Singer 1280 - Page 31

Needie Thread Tension
Having selected the correct neecie and thread com-
bination for the fabric being used, it may be necessary
to aciust the tension of the sewing machine to insure
a well-balanced stitch.
A well-balanced stitch is produced when the top and
under thread appear the same on the fabric.
Your machine has an adiustable top tension contro!
system. This contro! exerts tension on the threads as
they pass through the machine to form a stitch.
> Too much tension wili produce a tight stich which’
wit Cause puckered seams.
» Too little tension will produce a loose stitch.
When an even amount of tension is exerted on both
threads, a smooth even stich known as a balanced
aueh, iS produced.
Tension Test
To heip understand the effect of tension on fabric and
thread, try this simple test:
* Take two pieces Of a medium weight woven fabric
na sota light colour about 15cm (6 inches) long.
* Place a 2020 size 14 needie in the machine.
e Thread the top of your machine with a polyester or
cotton dark colour thread and use a lighter colour
thread of the same fibre and size in the bobbin.
e Select straight stitch.
* Seam the two pieces of fabric together starting with
the top tension control at %, Then as you sew, siowly
turn the tension control from Tthrough 9.
e Sew another row turning the dial back to 4. You
hould have a balanced stitch on each row beiween
the start and finish in each case.
e The different coloured threads wil help you to see
the effect that the tension has on the top and bottom
threads.
Now
that
you
have
observed
the
effects
of
tension,
we
suggest
that
you
perform
a
simular
test
on
a
scrap
i fabric you plan to use, being sure lo duplicate the
number of thicknesses of your garment.