Molly Tufnell

Through samples and demonstrations, you will be shown a range of tension techniques that will allow you to achieve a variety of effects. This is intended to give you a grounding in the exciting and varied textures you can produce with your sewing machine by exploring both your top and bobbin tension possibilities. This will include looking at the different textures possible when producing Whip and Feather Stitch just using your top tension and how these can be developed further by altering your bottom tension at the same time. In either case we will look at the interplay between differing weights and fibres, how the tiniest changes can cause markedly different textures and how friction also plays a part. Then we will move on to Cable stitch using the top and bottom tension techniques already learnt. You will continue experimenting with your own range of threads which will include yarns more usually associated with hand embroidery and these might include smooth yarns more usually associated with hand embroidery to include: ribbons, stranded cotton, stranded crewel wool, fine knitting wool, perlé, silks, rayon threads and so on as well as anything else you think might be suitable to use.

You might also include some wadding to try some free quilting or you could bring along some felt that you have made to machine into.

The emphasis will be on you finding out what you can achieve with your machine and you will be encouraged to produce an interesting range of samples in line with your own ideas and interests.

N.B

I am not a sewing machine mechanic! I expect students to have an excellent grasp of how their own machine works. Usually the full range of techniques can be achieved on a machine with a vertical loading bobbin case with a tension screw. Some people prefer to buy a spare bobbin case to play with but this is not necessary as there is a simple trick that you will learn to reset your bobbin case back to normal. Those with a horizontal loading bobbin where the tension screw is in the bobbin holder mechanism, will find they are very slightly limited as to what they can do, however, the tension mechanism can usually be bypassed and most things can be achieved!

Tension Techniques Course (pdf)