In a recent TQW Live, one of the members was having problems with her bobbin thread when making the strip pieced blocks for the Diamond Bright project. The blocks for the project are made using a paper (or fabric) foundation and she wasn't getting great bobbin stitches. There are a few reasons for this:
1. You could be using the wrong bobbin or not have it wound evenly. Check to ensure that you're using the proper bobbin for your brand of sewing machine. In this case, she is using a Janome machine, so Janome bobbins are the best to use.
2. Your bobbin tension might need adjusting. If you have the ability to adjust the tension in your bobbin case, this is something you should do first before addressing the top tension. If you don't know how to adjust your bobbin tension, check out this video from Handi Quilter (while she is working with a longarm machine, the same information applies when talking about how to check the bobbin tension).
3. Your bobbin area might need cleaning. Follow the instructions in your manual and clean out the entire area, checking to ensure that there aren't any little bits of thread or lint caught in this area. If appropriate, oil that area as well.
3. You might be using the wrong size needle. Make sure you're using the right size needle for the thread you are using. Most needle manufacturers have charts to show you what size needle works best with what weight of thread.
4. You might need to rethread your sewing machine. Check your manual to ensure you are threading the machine correctly. With the model that is being used in this case, she needs to lock out the machine first before threading it. Not locking out when threading it can cause issues.
5. You might need to change to a different bobbin. While it can be hard to see with the naked eye, the bobbin you are using, while appropriate for your brand of sewing machine, might be damaged. Try winding a completely new bobbin and see if this helps.
6. You might need to adjust your top tension. If your bobbin tension is set properly and you are still having problems with the bobbin thread, you may need to tighten or loosen the top tension. Try making gradual changes in the top tension and check your results.
When having issues like this, it's best to start from scratch and use a new bobbin and a new needle. Unthread your machine, clean out the bobbin area, insert a new needle, wind up a new bobbin, and then rethread your machine and see how it goes. Hopefully one or several of these suggestions will solve our problem.
Creatively,
P.S. Do you strive to improve your quilting skills? Do you want to have fun doing it? Do you want to meet other quilters in a supportive, safe environment? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you need to join The Quilter’s Way. The Quilter’s Way is the only quilting membership site that includes both training and an active, supportive online community. It’s not your grandmother’s quilting circle! Don’t wait another day! Join now.
P.S. I am an Amazon affiliate and, if you purchase items by clicking through the links in this post, I will receive a small amount of commission. This doesn’t cost you any more $$$, but helps me to continue creating free content for you. Thanks!