Tension problems with covered clothesline

15 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?

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Comments (6)

grammyp
15 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
15 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
15 years ago
How about a tutorial at camp?

beverly
jennifer_in_va
Original Author
15 years ago
I'm sure no one needs a tutorial on how to screw up your tension on your machine!
magothyrivergirl
15 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
15 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.