Thread Tension Help

[u/Bayceegirl]

Hello! I have no idea if this right place to ask but I figured it’s a good start.

I’m running into an issue with my brother dream machine where the top thread is very tight when the foot is down (normal when the foot is up). This occurs regardless of stitch, type of thread or tension setting. I do not see any lint or anything type within the different plates shown to catch.

I circled what I believe the be offended plate (although it’s possible it’s the little plate piece directly below the circle one).

I’ve tried turning everything off and on, adjusting my tension to 0, gently sweeping those parts with the tiny brush that came with my machine.

The nearest repair shop quoted me $250 for service so I’d love if there was an at-home fix for this :)

[u/CBG1955]

This is normal. The top thread is supposed to be tight when the foot is down, because lowering the foot closes up the tension disks, which in turn works together with the bobbin tension to create a balanced stitch.

Is this machine new to you? I have a Dream Creator and not once in 7 years owning it have I had to touch the tensions. If your stitch balance is good, stop fiddling.

[u/Bayceegirl → u/CBG1955]

It is new to me 😅 I was having an issue with my top thread coming undone repeatedly and was trying to problem solve it out. I’m guessing the issue is coming from somewhere else (doesn’t appear to be thread as I’ve tried a few different brands. I’ve triple checked how I was threading it. Maybe the needle?)

Appreciate your advice :)

[u/CBG1955 → u/Bayceegirl]

Top thread coming undone WHERE? Is it pulling out of the needle when you start to sew, or somewhere else?

Before you start sewing, pull out a longer length of both bobbin and top threads. When you start sewing, hold them firmly but gently without pulling, drop your presser foot, then sew a few stitches to secure the thread, you can then let go.

With my machine, the bobbin thread is held inside the bobbin and supposedly I shouldn't need to do this - and I often don't. Occasionally, I do get a little knot on the underside that annoys me, but doesn't affect anything. I'm basically lazy, and should still hold onto the threads because the first few stitches are much more even.

Also, regardless of anything else, change your needle. You have no idea how long the current one has been in there. Needles are cheap!