Knot On Top Sporadically

[chapelstone]

I have had a cobra for just a few months. I like it but I am having a tension problem today. I am trying to sew two layers of 2oz leather. I know this is pushing the lower limits. I am using a 22 needle and 138 thread. The bobbin is installed properly. I have watched the Al Bane video on tension.

I am still getting a knot on top sporadically. My test pieces work fine but when I start on my project I will a few good stitches and the 4 or 5 with the knot on top then it goes back to good stitches again. The test pieces and the project at the same leather. The tension adjustment is almost all the way out.

Any suggestions.

[JREESER1]

I have a Cobra and solved this issue by wrapping the #138 thread only once around the bottom tensioner, (the one nearest the needle) instead of the normal twice around. This loosens up the tension enough to allow you to adjust the knot into the center of the leather. Make small tension adjustments to get the knot into the leather and off of the top. I hope this helps.

jr

[chapelstone]

Thanks, I will try it.

[Red Cent]

JREESER1

What he said. My thread is once around the top tension wheel and once around the bottom tension wheel.

[leatherisfun]

Simply put, 138 is too big for what you are trying to sew. Try 69, which will also take some work to get the tension figured out. On material that thin, 46 has worked better for me, which I did on my flatbed.

[Gregspitz]

I change to a smaller needle if tension is too difficult to adjust