Originally Posted by RobbieIG
A couple of days ago I made my first bag, but I stuggled with the thread tension the whole time. I was getting looping on the bobbin side. What setups of thread tension and needle choice have you had success with? I was using ballistic nylon and 14oz coated vinyl, and in some places nylon ribbon for taping.
I've been able to use 92 weight nylon thread in a home machine with some success using a jeans needle (110/18 if I remember right), and jamming the upper tension as far up as it will go. Basically, you should probably have it maxed for using heavy fabric + heavy thread. If it loops, increase the tension.
Also, make sure you have a sharp needle! That ballistic fabric will dull a needle quickly, and a dull needle will cause loops on the underside just as surely as improper tension will. So always check the needle.