You can learn how to adjust bobbin tension on Janome sewing machine in just two steps. As you’ll find out in this tutorial, the bobbin tension adjustment in Janome is not different from other machines. You will also know how to fix common bobbin issues to keep your unit working smoothly.

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But what if you need to service your Janome? We have written a quick tutorial on how to take apart a Janome sewing machine that you can check out. Read that to help you with maintaining your device.

How To Adjust Bobbin Tension On Janome Sewing Machine Correctly

Step 1. Find the screw near the bobbin

Read and study the Janome manual of the specific model you have
Find the bobbin and remove it from the compartment
Use a screwdriver on the screw located at the bobbin side

Step 2. Loosen or tighten the screw as needed

Turn the bobbin screw tightly or loosely to adjust the bobbin tension on the Janome sewing machine
Make small movements with the screwdriver for each adjustment
Turn the screw to the right to increase the bobbin tension or turn it to the left to decrease the bobbin tension
Return the bobbin to its case and practice stitches to check the newly set bobbin tension

What should be the bobbin tension on the Janome sewing machine?

By checking the bobbin case, you can determine that you set the bobbin tension on the Janome sewing machine correctly. Notice the bobbin case when the thread unwinds because it should only drop one to two inches. Therefore, if the bobbin case slips off, you need to tighten the tension but loosen the tension if the case won’t move.

How Do You Adjust Bobbin Tension?

You don’t need to modify the bobbin tension in most cases because the manufacturer already set it for you. Adjusting the needle thread tension is enough, and some computerized units even have electric tension control.

For front-loading bobbin sewing machines:

Find the screw on the bobbin case and turn it to increase or decrease the bobbin tension
For machines with two screws, be careful not to turn the screw that holds the tension plate
The screw shouldn’t be tightened or loosened in big movements; a quarter turn is enough
Use a marker to remember the factory set bobbin tension because this tension is enough for most projects
Test the new bobbin tension setting on a scrap fabric each time

For drop-in bobbin sewing machines:

Remove the bobbin case and find the screw that you can tighten or loosen
Do not move the screw that secures the tension plate

When to adjust bobbin tension

When using very thick or very fine threads and adjusting the needle thread tension is not enough to make neat stitches
When using uncommon thread weights and types
When shirring with elastic thread
When stippling or making free motion
When using twin needles
When the bobbin thread keeps breaking

How to check the bobbin tension

Bobbin tension gauge on longarm and mid-arm sewing machines
Bobbin tension meter on any front-loading bobbin sewing machine

How Do I Fix The Bobbin Tension On My Sewing Machine?

Test if the bobbin tension is right

Hold the bobbin by the thread, and when it doesn’t move, the tension is too tight. On the contrary, the tension is too loose if the case drops quickly. So you want the case only to drop a little, and the thread still has some resistance.

Adjust the bobbin tension

Tighten or loosen the screw on the bobbin slightly according to the necessary adjustment. Note the original bobbin tension setting so you can return the bobbin tension to it after the current project.

Why Is My Thread Looping Underneath The Fabric?

Do you notice your thread looping on the back of the fabric? This indicates that your top thread tension is too loose compared to the bobbin thread tension. Therefore, the bobbin thread pulls the top thread underneath the material. To solve this issue, loosen both thread tensions because tightening only the top thread can cause breakage.

Why Does My Bottom Thread Keep Jamming?

The bobbin tension is too tight
The bobbin case needs realignment or replacement
The bobbin is not threaded properly
The bobbin is wrong for the machine
There is not enough thread tail on the bobbin
The bobbin case is filled with debris
Using the wrong needle on the sewing machine
The sewing machine needs lubrication

How To Avoid Bobbin Issues

Adjusting the bobbin tension is unnecessary in most cases, but common bobbin issues can be easily avoided by remembering the following:

Make sure that the bobbin is threaded properly
The bobbin should always be inserted in its case correctly
Keep the sewing machine clean and oiled
Use the correct needle and thread for the project
Set the machine properly

Conclusion

And that’s it! We just discussed how to adjust bobbin tension on Janome sewing machine, and found out it’s simply turning the screw to loosen or tighten it. However, consider changing the bobbin tension after only you tried adjusting the needle thread tension.

You can also read how to use Janome sewing machines. Proper usage will ensure a smooth sewing experience. Leave us a comment if you have other questions.

How To Adjust Bobbin Tension On Janome Sewing Machine