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How to Use the Towa Digital Tension Gauge

The Towa Digital Tension Gauge is a must-have for any embroidery enthusiast looking for a consistent stitch. The precise digital LED display is easy to read and provides the most accurate tension setting possible. While primarily designed for commercial style machines with push-in type bobbin cases like the Halo, Brother PR or the Janome MB series and almost all multi-needle embroidery machines, it can also be used to measure the bobbin tension on virtually any home machine when paired with the appropriate adaptor. It really does relieve the tension surrounding thread tensions.

Bobbin Tension

Having the correct bobbin tension is probably the most important requirement to achieve a well-balanced stitch. Machines of almost every brand allow the user to adjust the tension with a screw in the bobbin case. Different brands of bobbin thread can result in different tensions so it’s important to check and adjust as necessary. This tension gauge makes it easy to measure your bobbin tension and set it to the ideal range suitable for the make, model and application of your machine.

Remember when adjusting your bobbin tension screw to only ever turn a maximum of a ¼ turn at a time. Turn the screw right (clockwise) to tighten or increase the tension and left (anti-clockwise) to loosen the tension. Don’t forget the old saying “Righty Tighty - Lefty Loosey”.

Bobbin Tension

Measure the tension after adjusting and if necessary repeat the process until the desired tension is achieved. Use these stitched letter “F” images as a guide for what would be an acceptable result.

Bobbin Tension Guide

Available bobbin case holders/adapters

There are multiple bobbin case adapters available with this tension gauge, some are labelled with the brands they are compatible with. This is a guide only, if one does not fit with your bobbin case, we recommend trying another.

How to switch the bobbin case holders/adapters

  1. Push down the movable clasp and release the bobbin case holder that comes with the gauge.
  2. Insert the new bobbin case holder into the fixed clasp and push it into the movable clasp to lock it into place.

How to thread the bobbin

Once the bobbin case adapter is in position, follow the simple threading diagram in the manual included with your gauge to accurately measure the bobbin tension. Be sure to check that there is no lint or thread caught in or about the steel tension spring area of the bobbin case, as this will interfere with the bobbin tension.

Tip: Gently hold the bobbin case in position with your finger to stop it from flipping over.

Towa Tension Gauge Threading Diagram

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