Bobbinalong

I was at a workshop the other day and we were told that different coloured thread, even in exactly the same brand and type, behaves differently. Black being the worst and variegated by definition can vary as the colour changes. Its to do with how the different dyes affect it.

Not sure if this helps in anyway, but it was new information to me.

dms

I don't know anything about Jamie Whalen's tension test, but the Man Sewing guy helped me because he talked about if you had the black thing inside your bobbin case as it was different than the regular bobbin check. If you have the black thing, the thread should lift up the bobbin case from being flat, but NOT be able to lift the case . That helped me because I was using the normal tension test which was not right if you had the black thing inside your bobbin case. Hope that helps.

Rhonda Lee

So the whole issue has been thread? So what is causing thread to react that way? This is really good to know. I think we have all had issues that were solved by something rather easy. Thread in this instance, needles, fabric, sometimes batting. Lint in the bobbin case. Small things and not something that needs the machine fixed. Thanks for sharing.

quiltedsunshine

I can balance the tensions with feathers on my little Bernina, but not on my longarm. I made up my mind to always use the same thread on the top and bottom.

Rhonda K

What size and type of needle are you using for your quilt?

One of our local dealers recommends a 90/14 Topstitch. Even if you have changed the needle you might try changing it again. It seems like all machines are temperamental on one time or another. Good luck with finding the perfect solution.

Watson

I think I have figured out that I had the tension on my bobbin too tight.

Thanks for all the comments.

Watson