Questions about tension from a newbie

[Pumpkincat]

Hello, i am learning to machine sew and am coming up against problems.

I am presently getting loops on the bottom of my fabric, even tho the tension is set the highest it will go. I am using cotton fabric and polyester thread.

Sometimes my stiches come out perfect, other times loops. Right now i am trying to make a padded strap for for an onbuhimo. When i sew through the padded part, i get mad looping almost to the point of tangles on the back of my fabric. I have had to take the stitches out and begin again a few times. The tension is set the highest. What can I do to fix this problem?

[orangefoot]

I'm not new to sewing and have most tension problems sorted but the other day I was sewing ric rac onto a belt through several layers and ended up with loops.

The diagnosis? I'm not sure but I have a few ideas. Clean between your tension disks to make sure that there is no gunk in there preventing the disks working properly. Possibly use a stronger, thicker needle. Lengthen the stitch to allow for the thread going 'round' more fabric with each stitch.

I haven't tried any of these yet on my belt as I'm wearing it anyway

Maybe someone else has a solid solution.

[Lazy Gardens]

Sounds like a needle problem:

• The needle is in the machine backwards?
• The needle is dull?
• The needle is the wrong size?
• The machine is threaded wrong?

Next - adjust your tension to sew well on no more than 4 layers of ordinary cloth. You should almost NEVER have to adjust tension, no matter what you are sewing.