Adjustment on Singer 401a
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Muskegon, MI
Posts: 7
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I wasn't sure if I should post this thread in in this forum or in the embroidery forum,, so if I chose incorrectly, oops. My question is about adjusting the tension when using the machine for free motion embroidery. Form what I gather, the ideal setting reveals the center 1/3 of the stitch exposes the bobbing thread, and the top thread shows on the outer thirds (looking from the bottom). My issue is that the stitches are not 1/3 equally, but one side barely shows any top thread, and the other side show more that 1/3 top thread. Is there an adjustment that I can make to even out the stitch? Thanks in advance for you input. Chip
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Ontario
Posts: 299
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I use a 401A but not for much embroidery so i may be the wrong here. From my understanding the correct tension will show when your top thread is "just" visible on the bottom side ![](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/thumbup.png)
I'll use this to sew on badges, etc.
ps: the owners manual explains setting up the tension i believe.
![](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/thumbup.png)
I'll use this to sew on badges, etc.
ps: the owners manual explains setting up the tension i believe.
Last edited by Hooligan; 06-04-2021 at 05:18 PM.
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,853
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If you make a lot of buttonholes or are really picky about your work, I would suggest you buy the professional buttonhole attachment. It is discussed here. It's unlikely you will get great buttonholes from the zig-zag cam.
bkay
bkay
#5
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Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Ontario
Posts: 299
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My bad for missing the buttonhole
lol Agree with BK about the use of a button hole attachment but a good looking buttonhole can be achieved with the zig-zag stitch with a little practice. Depends on the look your after
![](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/redface.png)
![](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/thumbup.png)
#6
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Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Muskegon, MI
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Actually, you didn't miss the buttonhole, I was using the zigzag pattern for creating patches with letters and words. It just seemed that one side of the zigzag was pulling more than the other side. I think my thumbnail image was confusing.....
#7
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Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Ontario
Posts: 299
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![](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/thumbup.png)
ps: i'll set my tension correctly for a straight stitch then make fine adjustments when doing stitch patterns
Last edited by Hooligan; 02-09-2021 at 12:58 PM.