Here’s an example of what straight stitches look like with varying tensions. When it’s just right, your stitch will look like the one in the middle. The one on the left is too tight, causing the fabric to pucker, while the one on the right is too loose, making the stitches loopy.
What should a straight stitch look like on both sides?
When you stitch on the machine the stitches should look the same on both sides of the fabric. If you can see the bobbin thread on the top of the fabric it means the tension of the top thread is too high. … If you can see the top thread on the bottom of the fabric it means the top thread tension is too loose.
What tension should I use for a straight stitch?
The dial settings run from 0 to 9, so 4.5 is generally the ‘default’ position for normal straight-stitch sewing. This should be suitable for most fabrics. If you are doing a zig-zag stitch, or another stitch that has width, then you may find that the bobbin thread is pulled through to the top.
What is the best stitch length for sewing a straight stitch?
Set the machine for straight stitch, with a stitch length of 3 to 3.5mm. Use a SINGER Topstitching Needle, size 90/14 for medium weight fabrics, or a SINGER Topstitching needle, size 100/16 for heavier fabrics. Sew 1/4″ – 3/8″ from the edge of the fabric.
Why does my top stitch look like a straight line?
Check that the machine is threaded correctly.
If the bobbin thread was incorrectly threaded, the upper thread may be too tight. … The lower thread appears as a straight line on the lower side of the fabric. The stitching on the lower side of the fabric is loose or has slack.
Why does my top stitch look wrong?
Poor sewing machine tension on a machine-sewn seam can result in an unstable seam, puckering, or just plain unattractive stitching. Perfect machine stitches interlock smoothly and look the same on both sides of the fabric. If you see small loops on the right or wrong side, the thread tension isn’t correct.
What does correct tension look like?
A correct thread tension looks smooth and flat on both sides of the seam. The needle and bobbin threads interlock midway between the surfaces of the material.
How do I know if my bobbin tension is correct?
The thread should unwind just slightly and the bobbin case should drop an inch or two. If the thread unwinds without resistance and the case slips to the floor, your bobbin tension is too loose. If the bobbin case doesn’t budge, your bobbin tension is too tight.
What is the straight stitch setting on a sewing machine?
A straight stitch has no width so it makes sense to set the dial at “0”. However, each machine varies so you will want to set the Stitch Width dial at the position where the needle is centered over the stitch plate. This will give you the most accurate seam allowance.
What stitch setting should I use?
What stitch length should I use?
| What is the best stitch for: | Suggested Stitch Length (mm) | Stitches Per Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Stitch Length | 2.5 – 3.0 | 8 – 10 |
| Basting stitch | 5.0 – 7.0 | 4 – 5 |
| Stay-stitching | 1.5 – 2.0 | 12 – 8 |
| Top-stitching – light/medium weight | 3.0 – 3.5 | 7 – 8 |