tension problems

[cherfmarshall]

I new here hope Iam doing this right. I just bought a mega quilter 18 x8 I did the bobin test and tighten my top tension almost to the point that I can't tighten any more and the top thread is still showing on the back side of quilt.

[Guest Linda S]

I know a lot of people rely on the bobbin test, but I won't be without my Towa gauge, even though I now use the Magna Glide bobbins. The first thing I would do is rethread your top thread -- you might have something amiss in the path that isn't readily apparent. Then try loosening your bobbin tension screw, just for a lark. See if that helps.

[cherfmarshall]

whats a towa gauge

[Littleshoes]

Towa is a guage that you put your bobbin into and give the thread a tug and it shows you a number. You adjust the screw until the number is where it needs to be. No more guessing. I put off getting one, and now regret that. No more guessing, when it comes to tension.

Carol

Pgh, PA

[carolinequilts]

Even if you do the 'bobbin test', you might need to make it looser than what they are recommending. My bobbin test is usually where it runs down very quickly, and this works for me for most of the threads I use. By what you are describing, it sounds like your bobbin is too tight and is pulling the top thread through.

[Quilting Heidi]

I would loosen my bobbin and then adjust the top. I allow my bobbin to be pretty loose. The bobbin case will drop slowly to the ground when holding onto the bobbin thread. Then work on the upper tension.