Kenmore SWA/RS 14501 - Manual (Page 19)

Check the Thread Tension
Adjust the top thread tension
Straight stitching
The good looking appearance of your stitching
is largely determined by the balanced tension oif
both top and bobbin threads. The tension is well
balanced when these two threads 'lock' in the
middle of layers of fabric you are sewing.
NOTE: For most fabric the top thread tension
should be balanced within the orange
zone between 2 and 4 on the thread
tension control.
If, when you start to sew, you find that the
stitching is irregular, you will need to adjust the
tension control.
1. Lower the presser foot lever.
2. a. If the threads are locking on the top
surface with the top thread lying flat, the
top thread is too tight. Slide the tension
control to the left (lower numbers),
b. If the reverse is happening with the threads
on the underside of the fabric, the top
thread is too loose. Slide the tension
control to the right (higher numbers).
Zigzag stitching
The top thread may appear on the underside
depending upon the thread, fabric, type of
stitch and sewing speed, but the bobbin thread
must NEVER appear on the top of the fabric.
Adjust the bobbin thread tension
NOTE: You will rarely need to adjust the bobbin
thread tension. Most adjustments should
be made on the top thread.
1. If the tension is well balanced, but the seam
puckers badly, loosen the bobbin and top
thread tension.
2. a. Insert the small screw dirver into the screw
on the side of the bobbin case,
b. Make only a small adjustment each time,
i. e. quarter to half a turn to the right to
increase tension, or to the Jeft to decrease
tension.
NOTE: Remember the original position of tfie
screw slot to put it back for normal
sewing.
STRAIGHT STITCHING
Under
side
Top stitch
too tight
Top stitch
too loose
ZIGZAG STITCHING