Tension problems with covered clothesline

12 years ago

I'm making a Bali Bag with covered clothesline. Has anyone ever done one of these?

After a few years getting the 150' of clothesline covered, I'm ready to sew it into a basket/bag. I am having HUGE problems with tension.

I have tried two different sized needles 100/16 & 90/16. I've tried two different threads; cotton now on top & in the bobbin. Oh, and I'm on my second sewing machine, too! (when one doesn't work, try another!)

I can get the tension to be balanced when I do a test on fabric alone. On the clothesline, I can run one direction with perfect tension top & bottom, but I can turn and come back another direction and the bottom tension is all messed up. Since back & forth seemed to be a problem, I tried going in a circle. It'll look nice for a 4-5" then go sour.

I'm not sure what else to try. I've watched a video online, and that machine runs from start to finish without issues. So, I really need to figure out the tension, then it should run without a problem. Right? You think?

So what can I do? I've tried tension low #s, and high #s. I'm not sure what else to do now. Any thoughts?

Comments (6)

grammyp
12 years ago
Could it have anything to do with the foot you are using? Or perhaps you need a denim needle?

beverly
jennifer_in_va
Original Author
12 years ago
Well, I'm using a regular foot. Thought about the walking foot, but don't think I can do a wide zig-zag with it.

I went back down after posting here and wouldn't you know it? I jacked the tension up to 9 and it started working at an acceptible pace. For a while.

As I reached 11pm it started breaking thread and looking terrible again. Tried a new needle and things got worse. Went back to the old needle and it'd break every 5" or so. I walked away at 11:15

Today I'll try again with a different kind of needle and see what happens. I'll keep you posted.
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grammyp
12 years ago
How about a tutorial at camp?

beverly
jennifer_in_va
Original Author
12 years ago
I'm sure no one needs a tutorial on how to screw up your tension on your machine!
magothyrivergirl
12 years ago
It sounds like a timing issue. Be very, very careful - One of the ways mechanics check for timing and a good stitch is using a wide zig-zag. I'm sure you know this - clean the machine - take off the cover plate and dust well.Make sure there isn't minute pc of thread caught in the bobbin case.
Rethread from the beginning - actually take off the spool of thread - try reversing it. Look at the thread delivery -crosswind or straight. Horizontal vs vertical spool pin.
The machine has to work hard to get thru the clothesline - if you are sewing thru the clothesline. Are you?
jennifer_in_va
Original Author
12 years ago
I got it done this morning. Less problems in the light of day. I did change needles again...not sure if that was the solution.

Tension was also better when I was sure to stitch through the clothesline on both sides, not just one.

I've taken pictures, just need to get them downloaded & into Photobucket. Maybe this weekend.