Tajima Thread Tension Gauge

Tajima Thread Tension Gauge

The Tajima thread tension gauge tool enables embroiderers to measure and adjust top thread tension on commercial and home machines. The tension gauge is attached to the top thread from the presser foot, and by pulling on the thread, the embroiderer can determine the tension the embroidery machine is exerting on the thread. Then, adjust the top tension until the desired level of embroidery thread tension has been obtained.

Madeira Rayon thread usually should run between 110-125 grams.
Madeira Polyester thread usually should run between 115-130 grams.

How to Use an Upper Thread Tension Gauge

Take the guesswork out of setting thread tensions. Using thread tension gauges makes adjusting both bobbin and upper tensions easy. It's quick and easy and will help you eliminate unsightly bobbin thread showing on top, looping top stitches, and thread breaks. Your embroidery will look its best with consistent, balanced thread tensions. Here's how to use a top embroidery thread tension gauge to remove the tension from setting tensions!

Instructions for Use:
Pull approximately 6 inches of thread through the needle and presser foot.
Wrap the thread around the gauge hook (sometimes, it's necessary to wrap it several times to avoid slipping).
Steadily pull the gauge towards you with the window of the barrel facing up.
As you pull, take note of the reading. These represent tension readings in grams. Polyester threads require higher tensions than Rayon. Polyester tensions 120 to 150 grams. Rayon tensions 100 to 120 grams.
Adjust your machine's main tension knob until you get the desired reading.

Once you have adjusted your thread tensions, running tests is always a good idea.

First, run the fill stitch test pattern.
If you experience any top stitch looping, slowly tighten the main upper tension knob until this looping goes away (looping can also occur if your bobbin tension is too tight).
Proper tensions for satin stitches should reveal 1/3 bobbin and 2/3 top thread color on the underside of the embroidery.

Note: Too much bobbin showing on the underside or showing on the topside usually means either the bobbin tension is too loose or the top thread tension is too tight

Top thread tensions may vary up or down by as much as 5 to 10 gf.

• Rayon #40: 150gf
  
• Polyneon #40: 170gf
  
• Metallic #40-50: 170gf
  
• Polyester CR #40: 125gf