Sewing Machine Tension -
Mystery Resolved!
I have been really busy finding things like a sewing machine tension guide and creating things that I think you are going to love. One great thing I found was a Thread Reference Guide by Superior Threads. How many times have you looked at your projects and been overwhelmed about the type of sewing needle to use or even what kind of thread your project requires? What about your sewing machine tension, does it need adjustment or not? If it does how do you do this? This
Thread Reference Guide
is a huge help. You know, for beginners quilting instructions you can't beat this help. I remember being a newbie and how terrified I was to adjust the tension on my sewing machine. I look back and think about how I sat there for awhile, looking at the tension knob before I had the courage to turn the dial. I would suggest that you print out the Thread Reference Guide, and save it somewhere. Heck, even laminate it for easier reference in the future. You might keep it close to where you store your sewing needles and thread.
What Sewing Machine Needle Do I Use?
So how valuable would it be to have a chart that you can quickly look down the "Recommended For" list to determine your current project and then you can quickly look across the chart for the "Recommended Needle"? Even a column listed as "Top Tension Range" so that you can adjust your sewing machine tension easily and quickly - would that of value to you?I will tell you I spent a ton of money on different sewing machine needles for the different types of projects until I discovered Superior Threads sewing needles. I read this Thread Reference Guide and watched a video of the owner of Superior Threads talking about a top-stitch needle. His comments convinced me to give Superior topstitch sewing needles a try. I have to tell you I am convinced. Why? Because the hole is larger in the topstitch needle which allows the thread to move more freely in your sewing machine and its easier on your tension which results in less breakage, if any. In fact, I just finished using the Superior Metallic thread on a Christmas project I am working on. I used Metallic for the bobbin thread and used a polyester on the top. The topstitch needle was great and I had no thread breakage and just loosened my tension until the stitches were perfect. You can find these great topstitch sewing machine needles at your local quilt shop. If have any trouble finding them, just let me know. I will be able to help you.
What's The Big Deal With Sewing Machine Tension Anyway?
Imagine this, you are sitting at your sewing machine, you have a new sewing needle in your your sewing machine, you have filled a couple of bobbins and threaded your machine and you are ready to create that masterpiece. You start piecing your blocks together and "bing" goes the sound of your thread breaking. So you stop, rethread your machine and start again and again you hear "bing" so this time you rethread your machine AND your bobbin. Now you are definitely ready to make your masterpiece - you were off to a rocky beginning but ready, right? You start again and blast it, the same thing happens. That is your sewing machine tension talking to you. So now what? You get your Thread Reference Guide out and start working on fixing the issue. The owner of Superior Threads says that you should start your tension at zero. Then move it up incrementally until you don't see your top thread on the bottom and the bottom thread on the top and your stitches look smooth. You will need to get a sample to work with to start adjusting your tension, use the same materials, etc. That is the perfect way to adjust your sewing machine tension. It really is that simple!
Just click here
to get your copy of the Thread Reference Guide.
Now About Those Threads
Listed In The Guide
I have to say that I have used many of the threads listed in the Thread Reference Guide and I have not been disappointed at all. Mostly it is learning how to deal with the tension on your machine.My particular favorites are Masterpiece by Alex Anderson. This is a very fine thread that is wonderful in your piecing. The thread just melts into your project and is so strong. If you are one that rips out a lot, this might be for later. It is hard to reach the threads to rip them out, but I love this thread. Another favorite is the Superior Metallic threads. You can test your metallic threads to see if you should continue to use them. Pull out enough thread to hold between your hands with your arms outstretched. Bring your thread closer together, if they start to twirl around each other, get rid of it, no amount of adjusting your sewing machine tension will help. It will only cause you agony, because this thread will continually break on you. Superior Metallic thread will not do this. I am working now with So Fine! which is a wonderful applique thread. It is almost invisible in your hand applique and I love the colors. I will get into something special really soon you might be interested in, so keep your eyes peeled. Then King Tut is always a favorite, beautiful colors, wonderful feel, this is great to machine quilt with and you will love it. If you want some shine and sparkle the Razzle Dazzle by Ricky Tims is sure to please. This is used in your bobbin only. So I hope this helps you to get started enjoying Superior thread and products, they have been around a long time and know what they are doing. In fact, I have started working with them marketing a newer product to hit the quilting world...details to follow soon. I'd love to hear your comments about this Thread Reference Guide.
So laminate it, and let me know what you think. So go adjust your sewing machine tension and remember to have fun! Eileen
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