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Watch the video: “Cowboy Outlaw Sewing Machine Thread and Presser Foot Tension Adjustment” by Neal Sattlery & Harness, Cowboy Sewing Machines, and Hightech Sewing Machines
If your Cowboy Outlaw is leaving loops on top, nubs on the bottom, or marks in your leather, you’re inches away from fixing it. This clear, hands-on video breaks tension into three dials you can control: the two-stage top thread, the lightly set bobbin, and the presser foot.
What you’ll learn
- How to “read the stitch” on top and bottom to decide whether to tighten or loosen
- The correct relationship between primary and secondary (pre-) top tensioners
- How to access, adjust, and secure bobbin tension for a light pull
- How to dial presser foot tension to eliminate indentations and stop “presser foot pop”
Understanding Your Cowboy Outlaw's Tensions The Cowboy Outlaw is a hand-operated leather stitcher with three areas that matter for stitch balance: the top thread tension system (with a primary and a secondary/pre-tensioner), the bobbin tension, and the presser foot tension. The goal is a tug-of-war tie where the interlock (knot) sits in the center of the leather—no loops or nubs on either face.
Think of tension as a conversation between top and bottom threads. If one side wins, the knot shows on the opposite side. The video underscores that you’ll adjust coarsely at first, then test and refine.
Pro tip When threading this machine, wrap the primary top tensioner with two full revolutions of thread. That setup is emphasized as different from certain other models.
Meet Your Tension Systems: Top, Bobbin, and Presser Foot - Top thread tension: Two stages. The primary tensioner does most of the work; the secondary (pre-tension) supports it.
- Bobbin tension: Designed to be light—pull should feel roughly 1–2 pounds at the thread when set correctly.
- Presser foot tension: Controls how firmly leather is held; too much leaves marks, too little risks “presser foot pop.”
Watch out The presenter notes tension on this machine is fairly coarse—don’t be afraid to move in full turns on the primary when diagnosing.
Mastering Top Thread Tension Adjustments It starts with “reading the stitch.” If you see knots or “nubies” on the bottom of the leather, tighten the top thread tension assemblies. If you see loops or knots on the top, loosen them. This is the fastest way to decide which direction to turn.
The Two-Stage Tensioner: Primary and Secondary Your primary tensioner is where most adjustment happens. The secondary (pre-tension) follows the primary at about half the amount. For example, a full turn on the primary pairs with a half-turn on the secondary.
Quick check
- Bottom-side knots or loops: increase top tension (primary first, then secondary about half as much).
- Top-side knots or loops: decrease top tension (primary first, then secondary about half as much).
Identifying Imbalances: Knots on Top vs. Bottom Use the “tug-of-war” analogy from the video:
- Knots on the top mean the top is winning—loosen top tension.
- Knots on the bottom mean the bottom is winning—tighten top tension.
Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide for Top Thread 1) Verify threading: On this model, the thread wraps two full turns around the primary tensioner. 2) Test stitch on scrap of the same leather stack you plan to sew. 3) If the bottom shows knots, tighten the primary one full turn, then tighten the secondary half a turn. Stitch and check again.
4) If the top shows loops, loosen the primary one full turn, then loosen the secondary half a turn. Stitch and check again. 5) Repeat in coarse steps until the knot sits in the center.
From the comments Users ask whether tension must change with different thicknesses. The video suggests that significant jumps—like moving from one layer of 8–10 oz to two layers—can require adjustment. A community reply echoes that changes in thread, needle, material, or thickness can warrant retuning.
Note The presenter stresses this is more art than science. Expect a few test passes.
Fine-Tuning Bobbin Thread Tension The bobbin is set light on this machine. To access it, snap off the bobbin case cover. Pull the handle slightly toward you to bring the access screw into view. There’s a small set screw that holds the main adjuster screw below it. Loosen the set screw first before making any main adjustment.
The Set Screw and Main Adjuster
- Loosen the set screw carefully.
- Adjust the main bobbin tension screw to increase or decrease resistance.
- The target feel is a gentle, smooth pull—about 1–2 pounds of resistance as you draw on the bobbin thread.
Achieving the Ideal Pull for Your Stitch After adjusting the main screw, snug the set screw to lock the setting. Test by pulling thread from the bobbin: it should come out relatively easily with that light resistance. The idea is to avoid matching the much stronger top thread tension; the bobbin remains light.
Watch out Over-tightening the bobbin can degrade stitch quality or cause breaks. Always loosen the set screw before turning the adjuster, and always re-tighten it afterward to prevent drift.
Pro tip Make small changes and test on scrap. Once the pull feels right, restore the bobbin case cover.
From the comments One viewer saw knots on the bottom with top tensioners maxed. A helpful reply suggested loosening the bobbin tension and double-checking threading, noting that usually you don’t need to max out the top tensioners.
Optimizing Presser Foot Tension for Leather Presser foot tension is adjusted on top of the machine. It’s the control that determines how firmly the leather is held while the needle moves. Too much pressure leaves indentations; too little and the foot may lift briefly on the needle’s upstroke—what the presenter calls “presser foot pop.”
Preventing Indentations in Leather If you notice the foot leaving impressions, turn the presser foot tension adjuster counterclockwise to loosen it. Test on scrap to confirm the marks fade but the material still feeds securely.
Eliminating “Presser Foot Pop” If the presser foot lifts momentarily as the needle rises (the upstroke), that indicates low presser foot tension. Turn the adjuster clockwise to tighten and re-test until the foot stays down consistently.
Quick check
- Indentations or impressions in leather: loosen counterclockwise.
- Foot lifting on the upstroke (“pop”): tighten clockwise.
Adjusting for Different Material Thicknesses Large changes in total thickness can require revisiting your top tension—and you may also need to nudge presser foot tension. The video notes that big jumps (e.g., one layer to two layers of thick leather) are more likely to need changes than smaller steps.
Troubleshooting Common Tension Issues Stitch Quality Checklist
- Are you seeing knots on the bottom? Increase top thread tension (primary in full turns, secondary about half turns).
- Are you seeing loops or knots on the top? Decrease top thread tension (same relationship between primary and secondary).
- Is the bobbin pull light and smooth (about 1–2 lbs)? If not, revisit the set screw, then the main adjuster, and re-secure.
- Does the presser foot leave marks? Loosen presser foot tension.
- Do you notice momentary lifting on the upstroke? Tighten presser foot tension.
Watch out Don’t change multiple variables at once. Adjust one control, test, then move to the next.
From the comments
- If you’ve tightened both top tensioners to the max and still see bottom knots, re-thread the machine and consider loosening the bobbin. Community guidance suggests you rarely need to max the top.
- If your bobbin adjusters feel “maxed” and you still see problems, the community directs users to share photos or video with support for diagnosis.
When to Seek Expert Help If you’ve confirmed proper threading, set the bobbin to a light pull, balanced top tension, and appropriate presser foot tension but still see issues, it’s time to contact support per the community guidance.
Conclusion: Your Path to Perfect Stitches Balanced tension is a skill that grows with practice. The presenter recommends coarse adjustments paired with quick tests so you can home in fast on a clean, centered stitch.
Practice Makes Perfect
- Test on scrap of the same leather thickness stack.
- Make deliberate, measured changes (primary in full turns; secondary about half as much).
- Keep the bobbin light; secure the set screw after every change.
- Use presser foot tension to protect the leather surface while maintaining control.
Further Resources and Support The video host invites questions, and the comments include guidance on contacting distributors or technical support depending on your region. Pricing and local dealer details are not provided in the video itself; commenters point to distributor contact for those details.
From the comments Viewers shared appreciation for the clarity of the walkthrough, especially those new to leather machines and learning the Cowboy Outlaw.
Side Notes for Multi-Craft Studios If your shop crosses between leather stitching and other stitch disciplines, you may also juggle accessories for different machines. It can help to keep a clear labeling system for frames and tools so you don’t mix settings or parts. embroidery sewing machine
Organization tip Create a simple bin system: leather machine tools in one, embroidery frames in another, and thread/tension tools in a third. It keeps your bench uncluttered when you’re switching tasks. magnetic embroidery frames
Workflow tip When you alternate between heavy leather stitching and lighter textiles, jot down a “last known good” settings card for each machine. It makes returning to baseline much faster. magnetic embroidery hoop
If you also run embroidery jobs It’s common to schedule heavier stitch runs and light stitch runs in separate blocks so you only set up once per session, saving time and avoiding errors. embroidery machine hoops
Gear separation helps Color-code tools for each machine type—like red tags for your leather stitcher tools and blue for your other stations—so you reach for the right gear without thinking. magnetic hoops
Planning board Keep a whiteboard with material stacks and thickness notes (e.g., one layer vs. two layers of heavy leather) right next to the machine. It will remind you which settings to verify before the next pass. mighty hoop