Solutions to Tension Headaches with a Sewing Machine - Part 2

Learn to understand how tension should be changed for decorative stitches, even buttonholes ... all part of mastering sewing machine operation.

[@MurphysEveryWhim]

The information you’ve provided so far has been very useful. But I’d like more. In particular how to adjust the bobbin tension. For example, I can’t seem to get a good double needle stitch because the bobbin tension is too tight. I tried making the thread tension tighter to compensate, but then the stitch is way too tight and puckers the fabric. Thanks!

[@londasews]

Thanks for writing. With a twin needle, realize you have ONE bobbin - and it miraculously zigzags and interacts with both needles. I have a video on Twin Needle.... be sure to use the correct Twin Needle. I often use them on KNITS - and on KNITS - you really need the Schmetz STRETCH Twin Needle - which has a BLUE bar, NOT a red bar (that is a Universal Needle - NOT perfect for knits). Here's a link to one of my videos ua-cam.com/video/Nh2-LuwKmVY/v-deo.html
I also lengthen my stitch length to 3 or 3.5. It WILL tunnel the fabric a bit on the right hand side, (bump up a bit), but if you stabilize the Hem allowance with a fusible tape - that will give it more OOMPH.
I teach all of this as well in my STRETCHING YOUR KNIT SEWING KNNOW-HOW - I have a few of those DVDs left, and it is also available digital format: www.londas-sewing.com/product-page/full-set-videos-a-b-c-for-stretching-your-knit-sewing-know-how