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How-to

Thread Tension | Reader Tip

Perfect the thread tension on your sewing machine by having the top and bobbin threads break in exactly the same place.

The following reader tip about how to perfect the thread tension on your sewing machine was submitted by April Mohr for Threads #113.

“I perfect my tension setting for the fabric in my project by cutting a 6-to 8-inch square from the fabric, preparing my machine with the thread and settings I plan to use, and stitching a straight line diagonally from corner to corner across the square. Then, with a stitched corner in each hand, I stretch the square along the stitching line until I hear or feel a thread break. If both the top and bobbin threads break in exactly the same place, the tension is perfect. If only one thread breaks (usually in two places) that thread’s tension is too tight, indicating that I should either loosen the tension for that thread or tighten the opposite tension. Most of the time a very small adjustment does the trick.”

Submit your tip!

At Threads magazine, we’re always on the hunt for smart tips, tricks, and solutions to help you sew smarter, better, and faster. Send us your great ideas for a chance to be featured in the magazine’s Tips department.

Tips can be emailed directly to Threads or mailed to Threads Tips, P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470.

We pay for any tips published in our magazine.

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  1. NurseNancy | | #1

    I wish I'd known this years ago!

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