Embroidery Machine Tension Test

I get asked often what to do when a machine starts acting funky.  90% of the time, the issue is cause by a bent needle or the tension being incorrect.  The attached tension test file has 4 blocks with the thread running at different angles, which will quickly point out a slightly bent needle because one of the blocks will look bad but the rest will be acceptable.  Sometimes, tension issues will be visible here too.

It also has 9 satin rows, which will help diagnose tension issues. The satin rows should show 1/3rd top color, 1/3rd bobbin and 1/3rd top color, and they should stay mostly even. The pictures show what the test should look like when your machine tension is set correctly.