Many people assume it is a problem with their sewing machine’s bobbin. However, it can be fixed by anyone. The problem isn’t with the bobbin if the thread is perfectly wound.
The upper threading of your sewing machine is often responsible for looping bobbin thread. These are the steps you can take to fix the problem:
Here Are the 11 Reasons for the Bottom Thread Getting Tangled Up
1. Your Thread Tails Are Too Short
If your thread tails are less than 2 inches long, they could get caught in your machine. Thread bunching can occur underneath your fabric if this happens. Start with three to four inches of thread tails.
If you don’t have enough thread tails, hold them until you have sewn several stitches. This is particularly important when sewing with knit fabric.
2. Your Thread Tension Is Extremely Tight
You should adjust your thread tension for a different thread and fabric weights. You should use the same thread weight in your bobbin as in your upper thread. You can get uneven tension and a bunched-up thread underneath your fabric if you don’t.
Manufacturers of sewing machines recommend that you not adjust your bobbin thread tension. However, if your thread is getting caught underneath your fabric, you should adjust the tension.
Too tight tension can pull on your thread and cause it to break. To loosen your tension, turn the dial counterclockwise. You can adjust the tension by hand or have a technician reset it for you.
3. Feed Dogs Are Not Up
Feed dogs pull your fabric through the sewing machine. These are the tiny teeth that you can see sticking out from under your presser foot’s throat plate. You can lower your feed dogs on most sewing machines for freehand sewing, or when sewing delicate fabrics.
If you don’t raise your feed dogs to their normal positions after a sewing project you might end up with bobbin thread looping under your fabric the next time. Your fabric won’t move without your feed dogs and your stitches will stay in the same place.
4. Your Presser Foot Is Not Down
To perfectly feed your fabric through the sewing machine, your feed dogs must be raised and your presser foot should be lowered. Thread looping and bunching can occur underneath your fabric in case your presser foot isn’t down before you start sewing.
If you don’t lower your presser foot before sewing, many computer-controlled sewing machines won’t sew. This is a great feature to look out for in a sewing machine.
5. Your Spool Cap Is Broken or Not Secure
The spool cap stops your thread from bouncing off the machine while you sew by preventing it from vibrating or bouncing around. Your thread may feed unevenly through your sewing machine, causing the thread to bunch beneath your fabric. Use a spool cover, but not so tight that the thread cannot slip off the spool.
6. Your Bobbin Case Is Full of Lint
As you sew, lint builds up in the bobbin. Lint can block your needle’s ability to form stitches correctly and get in the way. To avoid tangled thread underneath your fabric, make sure you clean your sewing machine often.
7. The Bobbin Is Not Correctly Inserted
Although your sewing machine may still form stitches even if your bobbin is inserted backward, your stitches will not look right. Your bobbin may be inserted backward if you find bobbin thread sticking to your fabric. Some machines require that your thread be inserted clockwise in the bobbin case.
Others require it to be inserted counterclockwise. To find out which direction your machine requires, consult your manual. You may also find a diagram showing the direction in which it should go next to your sewing machine’s bobbin housing.
8. Three Proven Methods to Prevent Thread Bunching
You may have experienced the frustrating problem of thread bunching or tangling underneath your fabric, whether you are an expert or a beginner in sewing.
It may be confusing why the upper thread forms straight stitches while the bobbin thread forms loops underneath the fabric. Even if you re-thread lower threads, the problem persists. It’s quite baffling.
9. The Machine Isn’t Threaded Correctly
Most of the time thread bunching is caused by the upper thread being twisted incorrectly. It is important to check that the upper thread has been threaded correctly.
If it isn’t, you should re-thread your machine according to the instructions manual. There are slight variations in the process between models.
However, there is a common way to thread any sewing machine. The first step is to remove the loops from the fabric. Next, re-thread your machine.
When threading, ensure that the presser foot is raised to allow the thread to slip into the tension plate. The needle should be positioned at the highest point by turning the wheel towards you.
The thread should travel through all parts of both the take-up lever and the thread guide. It should then pass under the hook and through the needle’s eye. You should also bring the lower thread up.
10. It Isn’t Correctly Inserted
If the upper thread is correctly threaded but there is still a problem, it is possible that the bobbin was inserted incorrectly. The needle is not being brought up smoothly by the lower thread.
Check the bobbin case to make sure it is in good condition and then re-insert your bobbin. You should be able to pull the thread out of the slot at the thread end.
11. False Thread Tension
Incorrect thread tension can cause the thread to become tangled underneath the fabric, as the upper thread isn’t compatible with the bobbin. Adjust the tension to check if it improves.
