A method of controlling tension in a material (10) handling process. An error signal of the process is determined. The velocity analog value of the material is determined and an instantaneous integral gain is then determined according to the velocity analog value. A proportional gain is determined. A first material parameter threshold value is determined. A first material parameter analog value is measured. The output of a controller (60) is then adjusted according to the error signal, the instantaneous integral gain, and the proportional gain. The adjustment of a process output according to the instantaneous integral gain is controlled according to the relative values of the first material parameter threshold value and the first material parameter analog value.