Artigianati.com

by Melisse Laing

We all have tension in our lives but we, as quilters and sewers, have a specialized kind - machine thread tension. In the September 2009 issue of "Machine Quilting Unlimited," Steven Anderson gives advice for setting the thread tension to balance your stitches which can be used on both domestic sewing machines and long-arm quilting machines.

First, make sure your machine is in good working order, threaded properly and you are familiar with the tension controls. On most machines, you adjust the upper thread tension using a knob on the tension mechanism. Turning it clockwise increases tension and turning it counterclockwise loosens tension. If your machine has an electronic tension control, check with your instruction manual or dealer.

Even though the manufacturer may recommend a setting, the speed and direction at which you quilt or sew can affect it. Test the tension using the same materials on which you plan to work. Also, recheck your tension when you change the bobbin, needle or top thread.

Steven reminds us that it's OK adjusting the tension. Do not be afraid to make big adjustments to the top tension. If your sewing machine has a top tension dial marked 1 to 10, change one or two numbers at a time. On an industrial machine, turn the knob a full turn each time. If you go too far, it's less frustrating and time-consuming to come back with smaller adjustments....

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