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How a Sewing Machine Forms a Stitch

A sewing machine creates a stitch by interlocking the top thread from the needle with the bobbin thread below. The needle pushes the thread through the fabric, where a rotating hook grabs it to form a secure lockstitch. Feed dogs move the fabric forward while the take-up lever tightens the thread for an even stitch. Proper timing between these parts is crucial—if the timing is off the machine may skip stitches or fail to sew entirely. Timing is essential for a smooth operation.

Here’s a quick outline for the classic bobbin “drop” test and adjustment:

Load & Thread
Remove the bobbin case from the machine (if needed), insert a wound bobbin, and thread it as you would to sew
Prep Your “Yo-Yo”
Pull about 6–8 in (15–20 cm) of thread out and wrap it 2–3 times around one finger.
Perform the Drop
Hold the wrapped thread on your finger, then gently release the bobbin case. It should fall freely bout 1½ in (3–4 cm) before stopping
Interpret Results
Drops too far (or never stops): Tension is too loose.
Hardly drops (or not at all): Tension is too tight.
Adjust TensionLocate the small tension-adjusting screw on the bobbin case.Turn clockwise (righty-tighty)
to increase tension, or counterclockwise to decrease it.Make no more than ¼-turn at a time, then re-test Reddit.Re-Test & Fine-Tune
Repeat steps 3–5 until the bobbin case drops the correct amount—about 1½ in—then reinstall and sew a test swatch to confirm balanced stitches.

That’s all there is to it—simple, repeatable, and you’ll have properly balanced bobbin tension every time.

How to use the needle threader

By the way I sell these if you need one £5 in person or + postage

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