Jack5 Posted September 14, 2004 Report Share Posted September 14, 2004 I am interested in learning about the bobbin case tension gauge. How is it used? How can I benefit my its use? Thanks, Carolyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted September 14, 2004 Report Share Posted September 14, 2004 Carolyn - bobbins are funny little things. I've come to notice over the past several weeks that they are all slightly different. I've had some troubles with ones that fit too tightly on my bobbin winder, some that are a bit too loose. This causes quite a bit of difference in how tightly the thread is wound onto those bobbins and, therefore, it causes the bobbin thread tension to change from bobbin to bobbin, even with the same kind of thread! Each time I pop a new bobbin into the bobbin case, I put in in the tension gauge, make sure the tension is correct, and then put the bobbin in the machine. So far, lovely stitches, no birds nests, and all is well. I would not want to be without the tension gauge. Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connie hurst Posted September 14, 2004 Report Share Posted September 14, 2004 Hi Carolyn, The bobbin tension gauge is great for those who don't feel comfortable doing the yo-yo test to see if the tension is correct. It is very important to have the bobbin tension correct in order to get your upper tension correct! If you feel comfortable doing the yo-yo then don't worry about getting one! 2-3inches for a pre-wound and 5-6 for a metal bobbin. We do have the gauges here at the factory if you want one! Hope this helps Connie APQS Service 800-426-7233 ext.6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
castlejaj Posted September 14, 2004 Report Share Posted September 14, 2004 If you're using the tension guide, do you need to fiddle with the top tension? Judy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlayneP Posted September 14, 2004 Report Share Posted September 14, 2004 Speaking of bobbin tension--is it ok to wind bobbins on one's DSM? Or does the thread not get wound tightly enough that way? A couple times I've had to drag out the bobbin winder for one bobbin 'cause I had underestimated how much bobbin thread I would need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted September 14, 2004 Report Share Posted September 14, 2004 Your top tension is independent of the bobbin tension. Depending on what type of thread you are using, you'll want to adjust your top tension accordingly. I just give my top thread a nice steady pull after it has gone through the needle. If it's a good feel with a good tension, I'm happy. If it's coming through much to fast and loose, I tighten it up. If it feels much to tight, I loosen it up a bit. Connie's right -- if you're comfortable with the drop test, you don't need a tension gauge. If you're lazy like me, the tension gauge is easier! Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Tucker Posted September 14, 2004 Report Share Posted September 14, 2004 I like using the tension gauge because I can check each bobbin as Linda S does before using it. I've been surprised at how different the tension is on bobbins all wound at the same time. The gauge gives me a starting point for each type of thread I use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragonflyquilts Posted September 15, 2004 Report Share Posted September 15, 2004 Do me a flavor please, email me the bobbin yo-yo test. I am not really in the position to buy a tension gauge right now dragonflyquilts@hotmail.com Blessings and hugs, Tracey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted September 17, 2004 Report Share Posted September 17, 2004 I have the stand-alone bobbin winder which works great, except I do have one problem. The BOBBINS! Some of them fit so tightly on the little arm that I can barely get them on and off, others fit so loosely that they sort of spin and don't easily fill with thread. What in the world is up with that? Is there a way to get the loose bobbins to stay better? I have literally had to pry bobbins off the little arm with a screwdriver when they are on there too tightly. Does this happen to anyone else? Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Rooster Posted September 17, 2004 Report Share Posted September 17, 2004 Yes, I have a bag of bobbins that I can't use because they are either too loose or too tight. I called APQS and the lady told me to adjust the metal prong that the bobbins slide onto but I'd need to do it with almost every bobbin I wind. If anyone has any suggestions let me know. I just bought about 20 more bobbins but at least 1/3 of them don't fit well and, therefore, don't wind well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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