit led me here and I realized that one of the fears is my sewing machine. Talk about a metaphor of an object becoming the wielder of dominance. This very problem you're digging into here causes me needles(s) amounts of frustrations and (obviously) bad outcomes. Thanks for the encouragement :D
Milla
This video just saved my sewing machine's life! I was about to throw her away!
Ebony, hold the threads for the first three stitches to avoid the thread mess at the beginning, and if threads are long they can cause problems . When you need an upper tension at 9 setting it indicated that you need to adjust the bobbin case tension. Ste top tension back to a 3 or 4 and adjust the bobbin tension which was too tight to a looser tension which means turn the tiny screw to the left (lefty loosy). It will then be trial and error to achieve a balanced stitch. After the bobbin tension is balanced with the upper the bobbin tension should not need adjusting in the near future, unless the bobbin case iss dropped. Your video is nicely done.
This video literally saved my life. Thank you for teaching me how to talk to my sewing machine instead of just yelling at it 😂😭💖
I like to throw bobbins, very rewarding way to vent sewing frustrations.
I kick machine over the fence into neighbors yard and then they yell at it ! Problem solved !
dougngn I want to throw it out the window, but don't want to have to tell husband why he has to replace the window. Have just packed it away for a long time, but remembering the aggravation of all that wadded up thread underneath makes my blood pressure go up. Will have to try and get it out and try changing to a new needle, and new thread, first of all. Then may have to mess with the tension. I don't know whether I'll be mad or relieved if any of these stupidly easy fixes works. (Am likely to be insulted if Granny's antique thread on real wooden spools is not good enough for snooty new fangled, only 50 yrs old, sewing machine.) Hmph. Thanks a million for your tips, though. If they work, I'll have a whole new pastime for these endless Coronavirus days.
Thank you!!! This totally resolved my issue. Being new to sewing I was about to give up. My inner guidance told me to check out RUclips and found your video. Now I can start sewing!! Thank you again!!!
I also read that when threading a machine the presser foot must be up. That way the tensions discs are wide open. Lowering presser foot closes the discs.
Yes, that one tripped me up for months.
Oh man! I thought my sewing machine was broken. It’s been sitting for 2 years. You are giving me a new hope! Cheers! New sub!
I'm newly retired and pulled out my sewing machine. Had all kinds of tension problems. Very helpful video :)
Thank you! After an hour of watching beginning sewing videos, you're the ONLY one that mentioned the presser foot needs to be down. That was my problem and I didn't know until you mentioned it!!!
I was trying to sew a COVID-19 mask and was getting nesting that was ruining my mask project. I never understood tension. I must say your video was so clear. I was able after testing finding the right tension. Thanks to you I was able to finish my project. Thank you for your excellent video!
Bob Price im here for the same reason
My mom too.. we borrowed a sewing machine which is seldom used and this problem showed up
My mom asked me to fix it :v
Same here! Sewed two just fine and then bam..crazy nesting
Thank you so much Eboni!!! My daughter has been struggling with her machine for weeks now. We watched your video and now she’s back to sewing. Thank you again!!!!!
My grandma was wondering why the machine was "eating up" the string, thank you so much! ☺
Maybe it was hungry
@@Poop-sr9sn could be
So my machine is hungry everytime i use it .🤣🤣
Haven’t sewn in years. I’m 76. Just took out my Moms vintage singer 401. Circa 1957. What great tips. Talk about old thread. I have wooden spools from Mom. On my way to check and make sure my thread is in the right direction. Also, I have the original manual. Clear instructions, large print. Bless you.
i’ve been trynna figure this out for weeks!! finally i got it answer on why my sewing machine is being dumb
Jenna Anne Sewing machine "dumb"? See my comment How to NEVER GET A BIRD NEST. Much success to you-I know you just need a little more help. Your sewing machine is a great companion when you know how to keep her running smoothly!😊
WOW this helped me so much
Your words on everyone’s tension being different based off how long they’ve had is valuable knowledge !!!
This video explained a lot! Thank you for showing the process and what the end result should look like with the right tension. The two different thread tip is a great idea! I started sewing about 7 years ago and things were going fine for like a month until the thread underneath the fabric started bunching. I couldn’t figure it out so I just threw the sewing machine back in the box and it just sat in my garage up until now, lol!
Great video, thank you.
I never thought about two different colors when checking tension . Thank you ❤
Gurl, thank ya so, so much. I'm still new to the sewing machine. I've been sewing by hand most of my life, but now I can use the actual machine. I appreciate your video!
I have searched and searched for information to fix my tension issue. Bingo I finally hit the JackPot. I can't thank you enough. I wish I could give you more than 1 thumbs up!!!!!!! Thank You Thank You!!!
Thank youu! Shame to say, I've been sewing for years and could never understand of getting the tension right on my machine. You broke it down nicely. Subscriber
THE MOST thorough and easy to understand guide to troubleshooting your threads I've seen!!
This was SO helpful. I never knew that it was important to manually have the needle in the "down" position. Thank you for the tutorial!
Thank you for that tip. Your comment about the tension needing to be adjusted higher the more you use the machine saved the day! Been researching this bunching issue for 2 weeks now and you just saved me from taking my machine in to be serviced. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much! I’m new at sewing and the bird’s nest issue ‘bout had me tossing my machine out the window. This was very informative and simple to follow. Bless you!
Same!
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that you walked through literally everything, not assuming that the watcher knows anything. I'm a beginner and I learned so much. Thank you again!
Thank you Ebony! At the 3 min mark you said what you were going to do and I shut off the video and began the test...I went up one half a notch (on the top tension) until the thread looked perfectly even underneath. Mine is set now at just over 4. WOW SO simple. I knew it was simple but I feel that your explanation was so clear and it helped me perfectly. Thank you so much for ending my frustrations with this situation.
One little “funny” from my childhood, in the early 70’s (I’m 58 now) My mom and two of my three older sisters sewed so it was natural that I would do it as well. My mom looked at me very threateningly and said “don’t you EVER touch this knob!” It certainly put the fear into me but Now I appreciate why she said that, Lol. My dad said the same thing with the rear view mirror in the car!
But you'll have to change the tension (so maybe re-do the test) for each type of fabric. You don't have the same tension for light and bulky ones.
That's cute about what your mom and dad said!
Thank you so much you just solved my problem. I bought an old singer sewing machine. 1974 #774 The instructions weren't very clear. I
rethreaded as you showed and that did it!! You are awesome! Thank you!!!!
Thank you so much for your help! You are an excellent teacher. I was so frustrated and your video calmed me down and fixed my issue!
THE most helpful video on this issue! I’ve been an amateur sewer since I was 4 and no one’s been able to explain the tension pedal to me as good as you!
Holy cow, I've been sewing for 30 years and learned so much! Thank you!!!
As a self taught sewing machiner I didn’t even know it made a difference what side of the bobbin the thread was on so Thankyou so much you angel 😇
This was insanely helpful oh my gosh. Thank you so much! You are an angel and now I don’t feel the need to slam my sewing machine into the ground
Thank you SO MUCH for this useful information! This is the only place I could find which direction the thread must go (in front of or behind the spool). So simple yet EFFECTIVE, and to the point!! Thank you!
i have been having this problem for a couple of weeks now, everything stitching fine and then suddenly my machine just hiccups and i have a mess of thread in back. thank you for explaining about which way to load the top thread though my spindle is horizontal instead of vertical, i never knew if it made a difference. and I'll definitely be trying out the tension test. this was really helpful
I'm having this issue as well but having the presser foot up, didnt help. do you recommend anything else? :( I have a lot of fabric mask orders to complete but its at a hault!! HELP! I was so frustrated. i gave up fixing it at 4am last night
@@Gigichew I hope by now you were able to fix, but please know that the knob is only changing the tension on the top thread. To change the tension on the bobbin thread, you have to tighten the tiny screw on the bobbin case. Hope that helps and gets you back into mask production! God bless!
@@Gigichew you don't want to keep your presser foot up, your fabric won't feed properly and will cause even more of a mess.
I am so grateful for this channel. You have helped me in 7 minutes what I could not learn on any other channel. I have had so much frustration till now. You are an absolute hun. Thank you so much.
My hero!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I'm new to sewing and you're the only video I found that mentioned about the pressure foot. Love from Cape Town, South Africa!
I just found your video and you helped me realize that I have been pulling the thread from the front and not the back. I turned it around and it was as smooth as can be! Thank you for this!
Thank you for such a well explained problem issue. New point for me, how to position the top thread spool, very interesting. Thank you again. Never too old to learn.
Lidia Johnston Some machines are threaded with the thread coming off the spool from the FRONT. Check your manual and if you need one, Google your machine brand and model # and get one. Read it!! It is your machine's Bible and you will save yourself a ton of time and trouble following the easy steps. Your machine is your friend. Love it and it will give you many years of pleasure.🙂
Thanks so much! My machine is over 40 years old and I was always instructed not to touch the tension, so I never learned how to fix it when the stitches are uneven. I will now use your method to try to fix, and maybe I need servicing, too.
I didn’t know this video is part of a wig series. I’m learning to sew clothes and this has been the best beginners video for sewing machines. Thanks!
Girl….. THANK YOU!!! I gave up on sewing. And just started again. But this time … I was determined to find SOMEONE who knew how to fix my problem. And girl… you really just saved everything. Thank you so much!
You did a fabulous job explaining all of that in layman terms. I’m trying to make mess but I keep bundling up the thread. No wonder, this sewing machines is 45 years old and it’s been about that long since I used it. I’m Going to try all your suggestions. Stay safe and thank you
Have you had it serviced recently?
That was it! The top thread was coming from the front rather than the back. Genius!
Thank you! So glad I found your video, I'm mostly self taught and this is the first video I've seen that has helped me with my tension issues!!
Love being creative. Hate sewing. But THANK YOU because I now understand what the heck has happened to my machine thats making me tear my hair out and cuss into the wee hours... old age 😃 I increased the tension from 5 to 8 and now it works beautifully. I'll be looking into a service in the near future. Appreciate the quick, straightforward help and advice!
TIPS to NEVER get a bird nest:
1. Make sure presser foot raised in UP position when you thread and that you put presser foot DOWN when you sew!
2. Thread machine with presser foot in UP position and set your tension to 4.
3. Turn handwheel (large wheel on right side of machine) TOWARDS you! (Never away from you coz you can damage your machine!!!).
4. If you already have your bobbin in, hold thread straight out towards you and needle will go down and pick up bobbin thread when you turn big wheel with your right hand towards you. It will make a loop. Pull both threads and take 5" of thread tails under presser foot and keep pulling toward back of machine bed.
5. You need 5" of thread so the thread does not fall under the needle plate and get tangled on the machine teeth (called feed dogs - they move your fabric when you sew). Also, if thread in your needle not pulled out enough, when you lower it into fabric if thread too short, it will come out of needle!
6. Hold onto those thread tails. Make sure presser foot is in DOWN position so it can hold fabric under the presser foot while you pull thread tails and then hold the threads taut (UNDER PRESSER FOOT and BEHIND MACHINE BED - the flat part of machine your fabric is on) until you sew at least three COMPLETE stitches.
7. Let go of threads now. Remember to have needle in the fabric before you step on foot pedal - EVERY TIME- not just the first time. Good sewing habits. A computerized machine might function with automatic foot down, but NOT a machine that does not have a computer screen.
TIP: read your manual! Some machines require thread on top spool to go in FRONT of spool. I have three machines. That is one feature that can be different on each one!! Hope this helps someone. Happy sewing, Ladies and Gentlemen! (Mic drop!!!!)😊
This is a very helpful video! I haven't sewn anything in almost 30 years so I gave away my machine. I pretty much gave up because of the bird's nest issue thinking something was wrong with the bobbin tension or that it was just a cheap basic machine. You made an important point that the machine may simply need servicing. I just ordered a new machine and will have more confidence using it.
Honestly this video really helped! Thank you so so much! I never would’ve even thought of adjusting the tension on my machine would be the issue. Again thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I cannot begin to tell you how much this tutorial helped me! Your patience and teaching skills are fantastic.
This was ready a lifesaver, ooo baby I’m bout to make some clothes 😌😂
The moment you mentioned thread and tension I took a closer look and found thread wound up in my tension wheel THANK YOU
That was the best lesson I have ever had....you covered 90% of my problems...thanks
Thank you. Finally, after all other videos I watched, yours solved my machine's tension issues. Correct threading of the upper thread and bobbin placement did it for me.Thank you!
I want to tell you how much I loved this video. I was stressing over the issues I was having with my sewing machine and you solved my problem. I am now a subscriber. :)
Thanks- this was so helpful! I am not making wigs, but this is the info I needed and explained clearly!
Same !!
"getting a bird's nest" lol idk why I found that so funny. Perfect description of the phenomenon XD
My new machine was working great, then thread started bunching. Your first tip about having the thread come from behind was my problem! Wow! Thank you so much!!!
THANK YOU!! I was ready to throw my machine out the window!! My top thread was backwards 😑😑 fixed the whole problem I'd been fussing with the thing for 2 days lol
This was very helpful! Thank you! I never knew that it's important to put the needle DOWN before you begin sewing! I'll try it! Thank you so much!
Thank you for this video! I tried using my sewing machine for the first time and I was having this issue. Now I’m going to use ur tips and try again thank you!
Thank you so so much! For the longest time I was in an intense love-hate relationship with my machine and never knew how to troubleshoot it. Thank you for making it so simple to understand!
Thank you, this solved my problem.
Mine too!
Mine to
After 3 hours of frustration with my daughters machine, I came upon this video. Excellent, systematic approach to solving stitching and bird nest problems. Thank you for posting this. You are the queen!
Thank you! I am so new to this. Bird’s nest, perfect description, lol. 😘💓
Ah you even started off with a very helpful tip! The thread placement is so much more important than I realized! Ill have to make sure my thread is facing the right direction when I play around with my machine again. This whole video is super helpful, I wrote down like every tips! Me and other newbies are very thankful for this video!!
Thank you so much for this, I’ve been getting the “bird’s nest” effect 😂 and couldn’t figure out what I’ve been doing wrong and was blaming the machine instead of my own incompetence! Greetings from the UK 🇬🇧, stay safe xxx
You are the first person that ever explained the correct threading direction that made sense to me. Thank you so much!!!
Ha HA... THOUGHT MY STITCHING WAS SUPPOSE TO LOOK LIKE THE FIRST FEW STITCHES YOU DID.....OOPS! THANKS'
I've been over here struggling for an hour and the first tip you gave about three position literarily fixed my issue 😂😂 thank you so much