How do I adjust the tension of the upper thread ?

  • Always embroider a test sample prior to the final project. Adjust the thread tension if necessary.

When embroidering, the thread tension should be set so that the upper thread can slightly be seen on the wrong side of the fabric.

 

  1. Turn the thread tension knob.
     

    img01

    (1) Thread tension knob
    (2) Tighter
    (3) Looser
    (4) Mark

     

    → If the thread tension is not still correctly adjusted, turn the upper thread guide pretension knob.

     

    img02

    (1) Upper thread guide pretension knob
    (2) Tighter
    (3) Looser

 

Correct thread tension

The pattern can be seen from the wrong side of the fabric. If the thread tension is not set correctly, the pattern will not finish well. The fabric may pucker or the thread may break.

 

img03

  (1) Right side
  (2) Wrong side

 

Follow the operations described below to adjust thread tension according to the situation.

  • If the thread tension setting is made extremely weak, the machine may stop during sewing. This is not the sign of a malfunction. Increase the thread tension slightly, and begin sewing again.
  • If necessary, refer to "Maintenance (Cleaning the thread paths of the upper threads)" for reassembling the tension unit.

 

Upper thread is too tight

The tension of the upper thread is too tight, resulting in the bobbin thread being visible from the right side of the fabric.

 

img04

  (1) Right side
  (2) Wrong side

 

Turn the knob in the direction of the arrow to decrease the tension of the upper thread.

 

img05

  (1) Red line

 

If the red line is visible, the thread tension cannot be decreased any further. Increase the tension of the bobbin thread. For details, refer to "How do I adjust the tension of the bobbin thread ?"

Upper thread is too loose

The tension of the upper thread is too loose, resulting in a loose upper thread, loose thread locks or loops appearing on the right side of the fabric.

 

img06

  (1) Right side
  (2) Wrong side

 

Turn the knob in the direction of the arrow to increase the tension of the bobbin thread.

 

img07

If your question was not answered, have you checked other FAQs?

Have you checked the manuals?

If you need further assistance, please contact Brother customer service:

Related Models

PR1050X, PR1055X

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