SIMPLICITY CUSTOM STITCH SELECTION

 

STITCH

PATTERN

STITCH

STITCH

PRESSER

DROP

 

WIDTH

LENGTH

FOOT

FEED

A

Straight

 

0

1-4

All feet

Up

A

Zigzag

 

1-5

1-4

All-purpose

Up

B C D E

Decorative satin

 

3-5

.5-1

Open toe

Up

F

Blindhem

 

3-5

4

Blind hem

Up

G

Shell stitch

 

3-5

1-4

All-purpose

Up

H

Double Action

 

5

4

All-purpose

Up

I

3-step zigzag

 

3-5

2-4

Overcast

Up

J

Multi-cord

 

5

.5-2

Overcast

Up

K

Feather

 

3-5

4

Open toe

Up

L

Honeycomb

 

3-5

4

Open toe

Up

M

Overlock

 

3-5

4

Overcast

Up

N

Slant overcast

 

3-5

4

Open toe

Up

O

Arrowhead

 

3-5

4

Open toe

Up

P Q R

Decorative

 

3-5

4

Open toe

Up

S

Triple stretch straight

 

0

4

All-purpose

Up

S

Rick rack

 

1-5

4

All-purpose

Up

T

Buttonhole

 

3-5

.5-1

Buttonhole

Up

TENSION ADJUSTMENTS

The upper thread tension dial controls the amount of needle thread delivered to the bobbin case. Most thread tension adjustments should be made using the upper thread tension dial. In some cases, the lower thread tension on the bobbin case may need to be adjusted for specialty sewing techniques.

UPPER THREAD TENSION

The numbers 0-9 on the dial represent upper thread tension settings. The higher the number, the stronger the upper tension. Tension settings between 3-5 are most commonly used [Fig. 1]. In a balanced stitch, needle thread and bobbin thread interlock in the center of the two fabric layers [Fig. 2]. If needed, adjust an unbalanced stitch by turning the dial until the new setting is aligned with the indicator line on the machine [Fig. 1].

If the fabric gathers or the threads break, the upper thread tension is too tight [Fig. 3]. Loosen the tension by moving the dial to a lower number.

If loops form on the under side of the seam then the upper tension is too loose [Fig. 4]. Tighten the upper tension by turning the dial to a higher number.

LOWER THREAD TENSION

The lower thread tension can be adjusted by turning the screw on the bobbin case slightly to the right (clockwise) to increase the tension [Fig. 5]. Turn the tension slightly to the left (counterclockwise) to decrease the tension [Fig. 6].

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Upper thread too tight

Upper thread too loose

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Increase tension

Decrease tension

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

10