Basic Embroidery Machine Threading and Tension Adjustment

In this video, we cover the basic operations of threading the machine, installing the bobbin thread, and checking thread tension. We begin with the power in the off position and place the thread cone according to the needle number. Depending on the cone location, we pass the thread through one, two, or three upper thread stand guides, then through the guide on the first tension disc and around the first tension disc itself. Using the supplied tool, we pull the thread through the spiral tube and continue through the first thread presser on the tension base, around the inside of the thread path pin, between the discs of the second tension unit, and to the left of the guide pin at the bottom.

We then continue through the next thread guide, to the left and under the pin for the rotary tension disc, up and around the rotary tension disc, and again to the left of the guide pin below it before placing the thread through the second thread presser. Next, we move the retracting lever to the horizontal position and thread the take-up spring from right to left, then thread the take-up lever from right to left. We pull the thread down through the remaining thread guide holes, place it behind the needle guide, pass it through the needle eye and down through the presser foot, then secure the excess thread in the thread holding spring. Finally, we return the retracting lever to the vertical position.

For the bobbin, we keep the power off before removing or inserting the bobbin case. Holding the bobbin case with the open face toward us, we insert the bobbin so the thread unravels clockwise, pull the thread clockwise through the slit, guide it under the tension spring, and wrap it twice around the pigtail. We then install the bobbin case on the shuttle with the lever to the right until it clicks into place. To check bobbin tension, we remove the thread from the pigtail and suspend the bobbin case from the tension spring, then give it a firm snap like a yo-yo. A proper drop test should pull out about four to six inches, or ten to fifteen centimeters, of thread. If more thread pulls out, we tighten the large screw on the tension spring slightly clockwise; if less pulls out, we loosen it slightly to the left. Once adjusted, we wrap the thread twice around the pigtail again, trim it to about two inches, and reinstall the bobbin case securely.

We finish by checking upper thread tension using block letters to judge the balance between the upper and bobbin thread. On the back of the garment, the bobbin thread should be approximately equal to the amount of upper thread. If the upper thread lies loosely on the garment or very little bobbin thread shows on the back, the upper tension may be too loose, and we tighten the second tension knob to the right. If specks of bobbin thread appear in the design or too much bobbin thread shows behind it, the upper tension may be too tight, and we loosen the tension knob to the left.