Is the bottom tension on your longarm sewing machine not quite right? Mike from Jukebox Quilts is here with a checklist so you can fix the tension yourself.
If this checklist doesn’t solve your problem, or you’re experiencing other difficulties, you can reach out to AMB International for help!
In the market for a new sewing machine? At Jukebox Quilts in Fort Collins, we carry everything from longarm sewing machines to Innova and Juki home sewing machines. Stop by our store today — and don’t forget to browse our other quilting fabric and materials!
Mike’s Tech Tips
Read through Mike’s Checklist for when the bottom tension is not right.
- First, check the needle to make sure it is the Groz-Beckert size 18 gold-colored needle.
- Reset the pre-tension knob to standard and flush with the center screw.
- Next, adjust the bobbin case backlash spring. Use the info in the backlash bulletin. You can reference this information from Innova for help.
- Next, check the bobbin case tension by pulling on the thread as it comes from under the spring. It should pick up the bobbin case to a standing position, but not pull out of your hand. If you have a new style bobbin case with the centering groove, pull the thread out of the groove to test the tension.
- Confirm that if you pull the thread out of the needle eye and tug on the thread, that the rotary disc turns, and the check spring pulls a little below the thread guide. Now remove the knob. Remember: lefty loosey.
- Put the knob back on one turn and set the mark on the knob to 12 o’clock. Now tug the thread again and see if the check spring pulls down.
- If it does not pull down, it is too tight to start the process. Loosen the check spring by turning the center screw to the left counterclockwise five minutes; After each adjustment, pull on the thread to see if the check spring pulls down. Repeat until it does pull down, then back clockwise five minutes until it does not.
- If the check spring is too loose, start increasing the check spring tension up to seven times in five-minute adjustments clockwise. Tug the thread after each adjustment.
- When it no longer moves, it’s the correct check spring tension. NOTE: if up to seven adjustments did not stop the spring from moving, STOP and call ABM for assistance.
- Now balance out the check spring with a number of full turns of the tension knob to get the check spring to pull down to a bit below the thread guide.
- Test sew and adjust if necessary, with five minutes on the check spring-center screw and a 1/2 turn on the knob until stitches are pulled up. If it is still not pulling up after four such adjustments, call ABM.
You Can Trust Jukebox Quilts
We hope that you feel prepared to fix your bottom tension yourself. As Mike suggested, if you’re having difficulty with any of these steps, stop and call AMB International for assistance!
When it’s time to purchase a new (or your first) sewing machine, choose Jukebox Quilts in Fort Collins. You can browse our offerings online and stop by the store to speak with one of our expert team members.
Mike’s checklist previously appeared in our September 2019 Innova Longarm newsletter. If you want to sign up for our newsletter, you can visit our website. Otherwise, make sure you follow our blog for more information about sewing machines, the best quilting fabric, and other tips and tricks like these:
