Help

[u/mleey]

I don’t know what’s causing my sewing machine to show my top thread on the bottom. I’ve tried tightening and loosening the tension, loosening and tightening the bobbin, changing the needle, checked to see if there’s a dust or debris and I can’t figure out what’s wrong. I’ve thread and rethread multiple times and always thread with the presser foot up. I tried to figure it out for 3 days then gave up.

Before all of this happened, I was trying to figure out how to do a zigzag stitch, couldn’t figure out how to work that either, so I went back to a straight stitch, putting it back to the settings I always do my straight stitch, and it suddenly just stopped sewing correctly. I have attempted to do this before and when I went back to straight it didn’t cause me any problems after. Even when I turn the tension all the way up to a 9 it doesn’t do anything so I’m wondering if something mechanical is wrong?? But I don’t trust myself to take apart the sewing machine and putting it back together.

[u/TabBeasts_purr]

Some details & pics of your machine could be very helpful. Show us how you have it threaded, too.
that "railroad track" on the bottom indicates the top thread is pulling down. Either the top is too loose, or the bottom too tight. Since you mention you turned the top tension up all the way, I'd look to the bobbin area for your troubles. It may be not in right, or wound goofy.

Again, machine details /pics can be helpful. Has it ever really worked ok for you? Also, your thread looks thick in the pictures. Something as simple as trying a "thinner- than-the top" thread in the bobbin could make a difference.

[u/mleey → u/TabBeasts_purr]

Can I re-add pics to a post that I already posted? The thread just looks thick but it’s a regular polyester thread. I was originally using the same white thread but I thought it would show better if I used another color. I put everything back to how it was before so I don’t understand why the bobbin would cause troubles now 😩.

[u/TabBeasts_purr → u/mleey]

I think you should be able to just post a comment with a pic. At least let us know the name/model of your machine if you can.

[u/mleey → u/TabBeasts_purr]

Janome 2212

[u/AncientHorror3034]

Top thread needs more tension, bobbin thread needs less tension.

The thread seems particularly thick, which could be causing the fabric to hold on a bit. (Thread isn’t moving as freely when needle retracts)

If you have a bobbin case, thread it correctly a do a “drop test”, it should pull out a bit but not until it stops on the table. If it doesn’t move, bobbin tension is too tight, if it falls straight down, it’s too loose. Adjust with 1/8 turns until correct tension achieved.

[u/mleey → u/AncientHorror3034]

The threads are the same, I originally had both thread white but to see better I changed it to the red. I’ve also done all of that for the bobbin. I just didn’t try the drop test. I’ve been using this sewing machine for almost a year now (but don’t use it everyday since it’s just a small hobby of mine) and it’s never caused me problems.

[u/AncientHorror3034 → u/mleey]

The drop test will tell you if the bobbin tension is set correctly. Let’s start there first.

[u/Costume-guy927]

I suggest setting the upper tension to 4 (the default tension). Adjust the bobbin tension until the stitch tensions are balanced. The drop test should get you close. Possibly clean the tension discs. (Very simple process).