cleanview Report post Posted May 5, 2015 I get random "loose stitches". That is the front side of my holsters will have a random loop or little arch of thread. And I can go some time with out the problem and then it comes with no warning. Machine is a cowboy 3200 using 207 thread with a 25 needle.\ What are typical causes for this? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted May 5, 2015 A 25 needle sounds purdy big fer a 207 thread (i like a 23) and What yu descrybe, I'd first check that the thread is coming off the spool freely. I've seen that when everything is set "jus fine" and the top thread binds (if only fer a secind er two) causing.. well.. what you said Might try pulling thread off the spool, let it 'hang' from yer thread stand. Just maybe a few feet (so it comes down 18" and back up). Keep an eye on it, and when it's about back to getting ready to pull from the spool (slack is used up) then pull some more and let it hang. It may be that your problem is gone, and then you know it's a 'sticky' in the spool. Sounds very simple, but I've seen it -- and it can be irritating. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleanview Report post Posted May 5, 2015 I have had 23 and 24 and being tight and thread breaking ......... sometimes use 24 but just fear threads breaking ....what a head ache that is ....always a long belt or something I have occasionally had the thread get caught on a lever from hanging too loose... hanging up before the first place you thread it......usually feel the machine "pulling" and look up and the thread is hung up ......is that the scenario you described? Love your pattern by the way....using it for a LEO as we speak Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted May 5, 2015 Yep, that's what I'm talking about. Sometimes happens right on the spool -- and usually with the darker color threads. I had one spool of black -- I ended up just ordered a new spool. Pulled thread off the spool a few feet at a time as needed until the new batch arrived, then pitched the other. $20 spool of thread just not worth aggravation. Just a side note ... not all threads and needles are equal. We might both have a "24", but the hole for the thread is different. Or the thread is not the same brand (yes, it can make a difference). And to further complicate (maybe) I use nylon. The same size thread in a poly may measure the same size, but act differently. Not better or worse, necessarily, just different. Pattern? What pattern? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleanview Report post Posted May 5, 2015 glock pancake pattern. I emailed you a pic of one I did from it. As I have experimented with different threads, I have seen that there is a BIG difference in some them. Thanks for the reply Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Singermania Report post Posted May 5, 2015 HI, Steve here from Cowboy Leather Machines in Australia, all good advice above, the 25 needle does cover the thread range you mention, but yes maybe you could go a little lighter too. Thread tensions are everything with sewing machines, look at looping twice around the bottom thread tension unit and as above make sure the thread guide above the thread spool is exactly positioned vertically above it so threads unravel easily and evenly. If you hadn't already changed the needle I'd also check it for burrs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleanview Report post Posted May 6, 2015 I have checked that number fo times I loop the tensioner. I Did just change a needle......but really unclear as to how often to change one......I just watch them to see if they have any changes and change it when in doubt thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KelseyR89 Report post Posted September 22, 2015 HI, Steve here from Cowboy Leather Machines in Australia, all good advice above, the 25 needle does cover the thread range you mention, but yes maybe you could go a little lighter too. Thread tensions are everything with sewing machines, look at looping twice around the bottom thread tension unit and as above make sure the thread guide above the thread spool is exactly positioned vertically above it so threads unravel easily and evenly. If you hadn't already changed the needle I'd also check it for burrs. Hey there! Was wondering if you'd be able to help me with something that I haven't been able to find an answer for. This post came up when searching for an answer for my loose stitching and thought maybe you'd be able to help me. I recently bought my first sewing machine, a Seiko STH-8BLD-3 and after much work have finally got the tension right. However, I've noticed all along that the beginning and ending stitches aren't super tight and I can somewhat lightly pull on the thread after cutting it and the stitches will pop right out! I'm not sure if this is related to the tension (I have the tension the best it's been yet and the stitches are still popping out) or if I'm doing something wrong. It's only the beginning and ending stitches though, the rest look excellent! I've been doing 2 back stitches starting and beginning, but even then it doesn't matter because as soon as you pull the thread it pops out. If there's any advice you could give I'd appreciate it! I am so ready to start using this for my products Thank you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
