How to Check the Top Thread Tension
on Your PR-600 Embroidery Machine

(and Interpret the Results)

Is your PR-600 embroidery machine too tense, a little high-strung, always going off at the smallest thing? Or is it too laid back, lackadaisical and lazy about its job? Or is it on a nice even, steady-as-she-sews path?
If the top thread tension is off on your PR-600 your embroidery will never be right. No matter how diligent you are about changing needles, choosing thread, hooping and selecting only quality digitized designs your work will not be up to par if the top thread tension is out of adjustment.
Here's how to check it.

Note: This pictorial applies to the Brother PR-600 machine only.

Stitch Out the Test
If you embroider with a Brother PR-600 the tension test pattern is available in the machine's stock designs. If you are unsure how to access it on your PR-600, you can download the zipped test from one of the following links. Brother (PES):Tajima (DST):Melo (EXP) Husqvarna/Viking (HUS):Janome (JEF):Pfaff (PCS):Singer (XXX) The PR-600 is a six needle machine so the test has six patterns to check the tension on all the needles. If you have a single needle machine simply stitch out one of the columns, stop your machine, check the tension as shown below, make any needed adjustments and stitch out the next column to see the results. A few tips: Make sure the colors of your top threads and bobbin threads contrast enough to see the results. If adjustments are needed make them in small increments, then stitch out the test again and check it. Keep the stitched out pattern for future reference. It only takes a few moments to run a test, so check often.
The Stitched Out Test Pattern On the PR-600 the columns represent needles 1 thru 6 from left to right
Flip the Fabric Over & Take a Look
It's the backside that we really care about so let's check those columns and see what the thread has to tell us.
Too Tight! In fact the top thread tension is much too tight. Hardly any bobbin thread is showing at all in this column.
Top Thread Tension is Too Tight
Too Loose! If any of your columns look like this, your top thread tension is much too loose.
Top Thread Tension is Too Loose
Just Right! This is what you are looking for. The ratio of bobbin thread to the top thread is 1/3 in all three columns and nice and even. Perfect!
Top Thread Tension is Just Right

Stitch Out the Test

If you embroider with a Brother PR-600 the tension test pattern is available in the machine's stock designs. If you are unsure how to access it on your PR-600, you can download the zipped test from one of the following links.

Brother (PES):Tajima (DST):Melo (EXP)
Husqvarna/Viking (HUS):Janome (JEF):Pfaff (PCS):Singer (XXX)

The PR-600 is a six needle machine so the test has six patterns to check the tension on all the needles. If you have a single needle machine simply stitch out one of the columns, stop your machine, check the tension as shown below, make any needed adjustments and stitch out the next column to see the results.
A few tips:

Make sure the colors of your top threads and bobbin threads contrast enough to see the results.
If adjustments are needed make them in small increments, then stitch out the test again and check it.
Keep the stitched out pattern for future reference.
It only takes a few moments to run a test, so check often.