Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Kelsham · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 10:42 am Post subject: Sewing Machine

Hi all, I am seeking advice about setting sewing machine tension.
I have been given an Alfa sewing machine that I intend using to make up the bench seats for my 1931 BSA fourwheeler.

Sadly I seem unable to get the tension right, I get loose loops underneath the material. and seem unable to get tight even stitching. I have adjusted top and bottom tension without success any advice would be welcome.
I have also changed the needle Tried leather and Jeans type.
Regards Kels.

traction39 · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 399 Location: South Wales

I am not an expert, and I guess this is a Standard - not industrial machine? Usually looping means that the upper tension is incorrect...did you thread it under tension with the foot raised and the thread is between the tension discs?
Make sure the thread has been tugged through the discs i.e taut when threading.
Is the thread threaded correctly? Do you have a manual? Often can be downloaded from web...?
Check presser foot is giving enough pressure.
As you can see there are a few variables...I have been up this route and was hit and miss to get it right, and even then I still have problems. My next step is to service the machine...professionally!!

Kelsham · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:20 pm Post subject: sewing machine

thanks for the reply, I bought a cd off ebay for the machine. I have been trying to get it to work for about a week on and off.

Tried all the suggestions you made. I am beginning to wonder what effect the bobbin has, I have tried altering the tension on it but without success.

Yes it is not an industrial machine.

Maybe it is just not suitable, although I used a similiar machine a few years back.

regards Kels.

traction39 · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 399 Location: South Wales

Is the bobbin threaded correctly? Is the thread correct for the fabric?
With respect to the CD..is the auto start not starting when you put it in the CD drive? If not go to the device under my computer and right click and open...or am I teaching you to suck eggs!!!? Just a thought.

Kelsham · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 5:24 pm Post subject: sewing machine

Badly written sorry, The CD is OK, its the sewing machine not working.

I seem to be going in circles, at one point I was testing on modern vinyl and it was working.
When I changed to testing the old rexine type material I want to use. I was back to where I started.
Sadly my attempt to reset means it no longer works on the modern vinyl.

Kels.

Kelsham · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 5:25 pm Post subject: sewing machine

Badly written sorry, The CD is OK, its the sewing machine not working.

I seem to be going in circles, at one point I was testing on modern vinyl and it was working.
When I changed to testing the old rexine type material I want to use. I was back to where I started.
Sadly my attempt to reset means it no longer works on the modern vinyl.

Kels.

traction39 · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 399 Location: South Wales

I guess it is the tension...trial and error and much cursing...and then the bobbin runs out!!!

Churchill Johnson · Joined: 11 Jan 2011 Posts: 359 Location: Rayleigh Essex

I am afraid it's the classic mistake if you alter any setting's on anything to try and cure a problem and by doing so and it do's not make any difference put he setting's back to where they were that way one do's not turn a minor problem into a major one,just asked my wife a former dressmaker and she suggested a thicker needle and thicker thread may help and also increase the tension on the bobbin [which you may have done ]and or slacken the tension on the top thread hope this helps.

Kelsham · Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 10:19 am Post subject: sewing machine

The wife was making noises about decorating the spare bedroom, seemed advisable to return to repairing the sewing machine.

New needle, leather type, new thread, thick, then thinner. Top tension from low to high. Bobbin tension low to high. Eventually managed to get acceptable results, but every now and then the back stitching seems to be loose.

I am thinking of hiring an industrial machine, presumably this would have a larger range of material it could sew without adjustment being required.

Thanks for your replies so far. Regards Kels.

traction39 · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 399 Location: South Wales

Good luck with the industrial one.....speed will be your added problem!!! Well it was for me!!! Very Happy

traction39 · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 399 Location: South Wales

I would imagine you will be hiring a "walking foot" machine...leather work etc.?

Kelsham · Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 3:16 pm Post subject: sewing machine

Yes, i have been offeredthe chance to hire a walking foot machine. Just need to get the material together for all the jobs that I have hanging about. Probably after Xmas now.

Regards Kels.