Sewing Machine Tension – Top 10 TIPS and Settings
Sewing machine tension is one of the most common causes of stitching problems. If your stitches are looping, puckering, breaking, or uneven, there is a good chance the thread tension is off. Perfect sewing machine tension occurs when the upper and bobbin threads meet neatly in the middle of the fabric layers. The stitches should look even on both sides, with no visible loops, knots, or loose threads. Before adjusting the tension dial, it is important to check other common causes such as incorrect threading, a damaged needle, poor-quality thread, or lint buildup. In this guide, you’ll learn how sewing machine tension works, how to identify tension problems, and how to adjust your machine for perfectly balanced stitches.
How to Fix Sewing Machine Tension (Quick Guide)
Most sewing machine tension problems can be solved by:
- Replacing the needle.
- Rethreading the upper thread.
- Checking the bobbin is inserted correctly.
- Cleaning lint from the bobbin area.
- Use a good-quality matching thread.
- Testing and adjusting the tension dial gradually.
What is Sewing Machine Tension?
Sewing machine tension refers to the balance between the upper thread tension and the bobbin thread tension. When these are balanced correctly, stitches form neatly between the fabric layers and appear even on both sides.
That means you shouldn’t see any little loops on either the top or bottom of your fabric, and the stitching should look even on both sides. While you may be tempted to go straight to the tension dial on your machine, there are numerous other issues that can affect your tension besides the dial. Always check these first before playing with the tension dials.
10 Ways to Fix Sewing Machine Tension Problems
1. Best Needles for Machine Tension
Check the sewing machine needle and replace it if necessary. A bent or blunt needle can cause your tension to go out. Also, check it is correctly inserted into the needle holder. The flat part of the needle should be at the back. Needles should match the type and weight of your fabric. For example, leather should be sewn with a leather needle in a heavy gauge. (Sewing machine needle sizes)
2. Check the Machine is Correctly Threaded
Make sure you threaded the sewing machine correctly. If in doubt, always rethread both the top thread and bobbin. The bobbin should be wound evenly with no loops. Make sure the thread has gone through the tension disks correctly.
3. Look for Dirt
Have a quick look for any fluff caught in the wheels, throat plate or bobbin. Even just a little bit of fluff can upset the whole machine. A small stiff paintbrush can sweep your machine clean. Fluff can also accumulate in the eye of the needle. (How to clean a sewing machine)
4. Check the Tension Dials
Check all your dial settings are correct and haven’t moved from their regular position. You never know who may have been playing with the machine dials and settings.
All those dials look very inviting to children, especially mine. Most sewing projects will have the tension dial set to 4. Check your sewing machine manual for the best setting for your fabric.
5. Check Thread Quality
Change the thread you are using and check it is a quality brand. Cheap brands can be uneven and break easily. Many sewing machine problems can be helped by using better-quality threads. Good brands of thread include Gutterman, Coates, and Rasant.
6. Only Use Matching Thread
Both the top thread and bobbin should be the same brand, quality, and weight. If they are mismatched, it can cause tension problems. Different colors should not make a difference as long as they are the same type. (Types of sewing thread)
7. Ensure the Top Thread is Not Caught
Check the top thread is not caught around the base of the spool. If it gets caught it will cause the top tension to become too tight. Also, check for any knots or tangles in the thread.
8. Look for Machine Damage
Check the throat plate is clean and has no unwanted nicks or damage. Sewing over pins and needles breaking can cause nicks in the throat plate that can snag the bobbin thread. If small, a technician can buff the nicks smoothly. Otherwise, buy a new plate.
9. Rewind the Bobbin
Check the bobbin is wound evenly and not too tight. Check it for snags. (How to Wind a Bobbin)
10. Check the Bobbin Case
Finally, check your bobbin is inserted correctly. Some machines have an adjustment screw on the bobbin case. Check your manual and adjust accordingly.
How to Adjust Sewing Machine Tension Dials
Still feeling tense? If these quick fixes didn’t work, then it is time to adjust your tension dials. If all the above is still not giving you a nice even stitch, sew a test on a scrap. Use a scrap of the fabric you are planning to sew, as different fabrics will need different tension adjustments.
- Loops at the back mean the top thread tension is too loose. Increase tension (higher number) with small increases at a time. Keep checking till you get it right.
- Loops on top of the fabric mean the top thread tension is too tight. Decrease tension (lower number) with small increases at a time.
Sewing Machine Tension Problems Explained
Here is a sewing machine thread tension chart:
What if the Sewing Machine Tension Is Still Out?
If your sewing machine tension is still not correct, it is time to take your machine to a technician. Like cars, sewing machines need regular tune-ups and services. Before you head off, do one last check and try sewing a different type of fabric.
Sewing Machine Tension FAQs
Most sewing machines are set around 4 as a default tension setting. However, the correct setting depends on the fabric, thread, and needle being used.
Loops underneath the fabric usually indicate that the upper thread is not threaded correctly or that the upper tension is too loose.
Loops on top of the fabric generally mean the upper tension is too tight or the bobbin thread is not feeding correctly.
Bobbin tension rarely needs adjustment. Most sewing machine tension problems are caused by the upper thread and can be fixed without touching the bobbin case screw.
Yes. A bent, blunt, damaged, or incorrect needle can cause skipped stitches, uneven tension, and thread breakage.
Pin for Later
Sewing Machine Tension – In Conclusion
Understanding sewing machine tension is the key to producing neat, professional-looking stitches. While it can be tempting to immediately adjust the tension dial, many tension problems are actually caused by incorrect threading, damaged needles, lint buildup, or poor-quality thread.
Work through each troubleshooting step carefully before making tension adjustments. In most cases, a simple rethreading or needle change will restore perfectly balanced stitches and get your sewing machine sewing smoothly again. If you have checked all the common causes and your tension is still uneven, it may be time to have a professional service your guitar to check for mechanical issues.
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
Check the tension disks, quality of the thread for knots etc. Thanks for reading.
Hi, I have a leriva sewing machine. When u start to sew the top thread keeps on breaking. It’s so frustrating please help.
Many thanks
Runa.
Hi Helen, it is hard to know but yes it does sound like it is something in the tension plates not working correctly. I’d return it for the seller to have a look. You say you are a seasoned sewer so I’m sure threading is not the issue. All machines are roughly the same for threading.
Bought a child’s sewing machine for Xmas. Threaded correctly and sews perfectly but when seam stitched, needle and presser foot lifted, unable to pull upper thread Free to allow cutting threads. Too tight between tension plates. Releasing tension pressure results in unlocked stitches. Just pulling snaps thread and would break needle. Do you think the tension guide is faulty before I attempt to return machine. Seasoned machine sewer.
thanks so much. this is exactly what I was looking for. I really love the guide. I tried to make one of my own and it was no wheres as good as this one. I also have the same problem with the tension being fine on the top and my bottom stitch being loose and sometimes both being loose. am going to print everything you wrote and have it next to my machine. Good stuff here. Thanks again. Minny
Start with rethreading the threads both top and bottom and checking that you are putting the threads through the tension disks at the top and the groove at the bottom.
I have the Elna 1000 sew 75 I keep getting bird nests and lose bunching from the top cotton. On the under side of my fabric when I sew. I am a beginner and very eager. Please help.
Check that the bobbin is threaded through the tension groove. I rethread both top and bobbin.
My bottom stitch is loose but top stitch is normal.What should I do?Am using old manual singer sewing machine.