Replies

1. 
   kjp | Jun 06, 2004 11:53pm | #1

   Hi leslee, there may be another solution, but the first thing which comes to mind is to use your thread in the bobbin instead & bypass the bobbin tension if necessary, then stitch from the wrong side.  You may have to mark your stitching line, but it should work!  Good luck.  Karin

1. 
   leslee | Jun 08, 2004 03:18am | #6

   Thanks Kjp, that is a novel idea.  It may work in some situations, though in some parts of the jacket, I need to have both the top and bottom in the heavy wt thread. 

1. 
   kjp | Jun 08, 2004 03:28am | #7

   Sounds like some of the other creative solutions might work!  Good luck!

2. 
   Elisabeth | Jun 07, 2004 03:59pm | #2

   Machines can have alternate threading routes to increase the tension beyond the setting. The owner's manual should show this.

1. 
   leslee | Jun 08, 2004 03:12am | #5

   Elisabeth, thanks for the suggestion.  My Pfaff does not have an alternate root to increase the tension.  Some how I do not think I can get it tight enough as I believe the problem is excessive 'drag' on the heavy weight thread.

    

   Leslee

   Edited 6/7/2004 8:13 pm ET by Leslee

3. 
   Barbaran8 | Jun 07, 2004 06:07pm | #3

   Try a metafil or metallica needle - (big coated eye, and deeper thread grooves to protect the thread while passing through the fabric. And your dealer should have some, I forget the name exactly, "Sews Easy" - it's a silicone liquid you can drop on your thread - if you have any plastic or rubber in your tensioners - do not use it "above" the tensioners - just use it on the loop that holds the thread just above the needle.

1. 
   leslee | Jun 08, 2004 03:08am | #4

   Barb, thanks for your suggestion, I will try it soon!

4. 
   MegVT | Jun 08, 2004 12:45pm | #8

   Leslee,

   If the other options do not work for your project, what about couching the topstitching on?

   Meg

1. 
   leslee | Jun 08, 2004 08:01pm | #9

   Meg, I am sorry I do not know what couching the topstitching is.  Could you explain.  THX

1. 
   MegVT | Jun 09, 2004 12:43pm | #11

   Leslee,

   Couching is frequently used to apply decorative yarns and threads to the top surface of a project.  You would generally use invisible thread in the top and a bobbin thread which would blend into your fabric.  (You might also use for top thread one which matches the background fabric or another decorative thread.)  You could zig-zag or blind-hem stitch the decorative thread on top of the collar or cuff, etc., guiding the decorative thread with your hand (there are available attachments which fit on your presser foot to hold the decorative thread, too).   I hope I'm making sense to you...

   You would then be able to use whatever needle and thread are compatible with wtitching your garment together, and the 'topstitching' thread would simply be attached to the surface of the item. 

   Meg

1. 
   leslee | Jun 09, 2004 07:05pm | #12

   Meg, thanks for the explanation.

   Leslee

5. 
   SewTruTerry | Jun 08, 2004 09:11pm | #10

   Leslee

   Let's address the issue about the loose thread on the bobbin side of the material.  Anytime you have that kind of mess on the bobbin side it is because the machine was not threaded correctly.   It is not because the tension is to loose but rather you may not have gotten the thread seated right in the tension disc.  The first thing I was taught that if this happens, completely unthread the machine and start all over and do it carefully.  Also make sure that the needle is in the most upright position before getting the thread any where near the tension disc.  Also as silly as it may seem make sure that the presser foot is up.  This will take the tension off so that you can actually thread it correctly.  The next step that you need to do is actually take off the tension so that the thread meets as little resistance as possible. That is not to say that there will be no tension but do not tighten it from the normal.  That said the next thing you need is a top stitching needle in your machine the top stitching needle has a bigger eye and will allow the thread through easier.  Then the last thing that you need to do is lengthen the stitch length.  This should show dramatic results.  Also make sure that you have plenty of top stitching needles on hand as this sounds like the project that you are working on may cause the needle to go dull very quickly. Good luck and let me know if this helps.