FAQs & Troubleshooting

Close

FS60X

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Date: 27/08/2020 ID: faqh00101020_004

How to adjust the thread tension

You may need to adjust the thread tension depending on the fabric and thread being used.

To achieve attractive results when sewing your project, correct tension is an important point. Too much or too little tension will weaken your seams or cause puckers on your fabric.

 

 

Correct thread tension

The upper thread and the bobbin thread should cross near the center of the fabric.
Only the upper thread should be visible from the right side of the fabric, and only the bobbin thread should be visible from the wrong side of the fabric.

img01

(1) Wrong side of fabric

(2) Right side of fabric

(3) Upper thread

(4) Bobbin thread

 

 

Adjusting the thread tension

  • If the upper threading and lower threading are incorrect, the thread tension cannot be adjusted correctly, even by turning the thread tension dial. Check the upper threading and lower threading first, and then adjust the thread tension.
  • If the needle is bent or the tip of the needle is broken or dull, it is not possible to set the correct thread tension. Check the needle, and then replace the needle if it is bent or its tip is broken or dull.

 

The upper thread tension is changed using the thread tension dial.

img02 (1) Thread tension dial

 

  1. Sew trial stitches using thread and scrap fabric that are the same as those used for your project.
     
  2. Check the sewing results. If necessary, adjust the thread tension. Refer to the procedure below to turn the thread tension dial.
     
  3. Adjust the thread tension until the proper tension is achieved while checking the sewing results with trial sewing.
    For the trial sewing, use a piece of fabric and thread that are the same as those used for your project.

Since the results differ depending on the type of stitching and the number of layers of fabric sewn, perform the trial sewing under the same conditions that will be used with your project.

 

 

Upper thread is too tight

If the bobbin thread is visible from the right side of the fabric, the upper thread is too tight.

img03

(1) Wrong side of fabric

(2) Right side of fabric

(3) Upper thread

(4) Bobbin thread

(5) The bobbin thread is visible from the right side of the fabric. (Loops will appear on the right side of the fabric.)

If the bobbin thread was incorrectly threaded, the upper thread may be too tight.
In this case, refer to "How do I install the bobbin wound with thread?" and rethread the bobbin thread.

 

How to adjust the thread tension

Turn the thread tension dial counterclockwise to loosen the upper thread tension.
img04

 

 

Upper thread is too loose

If the upper thread is visible from the wrong side of the fabric, the upper thread is too loose.

img05

(1) Wrong side of fabric

(2) Right side of fabric

(3) Upper thread

(4) Bobbin thread

(5) The upper thread is visible from the wrong side of the fabric. (Loops appear on the wrong side of the fabric.)

If the upper thread was incorrectly threaded, the upper thread may be too loose.
In this case, refer to "How do I thread my machine?" and rethread the upper thread.

 

How to adjust the thread tension

Turn the thread tension dial clockwise to tighten the upper thread tension.
img06

 

If the upper thread is not threaded correctly or the bobbin is not installed correctly, it may not be possible to set the correct thread tension. If the correct thread tension cannot be achieved, rethread the upper thread and insert the bobbin correctly.
For details, refer to "How do I thread my machine?" and "How do I install the bobbin wound with thread?".

Related FAQs

Related Models

FS60X, FS80X

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

Content Feedback

To help us improve our support, please provide your feedback below.
Step 1: How does the information on this page help you?
Step 2: Are there any comments you would like to add?

Please note this form is used for feedback only.