It’s important to adjust tension as you

are sewing. Different fabrics and

stitches can impact your sewing

machine's tension. 

When it comes to a straight stitch,

think of it as an equal partnership.

One thread shouldn’t overpower or

crowd the other.

Both the top and the bobbin thread

should meet in the middle of the fabric

to create the perfect stitch. If either

the top or bobbin thread are pulling

through to the opposite side of the

fabric, the tension needs to be

adjusted.

If you’re having issues with getting the

tension just right, try rethreading your

machine completely making sure the

thread is getting caught on the take-up

lever. Don’t forget to check the bobbin

too!

THE PERFECT TENSIONwith Sweet Red Poppy

PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE

Check the Presser Foot pressure dial. Thehigher the number on the dial the morepressure will be applied on the fabric. Forthicker fabrics, use a 1 or 2 and use a 3 or 4for thinner fabrics.

CHECK THE BOBBIN

Make sure the bobbin has been inserted inthe correct direction. Ensure the thread hasbeen wound evenly, with consistent tensionthe entire time. As a last resort, adjust thebobbin case, turning the screw clockwiseslightly to tighten the bobbin tension orcounterclockwise to loosen the tension.

THE PERFECT TENSIONwith Sweet Red Poppy

REPLACE YOUR NEEDLE

If your needle is bent or worn down it cannegatively affect your tension. Make sureyou are using the correct needle size forthe weight of fabric you are sewing with.When in doubt, replace your needle!

CLEAN THE INSIDE

If the inside of your sewing machine islooking a bit fluffy, gently sweep away dustand lint with a paintbrush. Clean fibersregularly for best results.

NEW THREAD

It’s important to use high-quality thread.Low-quality thread breaks easily, leavingfibers inside of your machine. Make sure touse the same thread in the top and bobbinfor best results.

PRESSER FOOT

Make sure the presser foot is in the downposition when sewing. This seems like anobvious one, but it happens more than youmight think!

CHECK THE TENSION DISKS

After threading the top thread and needle,lower the presser foot. Grab the thread andgently pull away from yourself.If the thread moves easily, it has notslipped between the tension disks.Rethread the machine making sure thepresser foot and needle are in the upwardsposition to open the tension disks.If the thread resists when pulled, it meansit has been properly engaged in the tensiondiscs and will create proper stitches.

ALL ABOUT NEEDLES

When selecting the perfect needle for your project, a few factors to consider are 

what type of fabric you’ll be sewing and the type of thread you will be using.

There are 3 basic machine needles:

UNIVERSAL NEEDLE

An all-purpose needle forsewing wovens and knits. Thepoint is slightly rounded andthe needle is tapered so thatit slips through the weave ofknits easily while still retainingenough sharpness to piercewoven fabrics.

SHARP OR MICROTEX

This is the most common typeof needle used with tightlywoven fabrics. It has a very slim,sharp point that createsbeautiful top-stitching andperfectly straight stitches.Because of it's fine point itshould be replaced frequently.

When Should You Change Your Machine Needle?

Skipped or uneven stitchesThudding sound when sewingDamaged fabricsBroken threadAfter 6 consecutive hours of sewing

L E A R N T H E D I F F E R E N T T Y P E S O F S E W I N G N E E D L E SA N D W H E N T O U S E T H E M

BALLPOINT NEEDLE

Ballpoint needles are madeespecially for sewing on knitfabrics. A ballpoint needle has arounded point that is designedto slide between the yarns ofknit fabrics without snagging orbreaking them. It also preventsskipped stitches

SIZE 60/8, 65/9, 70/10 Light Weight FabricsSilk, Chiffon, Organza, or Georgette

SIZE 75/11, 80/12 Medium Weight Fabrics Quilting Cotton, Taffeta, or Rayon

SIZE 90/14, 100/16 Heavy Weight FabricsCorduroy, Brocade, Denim

SIZE 110/18 Very Heavy Weight Fabrics Canvas, or Tapestry

Remember the smaller the number, the lighter the fabric.

SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES ALSO HAVE A NUMBERASSOCIATED WITH THEM WHICH CORRESPONDS TO THE

THICKNESS OF THE NEEDLE.

A FEW SPECIALITY NEEDLES YOU MAY USE

JEANS/DENIM

Designed forpiercing thickerfabrics with areinforced blade toreduce breakage andskipped stitches.

TWIN

Creates the look ofprofessionaltopstitching with twoparallel rows ofstitching.

STRETCH

Designed to be usedwith 2-way stretchfabrics. Preventsskipped stitches andcan also sew elastic.

METALLIC

Has an elongatedeye which preventsthe fraying andbreaking of delicatemetallic threads.

Needle Types

The Needle Guide

Needle Sizes

*All the color coding and

types/sizes are based off of

the Schmetz brand needles.

BUTT

SHANK

TAPER

GROOVE

SCARF

EYE

POINT

BLADE

*The shank will berounded on the front, and

flat on the back

with Sweet Red Poppy

*The needle sizing first inEuropean sizes and then

the American size second. Athicker fabric will need ahigher number needle.

StretchJerseyJeans

LeatherMicrotexQuilting

EmbroideryMetallic

TopstitchSpecialtyOverlock

130/21125/20120/19110/18100/1690/1480/1275/1170/1065/960/8

SEW A STRAIGHT LINE

Sew with an unthreaded machine for practice.

Sewing Practicewith Sweet Red Poppy

Start here

LET'S PIVOT

When you reach a corner, place your needle in the downposition, lift your presser foot and pivot the paper, lower the

presser foot and continue sewing.

SEWING IN CIRCLES

Now it's time to work on sewing curves. Sew slowly, gentlymaneuvering the paper with pressure from your hands to sew

the curves.

Start here

ALL ABOUT CORNERS

Let's perfect sharp corners! Pivot when you reach the end of the line.

Start here