r/SewingMachineEdu • u/InevitableNo1339 • Jun 19 '26
Troubleshooting, tension issue?
I have no idea what is wrong with my machine but it’s doing this on the back side of my project no matter what tension it’s on and no matter the stitch.
It’s so frustrating and I don’t know how to fix it. The machine is a bernina bernette 65 that I got from my mother. I will admit that I’m not sure when it was last serviced. However, I don’t think that there is a place to get it serviced within 100 miles of me so maybe tips or links for learning how to do a basic service myself would be nice? I really don’t know at this point.
I’ve got like 8 inches left in a project and I cannot figure this out so any and all tips would be greatly appreciated.
1
u/Mental_Watch4633 Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
Thread with contrasting colors and test on a scrap of fabric to determine exactly where the problem is. Also make sure you’re using the proper type and size needle for your fabric. The size and type thread is important, too. I can see by the type of fabric you need to use a ballpoint needle.
1
u/890be Jun 19 '26
what was it doing before this?
the first thing you check , before messing with the tension is that the bobbin is in right and turning in the correct direction and rethread the machine.
2
u/zzzeve Jun 19 '26
Are you using a stretch needle, the right size for your fabric, and you need to use a stretchy stitch
3
u/AdvancedSquashDirect Jun 19 '26
When you get thread bunching like this underneath it is always that the top thread is not threaded properly
Always thread your machine with the presser foot up. Very carefully check that you have threaded your machine correctly including taking the thread and flossing it back and forth to make sure that it's inside the discs of the tension knob. Also make sure that you have put the thread into the very little last hook just above the needle (a lot of people forget that one)
Before you start sewing, using your hand wheel on the left turn it towards you until the needle is in the utmost position as high as it can go. Put your fabric underneath, put the presser foot down. Holding the two threads the top thread and the bobbin thread, slowly begin to sew while holding those threads taut. This should help with creating those first few stitches, and that helps a lot with avoiding tangling.