Expert: Sharon Vogel - 6/28/2009

Question
Hello,
I'm working on a simple quilt with my new to me Pfaff 230-260.  I'm having a terrible time trying to get the tension correct.  Currently it sews fine in a straight stitch, but if I try a zigzag the threads pull through from the other side in both directions randomly.  That is, some stitches are fine, some pull through the top and some pull through the bottom.  The best I've done is to have the front looking nice and the back with a bit of pull-through (at least it was even) I now can't seem to get it back to that either.  At one point I had it looking good, but as soon as I changed the stitch length it was all wrong.  Is there a systematic way to reset these old machines?  The upper tension knob turns many times either direction.  There are numbers 1,2 and 3 which are exposed in that order if I turn to the left.  
Thank You kindly for your help.
Mani

Answer
Dear Mani,
Tension problems can quickly drive you crazy!  If changing the tension with the upper knob is not solving the problem, the bobbin tension may be your problem.  There should be a screw on the side of the bobbin case.  Turn it clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen.  You will have to experiment to get the right setting.  Also, check carefully for lint and thread that may have gotten into the tension knobs, under the feed dog plate, just anywhere it could cause problems.  Use a sewing machine brush, compressed air can and a pair of pointy forceps to clean everything thoroughly.  After cleaning, set the upper tension to the center and start adjusting from that point.

Good luck and happy sewing.

Sharon