Futura CE-200 - Thread Tension Issues

I'm a complete newbie to the world of machine embroidery. I recently purchased a CE-200, and seem to have grasped the software (including AutoPunch) and have somewhat mastered it's capabilities.

What I'm having issue with, however, is the thread tension. It is loose and unsightly in several patches of the fill stitch areas. Feed dogs are down, tension is set to *E*, and top thread & bobbin are threaded correctly. I'm using stabilizer, and fabric is taught it in the hoop.

I'm at a loss as to where to troubleshoot next. I've pored over the manuals, and can't seem to find any helpful info.

Any suggestions?

Unfortunately, the manual is no help! Try changing the tension ... the rule to put it at "E" is more of a starting point.

Also, as a new CE-200 owner, you might think about checking out the FuturaEmbroidery yahoo group. the people there share a wealth of information about our picky machines. I've had mine for just over a year, and I love it, but will admit that there's a learning curve to it.

I applaud your success with AutoPunch ... I've not had the patience to work with it at all.

Good luck,

k