SINGER 5160 - Manual (Page 48)

S I N G E R
Adjusting thread
tension
The correct tension is an important factor because too little
tension or too much tension will cause loose stitches or will
cause the cloth to pucker. Make a test on a sample of cloth and
thread thatyou intend to use.
Aperfect, well-balanced stitch (illustration 1) will have locks
between the two layers of fabric with no loops on top or
bottom and no puckering.
For Straight Stitching
To reduce tension, turn the dial to a lower number. Too little
tension will produce a loose stitch (illustration 2), with loops
in your seam. To increase tension, turn the dial to a higher
number. Too much tension will cause the fabric to pucker
(illustration 3).
Forzigzagstitching
The correct tension setting will produce smooth and even
stitches with the needle and bobbin threads locking the ends
of the zigzag stitches (illustration 4).
Too much tension will produce a tight stitch, which will cause
the cloth to pucker. To loosen tension turn dial to a lower
number. Too little tension will produce a loose stitch. Tighten
tension by turning dial to a higher number.
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