A straight stitch has no width so it makes sense to set the dial at 0. However, each machine varies so you will want to set the Stitch Width dial at the position where the needle is centered over the stitch plate. This will give you the most accurate seam allowance.
What is the best stitch length for sewing a straight stitch?
Set the machine for straight stitch, with a stitch length of 3 to 3.5mm. Use a SINGER Topstitching Needle, size 90/14 for medium weight fabrics, or a SINGER Topstitching needle, size 100/16 for heavier fabrics. Sew 1/4 - 3/8 from the edge of the fabric.
What numbers should my sewing machine be on?
The dial settings run from 0 to 9, so 4.5 is generally the default position for normal straight-stitch sewing. This should be suitable for most fabrics. If you are doing a zig-zag stitch, or another stitch that has width, then you may find that the bobbin thread is pulled through to the top.
Why is my bottom stitch not straight?
If your thread is pulled tight on the underside and not forming an even stitch then (counter-intuitively) its usually the top thread tension thats wrong. Sometimes very lightweight fabrics such as sheers can get dragged down into the machine so its a good idea to use a straight stitch plate.
Why is my zigzag stitch sewing straight?
If the upper thread appears as a single line, the lower thread is incorrectly threaded. Instead of the appropriate tension being applied to the lower thread, it is pulled through the fabric when the upper thread is pulled up.
What is the standard tension setting on a sewing machine?
4 Tension settings: The standard tension setting is 4. Start with this, and based on what your test stitching looks like, tighten the tension (below 4) or loosen it (above 4). Typically on Brother machines, to loosen the upper thread tension, turn the dial left. To tighten it, turn the dial right (source).
Why is my bottom stitch looping?
A: Looping on the underside, or back of the fabric, means the top tension is too loose compared to the bobbin tension, so the bobbin thread is pulling too much top thread underneath. By tightening the top tension, the loops will stop, but the added tension may cause breakage, especially with sensitive threads.
How tight should bobbin tension?
Proper bobbin tension is essential to good embroidery. If tension is too tight, unwanted bobbin thread may begin to show on top of your garment and you may begin to experience frequent thread breaks which wastes time and money. Bobbin tensions should be 18 to 22 grams (up to 25 grams when embroidering caps).
Why isnt my sewing machine sewing a straight line?
Since the needle is constantly moving, you will not sew straight if you watch it as you stitch. The seam guide does not move so its much better to focus there as your fabric moves along, resulting in much straighter seams.
How should a zigzag stitch look?
4:358:20How To: Zigzag Stitch (Sewing for Beginners) - YouTubeYouTube
How do you fix bobbin tension?
To tighten your bobbin tension, turn the tiny screw on the bobbin case a smidgen clockwise. To loosen bobbin tension, turn the screw counterclockwise. A quarter turn or less is a good place to start.
Why does my sewing machine keep jamming underneath?
However certain you are that the problem with the machine is most likely due to a huge tangled mess of thread in the bobbin underneath the fabric, the most common reason for the jamming is usually the lack of sufficient tension in the upper thread.
Why is my bobbin tension so tight?
If youre experiencing difficulty with tensioning your machine, it might be that your bobbin tension is too loose (or, less frequently, too tight). To tighten your bobbin tension, turn the tiny screw on the bobbin case a smidgen clockwise. To loosen bobbin tension, turn the screw counterclockwise.
What to do when sewing machine is not sewing?
Machine is not sewing any stitches while trying to sewThe machines top thread may not be threaded correctly. Make sure the needle thread is behind the needle bar thread guide on the needle bar.The thread may be knotted or tangled. The thread may be too thick for the needle.More items
How do you keep a straight line when sewing?
1:2913:41How To: Sew in a Straight Line (Sewing for Beginners) - YouTubeYouTube
Why do my stitches look bad?
Needles come in different sizes for a reason. While your small needle is great for sewing together thin cotton, once you start working with thicker materials or lots of layers, you need to get out a larger needle. Mis-threading the machine is also a problem that causes ugly stitches but is a simple fix.
What is the most common use for the zigzag stitch?
One of the most common uses for the zigzag stitch is to sew stretchy materials. When sewing a material that stretches, such as knitted fabrics and neoprene, its essential to use a stitch that can stretch with the fabric.
Why is my sewing machine bunching up underneath?
A: Looping on the underside, or back of the fabric, means the top tension is too loose compared to the bobbin tension, so the bobbin thread is pulling too much top thread underneath. By tightening the top tension, the loops will stop, but the added tension may cause breakage, especially with sensitive threads.