How to Adjust Thread Tension on a Walking Foot Machine
Tuning thread tension on walking foot and compound feed machines for clean seams on leather and canvas.
Walking foot machines sew thick, heavy material, so tension is critical. A walking foot machine that is out of tune produces loose, ugly or uneven seams.
Step 1: Set needle tension
Start with the needle tension at the middle setting and adjust in small increments. Thick leather needs tighter needle tension than light canvas.
Step 2: Set bobbin tension
The bobbin tension should be set so the bobbin case drops slowly when held by the thread. Adjust the small screw on the bobbin case.
Step 3: Test and refine
Sew a scrap of the real material. Check both sides — loops on the underside mean too little needle tension; loops on top mean too much. Adjust a little at a time.
Step 4: Use the right needle
The correct needle size for the material prevents most tension problems before they start.