Free Tension Check

To check the tension on your machine download this design and follow the steps below.

1. Load the tension check onto your machine.

2. Remove bobbins from each head. To test BOBBIN TENSION take the bobbin thread and drop the bobbin case like a yo-yo. Case should fall 2-4 inches. If it does not adjust accordingly.

3. When this is done, set needle sequence to sew needles 1-9 (or 1-6 on six needle machines).

4. Sew sample through entire design. Remove from machine inspect the back side of the design. 1/3 of the back of the column should be bobbin thread. 2/3 should be top thread color.

5. If LESS THAN 1/3 of the bobbin is showing on ALL of your needles on a single head your bobbin is most likely too tight. Adjust accordingly.

6. If MORE THAN 1/3 of the bobbin is showing on ALL of your needles on a single head your bobbin is most likely too loose. Adjust accordingly.

7. If percentage of bobbin showing varies from needle to needle this may indicate that your top tension needs to be adjusted. Adjust accordingly and resample.

1484 stitches 113mm/W x 25.3mm/H 1 color

Download the free tension check design by selecting "Free Tension Check" in the download center. Please note that it is a zip file. You simply download it to your computer and double click the file. It will expand to a .DST file on your desktop.

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