Members JoshR Posted 23 hours ago Members Report Posted 23 hours ago (edited) Hello, having some tension issues when seeing corners or making 90° turns. I’ve re-threaded so many times, changed the bobbin, changed needles, tried smaller thread and needles, cleaned the tension discs and bobbin area, and seemed to have done just about everything I can find online to remedy this. The tension looks great when sewing a straight line. No loops on the top or bottom and it looks like thread is meeting in the middle. The only issues happen when sewing anything other than a straight line. I’m using size #138 thread and a 136x16RTW needle size 23. Any ideas? Edited 23 hours ago by JoshR Forgot some info. Quote
AlZilla Posted 20 hours ago Report Posted 20 hours ago If I recall, the size range for v138 is 19 to 22, so maybe a smaller needle. The process for turning a corner is stop at the corner with the presser foot all the way down raise the needle about 1/4" from bottom raise the presser foot turn the workpiece drop the presser foot keep going Actual experts will be along after they have their coffee. Quote
kgg Posted 18 hours ago Report Posted 18 hours ago 5 hours ago, JoshR said: No loops on the top or bottom and it looks like thread is meeting in the middle. The only issues happen when sewing anything other than a straight line. Just to add to @AlZilla comments. when you stop to do a 90 degree turn: i) bury the needle to the bottom and then raise the needle about 1/4" ii) raise the presser foot up slight to take the tension off the material and the turn the leather. iii) drop the presser foot back down and continue. Some of your problems are probably being cause by not holding the threads for the first three stitches and then back stitching to your starting stitch that will lock the so the threads don't get pulled. 5 hours ago, JoshR said: I’m using size #138 thread and a 136x16RTW needle size 23. I am going to assume you meant 135 x 16 needle not 136 x 16. For V138 thread the range is #22 to 24 depending on the thickness and type of leather. Veg tan I find grabs the thread more then chrome tan. Here is a link to a good thread size vs needle size chart ( https://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html ) Looking at your photos the leather looks very thin which means there is very little thickness to constantly bury / hide the bottom knot in. I would suggest: i) you try again with either thicker leather or a few layers of thin leather to give the needed space to burying the knot. ii) you lock the starting stitches. kgg Quote
Moderator Wizcrafts Posted 13 hours ago Moderator Report Posted 13 hours ago 10 hours ago, JoshR said: The tension looks great when sewing a straight line. No loops on the top or bottom and it looks like thread is meeting in the middle. The only issues happen when sewing anything other than a straight line. Aside from, or in addition to trying a smaller #22 needle, you can tighten both the top and bottom tensions and re-balance the knots. Tighter thread tension can sometimes offset knot placement problems caused by the machine or the leather. Quote
ljk Posted 6 hours ago Report Posted 6 hours ago Needle timing and tension release. Just because it sews in a straight line doesn't mean it will turn a corner. A little up and down on the needle may help. Also look where in the lift cycle when the thread releases, should be near the top. Your picture indicate that may be the problem. Quote
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