bottom stitches are really loose and messy

I need some help.  By my question you will know that I am not an experienced sewer. 

I am making the buttercup bag.  I have sewn the same bit twice, and both times the bottom (I believe from the bobbin) stitches are really loose and very messy.  Not at all secure.  What did I do wrong and how do I fix it?  If I keep seam ripping without fixing the problem I know it will just make a bigger mess.

Thanks!
Annette
www.derekannette.blogspot.com

It sounds like you may have a problem with your tension setting or have bits of thread caught in the bobbin area. Have a look at this thread about ways to fix tension problems:

http://sewmamasew.com/forum/index.php?topic=310.0

Also have a peak at the recent blog post about spring cleaning your machine.

hopefully this helps! If you've already check tension let us know and I'll try offering up other solutions.

Amy

When this happens to me, I just re-thread the top and bobbin.  if that doesn't help, clean the machine especially the bobbin area.  And if it still is too loose you will have to adjust the tension.  If none of the above helps, bring your machine in for repairs.  Good luck.

I agree to clean the lint out of the bobbin area. You will be suprised at how fast it gets alot of lint! Maybe your bobbin is not properly wound.Wind a different bobbin & try it if nothing else works.

I agree with everyone else that it is likely a tension problem.  I usually start by rethreading both the top and bobbin.  Then I resort to cleaning and fiddling with tension settings.  Sometimes I also change the needle because it can mess things up too if it isn't sharp enough and is pulling at the fabric instead of puncturing it easily.

i too am having this problem. i am a brand new sewer with a brand new brother machine i picked up on ebay for 70 dollars. i know i do not know very much but i have tried adjusting the tension...cleaning, changing..the works. my fabric keeps drawing up. i have to stop and pull. is it the speed of sewing? the faster i go the worse it is. i am using coats dual duty thread..new. any suggestions?

If none of the above suggestions help, make sure your bobbin and bobbin holder are both seated properly. Also check that you are using the right size needle for the fabric and thread you are using.

(Assuming you checked/re-threaded the machine - both top and bobbin...) Tension is a tricky thing. If you have the book for your machine adjust your tension back to factory settings as stated in the manual. Keep in mind tension adjustments should be microscopic and done a very little at a time. A lot of people don't understand and over-adjust for miserable results. Don't get upset and/or disappointed with sewing and/or your machine, if you can't get your things to work properly, suck it up and take it to a shop that does minor repairs on site. Be friendly and explain your newby status, and ask if the mechanic will assist with gettting your tension correct; they will likely do for free.
I have been sewing for over 30 years and I don't mess with tension.

to sandyandcosmo and suzyhomemaker. thank you both so very much. i cleaned all areas, reset the bobbin and spool, rethreaded and adjusted the tension ever so slightly and my problem was solved!!! i am up and running. i love this new hobby. i am just loving it! i already have far too many projects but i believe this is normal...smiles. thank you so very much. this site is a blessing to me. i need to learn to navigate a little better so i can show some of you pros what i have made, mainly for constructive criticism.