You're a freaking gem! I was losing my mind because my bobbin kept snagging and causing bird's nest, I was seriously close to tears. I'm learning so RU-vid is my best friend right now. Thank you for the walk through.
Omg... where you you been my whole life? Informative without 20 minutes of talking about nothing?! I love your videos! Just found your channel! ❤❤ thank you!
Thank you! I'm self-taught and have made every mistake known with sewing. It gets so frustrating at times that I abandon my project and don't come back to it for months. Your video helped a lot!!
Thanks so much for all this information. I am basically self-taught on the sewing machine, so the really basic things (like which side to thread on) that may seem like a no-brainer to someone who knows what they're doing, are a revelation to me! THANK YOU!!
...lol, same here . it's been sitting on my table in living room for over a year, I'm working up the courage to try again. I do not want to break it. Hopefully this video will help
A few things.. Type of fabric is a HUGE variable for tension setting. The reason you had to go to 9 was because you were pulling through paper. Also, a dull needle will make a jagged hole which will require a false increase in top tension. If I'm sewing very fine fabric, I will wind my bobbins with beeswax pressed against the thread while it winds. This allows me to set the least amount of top tension so the fabric does not get distored by the sewing thread.
Thank you for making this video... you have just helped a 54 year old male teacher here in England make a a set of curtains for his old sailing yacht... not a neat job but they are 100 times better than the old ones that have rotted away. For some reason I started "bird nesting" half way through the job with the 20 year old sewing machine an old lady in my street lent me after we started chatting as I dropped off lock down groceries. The Japanenglish instruction book was of no use... another machine that nearly went through a window. Cheers from the UK.
I used to have this problem (my machine was threaded correctly) & I met someone whose family ran a large sewing machine company. He told me that my thread might be "too old". (my thread was a few years old). I bought new thread & never had the problem again. Now I always make sure to use "fresh thread" for my machine and I save my "older thread" for hand stitching repairs.
I'm noticing a problem with thread as well. I was trying to make Face Masks (we're in the pandemic now) but could not get the tension right and had a lot of breakage from both the spool and the bobbin. I wanted to use up my older supplies. I'm seeing a powdery lint under the feed dog. I changed colors and got better results. Some of my thread collection may go back to the 1980's. So thread has a "shelf life"? I'd like to see more information on this topic. How would that "shelf life" impact our projects? i would hate to think my vintage clothes are going to come apart at the seams. I'd also like to be more selective about thread in the future.
@@jaha5761 Here's a link to a thread manufacturing company, discussing just this issue, and a quick test you can do to tell if your spool of older thread is okay. . . www.superiorthreads.com/education-what-is-the-shelf-life-of-thread I'm in my mid sixties and still using my grandmothers thread I received after she passed. There's a special connection I feel with her when I use her thread. She used a fine vintage Pfaff, I had serviced and passed down to my granddaughters. . .
@@jenniferwaters8664 Depends on the thread. I got in the habit of buying new thread whenever I had a new project, so as to avoid tension problems. (The older thread is fine for hand sewing.) If you are having tension problems & your machine is properly threaded, then try using a fresh spool instead.
I’ve had this issue for years and never came across anything or anyone mention the direction of the spool and the thread coming from the back. I can’t thank you enough and can’t wait to try it!!
CindyInUSA Well, not all machines use the top spool with thread coming off back of it. I do have one machine out of three that the thread must come from FRONT of spool, so always refer to your manual! See my tips posted here in comments for NEVER getting a bird's nest! 😊
@@TheJudeJane I was about to comment that my new singer M2100 says to put my thread on turning to the front (clockwise). She says here to always have thread coming off from the back. I was going to ask if that's for all machines or just the kind she's using. I think you just answered my question. My singer instructions are correct. Thank you. (I'm a newbie sewer in case you couldn't tell). 😅
Jus Di Harrington I retyped TIPS TO SAY GOODBYE TO BIRD'S NEST!for you! 1.) Make sure the presser foot ALL the way in UP position BEFORE you thread. Why? To open up tension discs to receive thread so tension is correct! 2.) Make sure thread not caught anywhere and carefully thread through all guides as indicated in your manual. What? No manual? Google your machine/model # and get manual! It is a Bible for your machine. 3.) Turn handwheel (that large wheel on right hand side) TOWARDS you. Lower needle into fabric. Computerized machine does this for you. No computer screen on right hand side of machine means you have a mechanical sewing machine and must lower needle manually! NEVER EVER turn that big handwheel AWAY from you! Why? It could DAMAGE your machine or knock timing off. 4.) If you have automatic needle threader, thread needle. If you do not have automatic needle threader, thread needle FRONT to BACK. 5.) Hold thread straight out TOWARD YOU at least 5" and turn handwheel TOWARD you after you put bobbin into bobbin case. The bobbin thread will form a loop. Carefully "unloop" it and gently pull BOTH threads UNDER and BEHIND the presser foot. Make sure at least 5" of both threads. Why? If thread too short, you will unknowingly pull the thread OUT of your needle and wonder why your machine does not form stitches and only needle holes-LOL! 6.) Hold these thread tails TAUT. Lower presser foot DOWN over fabric. **If you sew with presser foot up, you will cause bird nest jam!!**7.) Sew at least three COMPLETE stitches and LET GO OF THREAD TAILS. You ask "Why did I hold them taut behind the sewing machine bed?" Well...hopefully you see how they can't slip down that hole in the throat plate causing a bird's nest! Hope these tips help, Ladies & Gents. 🎤Mic drop!!
@@TheJudeJane you helped a lot! I do have a question. When I get to the end and I'm finished with that row of stitching I'm ready to lift the foot and pull fabric out. The needle and fabric are almost always hung up under the plate. I pull the big wheel toward me and it feels stuck. Won't move. I have to move wheel backwards a little to make it get un hung. I hope I haven't messed up my new machine. I just don't know another way. I'll try to explain better. I'm sewing on something. Everything seems fine. I stop sewing because I'm finished with that part. The needle is down. It won't come up and release the material until I roll the big wheel back (not forward). I can't move it forward with my hand. It's been doing this ever since I started sewing. I haven't seen on it a lot. Maybe an hour total sewing time. Thanks for all that info above. I knew a lot of it. I've been watching a lot of videos. And I did get the manual online. There's a lot I don't know too. You sound like a pro at sewing. So nice of you to help others. Like me who are new and learning.
Dear EE, You helped me love sewing again. I dreaded that birds nest, which happened a lot. You taught me how to solve this, in such a smart way. Thank you--your sewing super powers are awesome.
I was so frustrated with my sewing machine that I was crying. Then I prayed to God and I found your video. To the point, clear instructions. Thank you so much!!
Of all the classes I've gone to, no one ever said anything about the thread going in back. So I always have had a 50/50 chance of getting it right. Then I had no idea what I did differently! Thank you SO much!💗
I’ve been searching for an hour and you’re the first person to tell me my tension depends on MY machine! Everyone else just showed me how to thread and stitch. Thank you!
My thread just jumbled up last night and I was so frustrated that I walked away in disgust saying, "Time to go to bed...Grrrrr!" THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the tips and the clear instructions! Excellent!
Thank you! Can't believe I was doing something so simple as not having the thread come from behind the bobbin and behind the spool. I really appreciate that you broke it down to the basics. You clearly have a teacher's heart!
I have been sewing for YEARS, but never knew why, sometimes, my thread would “bird nest”. Very frustrating. Your video clearly shows how to thread the machine AND the bobbin and to place them correctly. You saved me! Thank you for your clear, concise instructions!!
Beginner sewer here knowing absolutely nothing but this video helped soo much. It took a good 30 minutes to get the perfect color stitch on both sides. I first messed around with the tension settings, it was close to perfect until I oiled any parts inside that touch each other and tried again and finally got the perfect even stitch on both sides I’m so excited thank you so much for this.
Excellent! Refreshing, down-to-earth, helpful video, something for everyone but especially beginners. No babbling, nineteen-to-the-dozen, and no distracting background music. Worthy of subscription!
Thank you! It’s my first time sewing and I couldn’t understand why I was getting the birds nest behind my fabric. You even added some directions that the manual didn’t have about threading the machine! Thank you!
Thank you so much, I've been an amateur sewer for years and I never knew about having the thread rolling from around the back of the bobbin, so helpful! I also love the tip about having the sewing needle down to start, that has helped me so much too! That and switching out the 20 year old thread I thought I'd use up for new thread instead, finally my sewing machine is sewing like butter, which is what I've always wished for and have struggled with never being able to have! This video is life changing! Thank you so much! :)
This video explained a lot! Thank you for showing the process and what the end result should look like with the right tension. The two different thread tip is a great idea! I started sewing about 7 years ago and things were going fine for like a month until the thread underneath the fabric started bunching. I couldn’t figure it out so I just threw the sewing machine back in the box and it just sat in my garage up until now, lol!
After 3 hours of frustration with my daughters machine, I came upon this video. Excellent, systematic approach to solving stitching and bird nest problems. Thank you for posting this. You are the queen!
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that you walked through literally everything, not assuming that the watcher knows anything. I'm a beginner and I learned so much. Thank you again!
Gurl, thank ya so, so much. I'm still new to the sewing machine. I've been sewing by hand most of my life, but now I can use the actual machine. I appreciate your video!
I had been sewing for years and lost the time to do it about 18 years ago, because of my job. Since last June, I retired and when we remodeled our home, I found my sewing machine and crafting boxes. With the birth of my FIRST Great Grandchild coming this June, I thought that I would make her crib quilt. I set the machine up and suddenly realized that I've forgotten how to use it! 😂 I threaded it and holy moley what a mess I'd made! The machine was so dusty, inside and out. The tensions were a blooming nightmare and I just sat there and cried! Then I thought OK clean it all up, and find a RU-vid video to set me straight again. You were top of the search list, and as I watched memories came flooding back and all was right in my sewing world again! Bless you!!!! You saved this old woman a lot of grief! ❤
dougngn I want to throw it out the window, but don't want to have to tell husband why he has to replace the window. Have just packed it away for a long time, but remembering the aggravation of all that wadded up thread underneath makes my blood pressure go up. Will have to try and get it out and try changing to a new needle, and new thread, first of all. Then may have to mess with the tension. I don't know whether I'll be mad or relieved if any of these stupidly easy fixes works. (Am likely to be insulted if Granny's antique thread on real wooden spools is not good enough for snooty new fangled, only 50 yrs old, sewing machine.) Hmph. Thanks a million for your tips, though. If they work, I'll have a whole new pastime for these endless Coronavirus days.
Honestly this video really helped! Thank you so so much! I never would’ve even thought of adjusting the tension on my machine would be the issue. Again thank you!
THANK YOU GIRL!!!!!! This has been so helpful. I've been sewing face masks for a few months now on a mini sewing machine. I've just received an upgraded machine, big improvement, but I'm having some issues. This has been so helpful. I love that tip about starting with the needle in the down position...this tip and the thread direction for the top and the bottom is great.
Jenna Anne Sewing machine "dumb"? See my comment How to NEVER GET A BIRD NEST. Much success to you-I know you just need a little more help. Your sewing machine is a great companion when you know how to keep her running smoothly!😊
Thank you so so much! For the longest time I was in an intense love-hate relationship with my machine and never knew how to troubleshoot it. Thank you for making it so simple to understand!
Thank you for that tip. Your comment about the tension needing to be adjusted higher the more you use the machine saved the day! Been researching this bunching issue for 2 weeks now and you just saved me from taking my machine in to be serviced. Thank you so much!
I also read that when threading a machine the presser foot must be up. That way the tensions discs are wide open. Lowering presser foot closes the discs.
Thank you so much! I've had this problem for years and recently it has gotten to the point where I thought my sewing machine was broken. But now it is fixed.
Such simple little details that I never knew, like setting the spool with the thread feeding from the back, using two colors to trouble shoot and checking each setting of tension. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this tutorial.
My hero!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I'm new to sewing and you're the only video I found that mentioned about the pressure foot. Love from Cape Town, South Africa!
Thank you so much! I’m new at sewing and the bird’s nest issue ‘bout had me tossing my machine out the window. This was very informative and simple to follow. Bless you!
Thank you!!! This totally resolved my issue. Being new to sewing I was about to give up. My inner guidance told me to check out RU-vid and found your video. Now I can start sewing!! Thank you again!!!
Thank you! I never thought about having contrasting thread to see the problem. And why the tension might be different bwcause of heavy use. You explained clearly and thoroughly. I'm going to test all my machines. One is at 9. Been sewing a lot during quarantine. Time to take her in for a tune up like you said! Thanks again🧡
THE most helpful video on this issue! I’ve been an amateur sewer since I was 4 and no one’s been able to explain the tension pedal to me as good as you!
Thank youu! Shame to say, I've been sewing for years and could never understand of getting the tension right on my machine. You broke it down nicely. Subscriber
Thank you Ebony! At the 3 min mark you said what you were going to do and I shut off the video and began the test...I went up one half a notch (on the top tension) until the thread looked perfectly even underneath. Mine is set now at just over 4. WOW SO simple. I knew it was simple but I feel that your explanation was so clear and it helped me perfectly. Thank you so much for ending my frustrations with this situation. One little “funny” from my childhood, in the early 70’s (I’m 58 now) My mom and two of my three older sisters sewed so it was natural that I would do it as well. My mom looked at me very threateningly and said “don’t you EVER touch this knob!” It certainly put the fear into me but Now I appreciate why she said that, Lol. My dad said the same thing with the rear view mirror in the car!
I have searched and searched for information to fix my tension issue. Bingo I finally hit the JackPot. I can't thank you enough. I wish I could give you more than 1 thumbs up!!!!!!! Thank You Thank You!!!
thank you!! This was so helpful. I never knew about the single color on each side and it is such a great idea to use paper to test the tension. THANKS!
You did a fabulous job explaining all of that in layman terms. I’m trying to make mess but I keep bundling up the thread. No wonder, this sewing machines is 45 years old and it’s been about that long since I used it. I’m Going to try all your suggestions. Stay safe and thank you
Thank you so much you just solved my problem. I bought an old singer sewing machine. 1974 #774 The instructions weren't very clear. I rethreaded as you showed and that did it!! You are awesome! Thank you!!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for this useful information! This is the only place I could find which direction the thread must go (in front of or behind the spool). So simple yet EFFECTIVE, and to the point!! Thank you!
i have been having this problem for a couple of weeks now, everything stitching fine and then suddenly my machine just hiccups and i have a mess of thread in back. thank you for explaining about which way to load the top thread though my spindle is horizontal instead of vertical, i never knew if it made a difference. and I'll definitely be trying out the tension test. this was really helpful
I'm having this issue as well but having the presser foot up, didnt help. do you recommend anything else? :( I have a lot of fabric mask orders to complete but its at a hault!! HELP! I was so frustrated. i gave up fixing it at 4am last night
@@Gigichew I hope by now you were able to fix, but please know that the knob is only changing the tension on the top thread. To change the tension on the bobbin thread, you have to tighten the tiny screw on the bobbin case. Hope that helps and gets you back into mask production! God bless!
Ah you even started off with a very helpful tip! The thread placement is so much more important than I realized! Ill have to make sure my thread is facing the right direction when I play around with my machine again. This whole video is super helpful, I wrote down like every tips! Me and other newbies are very thankful for this video!!
Thank you so much Eboni. The guy I bought my sewing machine from told me never to touch that tension so I was afraid to touch it until I absolutely had to figure it out. Thank you! I first subbed when I used to be into making wigs. I'm not anymore but I still sew and always kept my sub to your channel. Thank goodness!!!
Thank you for this video! I tried using my sewing machine for the first time and I was having this issue. Now I’m going to use ur tips and try again thank you!
Thank you for your detailed explanation! Wow! I wish you had an older machine with a removable bobbin casing, but I think this is enough information for me to figure out what is happening with my machine. The different colored threads idea is awesome! Thank you for doing this!!
I've just pulled out my machine after several years, and have to brush up on using it... What a brilliant suggestion, to start a 0, and move your way up to find the perfect stitch! Thank you ❤️ I'm going to subscribe to your channel, for sure!!
Thank you for such a well explained problem issue. New point for me, how to position the top thread spool, very interesting. Thank you again. Never too old to learn.
Lidia Johnston Some machines are threaded with the thread coming off the spool from the FRONT. Check your manual and if you need one, Google your machine brand and model # and get one. Read it!! It is your machine's Bible and you will save yourself a ton of time and trouble following the easy steps. Your machine is your friend. Love it and it will give you many years of pleasure.🙂
Thank you so much! You helped me to realise I had my lower spool in the wrong way! No wonder the tension was all wrong no matter which way I twiddled the knob! You explained and demonstrated so clearly, thank you!
This was such a BIG help!!! ❤ I grew up in the 1970s when we thought we were supposed to be "modern, liberated women", so I never really learned all these things about a sewing machine. My mother tried to teach me, but I didn't have the patience. Now that my mom has long since passed away, it's up to me to do my alterations on my clothes myself. But it's always so frustrating with all of these things that go wrong and I have no clue how to solve it. Many, many, thanks and a big hug to ya for giving this ol' gal some valuable tips!! ❤ My momma might have told me those things if I'd have sat still long enough...
I was trying to sew a COVID-19 mask and was getting nesting that was ruining my mask project. I never understood tension. I must say your video was so clear. I was able after testing finding the right tension. Thanks to you I was able to finish my project. Thank you for your excellent video!
Thank you so much Eboni!!! My daughter has been struggling with her machine for weeks now. We watched your video and now she’s back to sewing. Thank you again!!!!!
Thank you for such clear advice, I have been sewing for years and I had forgotten some of the basics. I am very happy 😊 now I have it straight in my head again!!
THANK YOU!! I was ready to throw my machine out the window!! My top thread was backwards 😑😑 fixed the whole problem I'd been fussing with the thing for 2 days lol
I want to tell you how much I loved this video. I was stressing over the issues I was having with my sewing machine and you solved my problem. I am now a subscriber. :)
This is a very helpful video! I haven't sewn anything in almost 30 years so I gave away my machine. I pretty much gave up because of the bird's nest issue thinking something was wrong with the bobbin tension or that it was just a cheap basic machine. You made an important point that the machine may simply need servicing. I just ordered a new machine and will have more confidence using it.
You are an angel. I’m a beginner and making some small crafts for renaissance fairs and this randomly keeps happening and I was close to tears. Finally found this video after several other that were no help at all for this issue. 💕💕💕💕💕
