Superior Threads

Gammill Tension Adjustments | Adjusting Tension Settings For Decorative Threads

If you have experienced problems running decorative threads and have adjusted the top tension every possible way and still cannot get good results, the solution might lie in the bobbin tension setting. For example, if the top thread is breaking because the top tension is too tight, it is necessary to loosen it. If you loosen it to the point where the thread does not break, but the top thread then loops on the back, the top tension is now too loose. Neither of these solutions work and adjusting the tension settings in between these two extremes doesn't work so what can we do?

The problem is that the top tension and bottom tension are too far out of sync so no matter what we do to the top tension, it will not solve the problem. In order to fix this, we must loosen the bobbin tension.

Many of us were taught to NEVER touch the bobbin tension. That was when thread choices were very limited and decorative threads hadn't yet been invented or used on high speed and longarm machines. Times have changed. If you can thread a sewing machine, you can adjust the bobbin tension. There is no need to spend money on a second bobbin case.

1. With a permanent marker, put a dot where the tension screw is now pointing to so you can always return to the original setting.
2. Then, with a screwdriver and thinking of a clock, make adjustments by turning the screw equivalent to what a 10-15 minute movement would be. Counterclockwise loosens the tension (the most commonly required adjustment) and clockwise tightens the tension. Remember, lefty-loosey, righty-tighty.

The bobbin tension should be loose enough that if you hold the bobbin case in your left hand and pull the thread up with your right hand, the bobbin case should not lift off your left hand. The old "4 inch drop test" is gone.

Now, after having loosened the bobbin tension, any adjustments you make to the top tension will be more effective because the top and bottom tensions are more in sync. You should be able to pull the thread through the needle fairly easily without feeling much tension.

Questions on How to Balance Top & Bottom Threads? See our Thread Tug of War

When to Adjust Bobbin Tension