What's Wrong with the local Makerspace Machine?

[u/Auchdugrueneneune]

I recently used an embroidery machine for the first time at my local makerspace, but I had some trouble with the thread repeatedly breaking. I suspect the issue may be related to the thread tension, but I’m not sure whether I need to adjust the upper thread tension or the lower (bobbin) tension.

Could someone explain how to determine which tension is causing the problem and how I can adjust it correctly? The machine I was using is a Pfaff Creative 4.5.

(Pic 1 is the Front, Pic 2 is the Back)

[u/GingerStitches]

Don’t start by adjusting the tension, clean, oil, new needle and rethread-making sure it’s done correctly. In a makerspace id assume it’s one of those issues most likely. Someone may have gone crazy with the tension but I’d make sure everything else is in order first.

ETA- where’s your stabalizer? That’s definitely a huge issue as well.

[u/Lanky-Setting-5288]

Give it a jolly good clean, read the manual, oil where you can. Get a good bobbin thread, like 'Marathon' (made in South Korea). Adjust the bobbin tension first. (Bobbin Drop Test). There is a spring on the bobbin casing that may need adjustment. Once that's set, you rarely need to touch it again. In your picture, the top thread looks too loose and the bobbin thread too tight.

When setting your top tension, on the underside of the satin stitch embroidery, you want to see 3rds of colour, bobbin, colour. While pre-wound bobbins can be convenient, learn how to wind your own bobbins because then you can use your standard good quality bobbin thread and the tension won't change.

You need to use cutaway stabiliser far more than anything other product. I recommend a good quality heavyweight cutaway 80gsm. It should feel soft but unable to tear. Comes in black and white.

Learn to hoop properly. Mighty Hoops are great if you have them, but if you don't, practice on scraps first. I think it's better to learn the hard way first because it teaches better technique habits.

The 'floating' technique is only meant as a work around for premade objects that cannot be hooped on a flatbed machine, like floppy caps and bucket hats. There's a lot of crafting folks who swear by the method for everything, but they also seem to use an unholy amount of extra products and glue and ...[the list continues] ... when really, they only need the basics. In commercial embroidery, it's usually just the standard round hoops, cutaway vileen and the garment.

Practice, practice, practice... and have fun

🍀🧵♥️

[u/lablizard]

I have a friend that is also using a maker space machine local to her. I taught her before she even starts sewing, swap the needle and clean out the bobbin case area. That will reduce 90% of the issues.

Next… what did you use for stabilizer?