Uneven tension/flat lining

[Julia Rockwell]

My tension will start out great and then all of a sudden it flat lines on the top (not making definate stitches) almost looks like the thread is just lying on top, then it will go back to normal. I am using So Fine in the top and bottom. Anyone know what might be going on? If need be I can try and post a pic.

[carolinequilts]

I had lots of problems with my thread flatlining (on the bottom). I tried everything. Finally, I was messing with the hopping foot height because I was using a heavier batting. When I readjusted it back to normal I made it about 2 business cards high (which is what it was initially set at) and still had problems with tension. After reading all the posts, I adjusted the hopping foot to just 1 business card (and pretty tight too) and now my tension is perfect. I use Hobb's 80/20 batting mostly. Hope this helps...

[srichardson]

I took a maintenance class with Amy last week at Road To California. Amy recommended that the hopping foot be just one business card high in most circumstances too. I will have to check my machine when I use it next time.

Sue

[Quilting Heidi]

I had this same problem but for me it was a bad bobbin case. Once I changed the case my problems were resolved! I also keep my bobbin tension very loose.

[Primitive1]

It sounds like maybe the top thread is catching on something which is causing the tension to be too tight, I would rethread also and be sure you don't have any burrs on any of the thread holders...

[DawnCavanaugh]

Flatlining can also be caused by:

[*] needle flex (use a 4.0 for best results)

[*] moving too quickly

[*] moving to the left or away from you (when at the machine's front side); these two directions cause the needle to flex out of its best position to meet the bobbin thread and form a stitch

[*] stitch length set too long for your movement (try 11-12 stitches per inch)

[*] thread tension too tight on BOTH the top and bottom ( the more pressure you put on the thread, the more the top thread bends the needle as it passes through...try loosening up the bobbin thread so that you can tighten the top without breaking it

Let me know how it's going!

[Julia Rockwell]

Thanks everyone, I wil try these the next chance I get and let you know what happens.

[Gator]

Check that you have the machine threaded correctly.

[Julia Rockwell]

I hope to get my tension issues solved today. I am going to go through all the suggestions and hope to get this issue resolved before I quilt another quilt or get a customer. Thanks everyone for all your help. I will post again when I get it fixed.

[Julia Rockwell]

Well I worked on trying to get my tension right all day from 9:00am to 3:00pm. I think I might have finally found the right combination of bobbin tension/top tension & fabric tension. I stopped for the day and am going to check first thing tomorrow. See if everything is really good.