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12-24-2012 at 4:57 PM
mavs41
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Joined on 11-18-2011
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mavs41 is not online. Last active: 03-21-2013, 8:22 PMBronze

Sewing Machine Help

I don't usually come to this board, but I've been having trouble with my sewing machine and don't know anyone IRL that really sews.  My thread usually tears while I'm humming along on machine.  It is all purpose thread, what should I have the tension and stitch length set to?  I'm just doing zigzag and straight stitches (currently working on ribbon blankets).

 
12-24-2012 at 6:04 PM
jeanbean80
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jeanbean80 is not online. Last active: 06-13-2013, 9:38 PMNewbie
I would try unthreading and rethreading eveything on your machine.  What brand of thread are you using?  Some of the cheaper ones break really easily.  I like Gutermann thread, it is the only brand I use.
 
12-24-2012 at 6:33 PM
beth2882
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beth2882 is not online. Last active: 06-12-2013, 6:28 AMBronze
I had that problem for awhile.  Do what the PP said and re-thread everything.  Also, I found that if I don't have my needle in a certain position when I cut the thread, it would break on the next run through.  Another problem that I had was not using the right needle.  Turns out, there are actually different needles for different purposes.  So if you are like me and just stuck one in there, you might want to make sure its for the fabric you are working with.  You can also read the manual...mine gives suggestions on how to set the tension and stitch length based on the stitch you are using.  It had a nice chart and is easy to read.  In general I think I typically have my tension set to 4 and my stitch length to 2.  I have no idea if this varies from machine to machine though.

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12-24-2012 at 7:41 PM
unaveragej...
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unaveragejane is not online. Last active: 06-19-2013, 7:53 PMSilver
Definitely check the manual and re-thread everything. I was having this problem, and it turned out I had just put the spool on facing the wrong way. (On mine it is supposed to unwind toward me rather than away.) If that doesn't fix it, you can slowly adjust the tension down until you get to a point where the thread pulls through the machine fairly easily but doesn't create really loose stitches. (Practice on a scrap piece.)

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12-25-2012 at 8:13 PM
bdutton000...
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bdutton0005 is not online. Last active: 03-04-2013, 7:08 PMBronze
All of what PPs sai but also make sure you are unconsciously pulling the fabric. I have found myself doing it several times and breaking my thread. Also check your needle to make sure it isn't bent.

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12-26-2012 at 8:44 AM
mavs41
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mavs41 is not online. Last active: 03-21-2013, 8:22 PMBronze

Sorry it was awhile before I could get back on...thanks for the ideas. I'll go look for the manual.


 
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