Lower thread of Bernina is all loose when I try to straight stitch. Anyone got any ideas? Manual says tension should be automatic, more or less. Pic of back end of my material
Pic of machine
Thanks @textiletechs
Bernina thread tension problem
Hmm, I’ll be honest, I’ve never used the Bernina so have not delved into it’s workings. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone use it in fact!
I’ll have a look next time i’m in - but that’s not a lot of help right now - sorry!
From the picture provided, it does look like there’s a front dial but also a grippy ring for the tension adjust numbers. The ring looks set to “0” and the dial looks set to “2”. Not sure if there’s a something there going on. If the top thread isn’t looped through exactly everything then it’ll tend to be too loose just flappin around (or get caught on something and suddenly become very much too tight).
The tension for the top thread and the bottom thread can cause this. Assuming the setup on this is the same as mine, then the bottom thread tension is set with a tiny screw on the bobbin. The thread shouldn’t run easily from the bobbin, but similarly shouldn’t catch or be hard to pull out.
It can also be caused by the timing, where the hook rotates to catch the loop of thread from the needle. This was a source of ongoing problems for me with my old Bernina; I paid quite a bit to have it serviced, with bits being replaced - and I ended up replacing the whole machine in the end.
It’s important not to force the machine too much - let it pull the fabric through at its own pace, don’t overstress it, sew within its limits, etc. I think I was probably a bit too gung-ho at times… am definitely taking it easier with my new machine!
ALSO: (ahem!)
Make sure it’s threaded correctly. If in doubt, start again. As Petra said, it looks like one of the loops has been missed.
I’m also not sure that it’s going the correct way around the tension dial…
And there’s also a loop just in front of the needle that it should go through.
it would be worth referring to an old manual (or youtube video) that shows how to thread this specific machine.
This isn’t the exact machine but it’s close:
Page 12 shows how to adjust the bobbin tension.
I can’t find reference on how to adjust the top thread tension, i.e. how the thread should be wrapped around that doohickey at the top.
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Here’s a video showing how to thread the top thread!
It also shows how to load the bobbin, although she doesn’t explain how to adjust the tension.
It’s a good video - lots of detail on how to oil the machine etc.
I’ve included the link to just where she’s about to start threading the top thread; it shows how to wrap the thread around the top tension disk.
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