Tensioner washers remain in the uncompressed position
When you lift the presser foot washers loosened, and when you lower the foot, did not return to its original position. In this case, the upper thread will form loops in the stitch, because the washers were left in an open condition, and the thread runs too freely, looping at the bottom.
Jamming can be due to rust, dirt, bent, spring jamming, etc. Disassemble the tensioner assembly, just remember or sketch the sequence of your actions and eliminate the cause of the stitching.
Washers on the needle thread regulator are loose. This is the most innocuous cause of a sewing stitch looping, but quite common. Adjust the tension by gradually increasing it and checking the stitch quality on the fabric. The thread should form a weave stitch inside the fabric.
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Thread winder
The weakest unit sewing machine Podolsk. device for winding thread. Most often the rubber rim wears out and it is almost impossible to repair it, except for removing it to wrap a little thread in the groove. Be sure to check the attachment of the winder to the machine body (T). Sometimes you have to remove the flywheel to tighten it.
Screw (U) controls the pressure of the wheel with rubber rim on the flywheel. Achieve a position where the wheel engages securely with the handwheel when the lever is lowered, and completely disengages when the lever is raised. It is best to adjust its position with the bobbin wound on the shaft, with the thread already wound. The hole (M) is intended for lubrication, do not forget to lubricate the device for winding thread too.
Why the bottom thread loops in the sewing machine, and how to fix it
Sewing problems occur due to improper operation or equipment failure. Minor malfunctions due to incorrect settings can be corrected by yourself. For major breakdowns, you will need the help of a master. This applies to machines of domestic (“Podolsk”, “Chaika 142 M”) and foreign (“Janom”, “Singer”, “Jaguar” “Brazier”, etc.) stitching, and why do not you use a stitch?) production.
Defects of stitching or why the looping bottom thread in the sewing machine
Incorrect threading. In different models (Juki, Janome, Jaguar, Brother, Singer, etc.), it does not affect the operation of the device.) there may be some differences in threading, so it is important to follow the instructions. If the sewing machine loops, you can try removing the thread and tucking it in again.
There are jagged edges on the needle plate. As a result the thread starts to catch on the serrations and forms a loop at the bottom of the stitching. To avoid problems, do not pull the fabric with your hand while sewing. You need to adjust the pressure of the foot on the fabric so that the help of your hands is not required.
There is no compensating spring on the tension regulator. It is needed to create a quality stitch. The spring allows the hook to drop the thread, tighten the stitch and get the right amount of fabric from the bobbin. Over time, the part can fail, so it is replaced with a new spring mechanism.
How to learn more! In rare cases, the old machines with manual control (such as “Chaek”, “Podolsk” and “Singer”), the compensating spring may not be present at all, but this does not affect the operation of the device
The lower thread is too tight. When the machine is too tight, the stitching is looped or crooked. The seam is broken and when you try to smooth it out the thread breaks. Tension is adjusted with a screw on the bobbin case. A correctly sewn stitch will have the lower thread visible at the top and the upper thread on the wrong side of the fabric.
The thickness of the lower thread is greater than the upper thread. The upper thread takes the lead. It pulls out the lower thread, which should be thinner by number and more elastic. Otherwise the seam will be uneven and loops will form. The defect is corrected by changing the threads.
Important! Select thread according to fabric thickness and needle number
The spring on the tension adjuster does not hold the thread tightly. As a result there is an excess of thread that accumulates at the bottom, begins to tangle and loops. Sometimes it happens that the regulator axis is overcrushed, and the longitudinal slot does not allow the spring to freely compress and decompress (typical for Podolsk machines). Also the upper coil of the spring mechanism may be deformed. To solve the problem you need to set the regulator shaft in such a position that the movement of the spring is light.
The upper thread must be thicker than the lower thread (
Tensioner washers left loose. When the foot is raised, the washers come apart. If they remain in this position when the presser foot is lowered, the thread starts to flow too freely and creates loops. The problem is caused by dirt, rust, bends, spring breaks, etc. The defect must be removed by disassembling the tensioner assembly and eliminating the cause of the jamming.
The conical spring is not functioning correctly. As a result the fabric is not pressed by the washers, wiggles and creates loops at the bottom of the seam. To eliminate the problem you need to adjust the adjusting axle. It must be in such a position that the spring has to move freely on the axial groove.
Tension washer tappet is stuck. Most often the problem occurs due to rust, contamination of parts or damage to the mechanism. Clean off any rust or dirt, replace damaged parts, or buy a new pusher.
There is roughness on the surface of the hook. Can be caused by not using the machine for an extended period of time, especially if stored in a damp place. Remove the defect by replacing the bobbin case or polishing with cloth and special paste.
Adjust the stitch on the sewing machine
You can fix it yourself if it’s caused by a faulty setting. Check how the thread is threaded and adjust the tension. Thread and needle must be chosen according to the thickness and texture of the fabric to be stitched.
- Check the thread tension.
- Inspect the entire thread path.
- Check that the bobbin and cap parts are in good condition.
- Check bobbin thread winding.
- Check the settings against the manual.
In case of serious defects, when some parts or units should be replaced, you will need help of craftsman. Trying to repair the machine yourself can make things worse.
Important! For the sewing device to work properly, you need to clean it in a timely manner and lubricate it with a special oil for machines
How to avoid looping and other problems with the sewing machine
Often malfunctions during sewing occur due to improper use of the device and lack of proper care. Adjust the equipment strictly in accordance with the instructions of the machine manufacturer.
Before using the machine, it is important to read the instructions (
Useful tips for sewing machines
Before work, check the ease of movement of the mechanism, fixing parts, threading and setting the needle. Never use a bent, rusty, deformed or dull needle. It is advisable to first sew test stitches on a piece of fabric, and then sew the fabric.

Clean the machine by using a soft brush or cloth. Tweezers or a needle will help get debris out of hard-to-reach places. It is important to ensure that the hook and other parts of the machine do not accumulate lint, thread residue and dust. To gain access to the internal mechanisms, use a screwdriver.
Frequency of lubrication depends on the intensity of use of the device. With frequent use, it is recommended to lubricate with a special oil for sewing machines once a month. If you have to sew occasionally, once every six months is enough. You can buy accessories and oil for the machine in specialized stores in Moscow and larger cities.
Serviceability of the sewing equipment depends on proper use and proper care. In case of errors in use, you can eliminate the defect yourself, with serious damage that requires replacement parts, you need to contact the master. The video below tells more about why the sewing machine loops the lower thread.

Looping threads in the stitching is the most common defect in sewing machines Chayka. For a variety of reasons, the upper thread is not pulled completely into the stitch and loops appear at the bottom. Loops can be permanent, or they can be intermittent.
If the sewing stitch is looping all the time, sometimes it is enough to change the tension of the upper or lower thread and the looping will stop. This is often caused by an obstacle in the path of the thread, starting from the thread spool. An obstacle in the thread path slightly “slows down” the thread and creates an excess of thread in the stitch while it is being pulled in. Therefore, carefully inspect the path of the thread, sometimes you can even visually detect the cause of thread braking.
How to fix your thread looping under the fabric
If the sewing stitch loops periodically, the master sometimes has to look for hours to find the cause, and eventually discovered a small nick in the bobbin. But sometimes you need to adjust the shuttle stroke, the parameters of the interaction between the needle and shuttle, adjusting the unit fabric promotion, etc. The fact that the shuttle stroke during the formation of the stitch can pull the excess upper thread, and its excess creates loops at the bottom. On how to adjust the hook stroke can be read in the article Sewing Machine Seagull, etc.
Why the stitching and thread in the sewing machine loops?
You recently bought a sewing machine and immediately decided to test it in the case. Threaded the needle, wound the bobbin and began to stitch. But suddenly you see that the top stitch is straight, but the bottom thread is looping. Or vice versa, the upper thread loops, and the lower thread is stretched like a string. This can also happen to the sewing machine, which has long served you faithfully, but suddenly became capricious. Why a looping stitch and thread in a sewing machine? Can you adjust the thread tension or should I take the machine back to the store as a defective one?? Let’s see what you can do with your own hands, and when you really need a sewing machine repairman.
Self-adjusting the stitching of the sewing machine
Adjusting the machine with their own hands is possible only if you know exactly the device of your model, saw how to do it correctly. Then you can use the universal instructions. Lower the presser foot on the fabric, the thread should be threaded. Insert the thread into the needle is not necessary. Check if the thread is loose or hard to thread. If it’s too easy to pull, the spring on the tension adjuster may have popped. It is recommended to call a master to repair the sewing machine. It is possible to get lint or incorrect threading, study the instruction manual of the device.
The thread in the bobbin case should run freely, but not too freely. Hold the cap by the tip of the thread, if it just falls off, you need to tighten the screw on the hook. If it is difficult to thread, loosen the screw. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of needle and thread. The marking should be fully consistent with the selected fabric. Upper and lower threads should be the same quality and texture, matching the needle.
To adjust the carpetlock, overlock, embroidery, embroidery, embroidery, industrial sewing machines brands Podolsk, Chayka, Janome, Juki, Jaguar, Singer, and others need to use the help of professionals. With improper actions, you can put the machine out of operation, then the repair will cost quite a lot.
How to understand if the settings are out of tune
Before you start sewing, check the tension of the seam on an unnecessary piece of fabric so that the stitching does not tear or the entire fabric is not overtightened during finishing work. For the test take a small scrap of material with which you plan to work clean, and lay it on a few test stitches.

Quality stitch is characterized by the fact that the intertwining of threads in it occurs in the thick tissue. Only the stitches are visible on the outside and inside of the garment.
If one side shows even slightly stretched loops, and the front stitching is more stretched, it indicates that the tension is more than required, the fiber at any time is at risk of rupture.
If the top bobbin is overtightened and the wrong buttonholes are elongated, lower the top bobbin tension. And vice versa: if the sewing machine pulls the bottom thread in the bobbin, loosen it.
Other problems
Understand why a torn thread is interfering with your sewing, in most cases you can do it yourself. Repair by rollers on YouTube is also easy to do with their own hands, especially if it is not complicated. But sometimes it’s better to call a master. Appeal to it will be needed in the case if:
Expert advice. In the sewing machine “Tula” of the old type and in other similar units quite often fail parts. If this is the problem, you can find a replacement through private ads. Similar difficulties are experienced by masters, at the disposal of which there is a sewing machine “Seagull”. Avoid unnecessary costs will help to carefully care for the technique, regular lubrication of its mechanisms.
Before you start work, regardless of which machine it will be carried out, it is necessary to tuck in the working threads. The principle is the same for all devices. Preparations must be made with the machine on, with the foot in the up position.
The upper thread should be threaded first. The lower thread is tucked in. How to do this is best seen in the owner’s manual of the particular model of machine.
Thread problems can cause the following seam imperfections.
- When the upper stitch is good, even, the lower stitch loops. The wrong side (bottom) thread may appear to be threaded incorrectly. In fact, the upper thread goes down and forms loops. The situation can be corrected by increasing its tension.
- Conversely, the appearance of loops at the top occurs with good quality bottom stitching. The problem here lies in the thread coming from the hook. Adjust its tension.
If the simple adjustment of the tension does not fix the situation, it is worth to consider other reasons, to check all possible options.