Sewing with Tenara Thread - Is it Really That Hard?

ttmott

ttmott

PhD in OCD
GOLD Sponsor
TECHNICAL Contributor
Apr 3, 2012
8,162
Space Coast Florida
Boat Info
2006 52 Sedan Bridge
Engines
Cummins QSM11
Skipped Stitches.....
I have a Sailrite LSZ machine and have been through about every adjustment on the thing trying to eliminate skipped stitches using PTFE Tenara thread. Changed gibb timing (advanced and retarded), needle clearance is zero to the gibb, needle sizes from 14 to 20, thread tensions galore, hung the Tenara spool horizontal and more. I've watched every Sailrite video and some multiple times. It's getting better (see photo) but not ready for prime time; I'm out of answers. Next week I want to tackle replacement of some of the bridge glass..... So, I need some suggestions and help from the experts...
This pic is M1000 (V92) Tenara with 4 layers of Sunbrella using a Size 17 needle.
IMG_5685.jpg
 
What size Tenara? Correct Needle size, and tension are the two biggies, but bent dull needles can have an effect. Sounds like you've done all that. Call Sailrite?

Interested as I'm considering one of their machines for repairs.

I successfully rebuilt my windlass cover but had to get lighter thread to get my wife's "heavy duty" machine to work. It was a PITA!!
 
I assume by tension your referring to the top thread tension...have you adjusted the bobbin tension? Top stitch looks ok, but bottom is not catching.

Presser Foot Tension?
 
Last edited:
KevinC said:
Did your adjust the bobbin tension? Is the knot being properly buried or pulling to one side?

-Kevin
Click to expand...
I did adjust the bobbin tension; it's just slightly higher (about a 2oz tension which is what Sailrite suggested) - that Tenara is slick stuff. The knot is snug, just barely visible on the back side.

I think both the upper and lower tensions are about right.
 
Presser Foot? More pressure? Sorry for second post, I edited the first while you were responding.
 
ttmott said:
I did adjust the bobbin tension; it's just slightly higher (about a 2oz tension which is what Sailrite suggested) - that Tenara is slick stuff. The knot is snug, just barely visible on the back side.

I think both the upper and lower tensions are about right.
Click to expand...

With 4 layers the knot should be buried between the layers but that should not be that much of an issue. Slightly increase the upper tension by 1/2 turn at a time.

Did you adjust the presser foot pressure at the top, maybe it's too much and not allowing the material to get pulled forward.

Another thought is to change the bobbin and make sure it is cleanly wound and not binding on itself.

-Kevin
 
dtfeld said:
What size Tenara? Correct Needle size, and tension are the two biggies, but bent dull needles can have an effect. Sounds like you've done all that. Call Sailrite?

Interested as I'm considering one of their machines for repairs.

I successfully rebuilt my windlass cover but had to get lighter thread to get my wife's "heavy duty" machine to work. It was a PITA!!
Click to expand...
The machine has no issues with polyester threads just this Tenara "lifetime" thread.
I've ordered a spool of the Sailrite PTFE Lifetime thread upon their recommendation saying it will sew much better than the Tenara. But, I have two spools of the expensive Tenara that I'd like to use if possible.
 
ttmott said:
I did adjust the bobbin tension; it's just slightly higher (about a 2oz tension which is what Sailrite suggested) - that Tenara is slick stuff. The knot is snug, just barely visible on the back side.

I think both the upper and lower tensions are about right.
Click to expand...

Also, try going up to a new 18 needle.

-Kevin
 
KevinC said:
With 4 layers the knot should be buried between the layers but that should not be that much of an issue. Slightly increase the upper tension by 1/2 turn at a time.

Did you adjust the presser foot pressure at the top, maybe it's too much and not allowing the material to get pulled forward.

Another thought is to change the bobbin and make sure it is cleanly wound and not binding on itself.

-Kevin
Click to expand...
dtfeld said:
Presser Foot? More pressure? Sorry for second post, I edited the first while you were responding.
Click to expand...
KevinC said:
Also, try going up to a new 18 needle.

-Kevin
Click to expand...
The material feeds with no issues; I tried more and less pressure on the presser foot - no difference other when too loose things got really bad.
I've been through a half a dozen bobbens trying to work through this issue.
All needles are new; I've been through size 14 up through 20. Size 17 seems the best and that is what I adjusted the gibb to. The only needle I haven't tried is the SERV 7 but I don't understand how that will make a decent loop for the gibb to snag... It seems for one reason or another that this thread follows the needle back up and will not make a loop for the gibb....
 
ttmott said:
The machine has no issues with polyester threads just this Tenara "lifetime" thread.
I've ordered a spool of the Sailrite PTFE Lifetime thread upon their recommendation saying it will sew much better than the Tenara. But, I have two spools of the expensive Tenara that I'd like to use if possible.
Click to expand...

I made this with the Sailrite LSZ-1 and Tenera thread (lubricated) - All flat felled seams.
340SDA - Winter Cover - 01.jpg
So it is definitely possible.

-Kevin
 
dtfeld said:
I’m watching their video for sewing with this type of threads...3 takeaways.

1. Recommend only the Sailrite thread
2. Use a #18 DI needle
3. Impossible to elimate skipped stitches.

looks like you’re doing about as well as can be expected.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...=IA5tIajuuvU&usg=AOvVaw0dyTcL5a4UfXeXMW3ZM5kI
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...=IA5tIajuuvU&usg=AOvVaw0dyTcL5a4UfXeXMW3ZM5kI
Click to expand...
I have some DI needles coming with their thread. I'll try the DI needles with the Tenara but I'm loosing confidence.
 
ttmott said:
It seems for one reason or another that this thread follows the needle back up and will not make a loop for the gibb....
Click to expand...

The shank is what the bobbin hook passes through to catch the thread and make the knot. It still sounds like the hook is not passing through the shank. Can you visually confirm the timing of the hook? I am also working under the assumption that these needles are the proper type (135x17).

-Kevin
 
dtfeld said:
I’m watching their video for sewing with this type of threads...3 takeaways.

1. Recommend only the Sailrite thread
2. Use a #18 DI needle
3. Impossible to elimate skipped stitches.

looks like you’re doing about as well as can be expected.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwikzbOb96vxAhUWrp4KHf2tD5EQwqsBMAB6BAgJEAE&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA5tIajuuvU&usg=AOvVaw0dyTcL5a4UfXeXMW3ZM5kI
Click to expand...

You're going to have some skipped stitches but this does look excessive.

-Kevin
 
Off topic to the problem but what material are you using to replace the bridge panels with? If you are going through all the trouble of setting the tensions here you should probable do it with the material included so the settings transfer.

-Kevin
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,219
Messages
1,428,827
Members
61,115
Latest member
Gardnersf
Back
Top