trailrunner Report post Posted December 29, 2016 Hey everyone, I've been stumped with an issue with the tension on my Juki 1541-S for a while now. I was hoping one of the experts here would be able to help me. For context, I'm sewing mostly 15 oz waxed canvas, anywhere from 2-6 layers, using v-92 thread. Basically, the knots from each stitch are visible on the bottom of the seam. From everything I understand, this means I either need to tighten the top tension or loosen the bobbin tension, or both. The problem is that when I loosen the bobbin tension to the point that the knots are no longer visible there becomes visible loops on the bottom of the seam. If I keep the bobbin thread just tight enough that there's no loops and just tighten the top tension until the knots are no longer visible, I have to tighten it so much that the fabric actually bends as I'm sewing, as it gets pulled by the top tension being so much higher than the bottom. I'm sure there's a stupid mistake that I'm making, but I'm not sure what. any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted December 29, 2016 What size needle are you using? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailrunner Report post Posted December 29, 2016 I'm using a 125/20 Groz-Beckert needle. I even tried a 140/22 needle to see if that would help but no luck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted December 29, 2016 2 hours ago, trailrunner said: I'm using a 125/20 Groz-Beckert needle. I even tried a 140/22 needle to see if that would help but no luck I would try a size 110/18 needle. Waxed canvas doesn't "heal" around the needle hole very well, making it appear that you're using a much bigger needle. Yeah, purists will tell you that is the incorrect needle size for that thread. I threw those rules out about 30 years ago. The proper size needle is the one that works for your given condition. Adjust your bobbin tension so it has just a bit of resistance when pulled, then tighten your needle tension a little at a time. You may also need to adjust the check spring. I would also tighten and or loosen your check spring pressure. Don't be afraid to try things not considered standard. We sew a ton of waxed canvas and usually end up with smaller needles than one would think. Have fun! Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailrunner Report post Posted December 29, 2016 Eric, Thanks for the feedback. I tried a size 18 needle, and although it didn't solve my problem, the stitch does look noticeably nicer. As far as the check spring goes, Ive never messed with that. I'm not even sure where it is. My manual gives directions for adjusting the thread take-up spring. I'm assuming that's not what I want? thanks, -Josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailrunner Report post Posted December 29, 2016 Just an update, I tried a new bobbin that I had already wound with the same thread. This was the stainless bobbin that came with the machine. After switching to this bobbin the problem seems to be just about completely fixed. I had been using the extra black bobbins that I received with new machine. I believe this may be the issue. I'm pretty new to sewing machines and never thought the bobbin could be an issue Eric, I think the smaller needle also helped to solve the problem. The stitches look nicer now too. I'll have to mess around with the tension a bit more, but I think the smaller needle and the stainless colored bobbin made the stitches 90% better. Thanks again for the help Eric. -Josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
