How to Adjust Bobbin Tension

Proper bobbin tension is essential for balanced stitches and consistent embroidery quality. Follow these steps to verify and adjust your bobbin tension.

Step 1: Insert the Bobbin Correctly

Hold the bobbin in your hand and pull 2–3 inches of thread from the spool. Ensure the thread unwinds in a clockwise direction.

Place the bobbin into the bobbin case, making sure it continues to rotate clockwise as the thread is pulled.

Step 2: Thread the Bobbin Case

Guide the thread through the slot in the bobbin case and pull it underneath the tension spring. Continue pulling the thread through the tension guide until it moves smoothly and consistently.

Step 3: Perform a Drop Test

Hold the bobbin case by the thread and allow it to hang freely.

A properly adjusted bobbin case should drop approximately 2 inches (5 cm) when given a slight downward motion and then stop.

Step 4: Adjust the Tension if Necessary

If the bobbin case does not drop about 2 inches, the tension is too tight.

• Turn the adjustment screw slightly counterclockwise to loosen the tension.

If the bobbin case drops more than 2 inches or falls freely, the tension is too loose.

• Turn the adjustment screw slightly clockwise to tighten the tension.

Make only small adjustments at a time and repeat the drop test until the desired result is achieved.

Step 5: Reinstall the Bobbin

Before installing the bobbin case into the machine, trim the thread tail to approximately 3–4 cm (1–1.5 inches).

Excessively long thread tails can become tangled when the machine begins stitching and may contribute to thread breaks or bird nesting.

Final Check

After adjusting the bobbin tension, run a test design or tension test to verify proper stitch balance. Minor adjustments may be required depending on the fabric, thread, and design being sewn.