Using the TOWA Bobbin Tension Gauge, adjusting tension, and changing the anti-backlash screen
Video | Using a TOWA Bobbin Tension Gauge
Bobbin Tension
The bobbin tension should be adjusted at the start of each quilt and/or whenever you change from one type of thread to another. If tension is poor on top then check the bobbin case first. If it seems OK, loosen the intermittent tension ½ turn at a time until stitch balance is achieved.
Gammill recommends the use of a TOWA Bobbin Tension Gauge to ensure consistently great tension of the bobbin. It should read between 180 and 220 on the 22, 26, and 30-inch size machine heads.
An 18-inch head needs 250 to 300.
Note: A bouncing needle on the gauge is an alert that there is a problem with the bobbin or the bobbin case.
To adjust the bobbin tension, there are two screws located on the side of the bobbin case. The largest one is used to adjust the bobbin thread tension. Generally, only slight adjustments to the left (loosen tension) or to the right (tighten tension) are needed to adjust bobbin tension.
Steps to adjust tension
• Insert the bobbin in the bobbin case. The bobbin should be placed so that when looking at the bobbin it turns clockwise when the thread is pulled.
• Place the thread into the slot on the side of the bobbin case, then into the tension slot.
• Bobbin tension should be loose. If you hold the bobbin in your palm and drop your hand the bobbin case should stay in your hand but almost pick up.