what does it mean when my seems look

[toile]

Does anyone happen to know why seems start looking strange?
They look like flat lines then the back just barely loops over.
It's hard to explain but something is really wrong and I had to stop making things.
I have played around with the dials and cleaned/oiled the machine?

I lost my manual years ago and I never understood tension.
Is there an easy way to undetrstand this or a website I could read?

I checked into having my machine professionally cleaned and tweaked and its the cost of a new machine?
The advantage of a new machine would be a manual, and a guide showing me what all my feet do.
I have googled singer feet 100 times with no luck or explanation.
My sewing books don't explain this stuff either.

Thanks if you can help or point me in the right direction.

[ladykemma2]

take out the bobbin. get the tiny screwdriver. hold the bobbin dangling by the thread. give it a jerk. the thread should spinout, bobbin drop, and then stop.

jerk, drop, jerk, drop.

adjust with the screwdriver the tension in the bobbin.

report back.

[ladykemma2]

another issue:

a. are you using one brand of thread in the bobbin, and another brand on top. this will drive you nuts.

b. are you using cheap thread?

c. did you accidentally load heavy duty or button thread?

d. are you sewing slippery or cheap fabric. this will drive you nuts.

[toile]

Thanks everyone.

Ok I don't understand screws on a bobbin?
My bobbin is just a plastic clear circle?
Or am I calling the wrong thing a bobbin?..

The issue is actually 6 months old and happens no matter what I sew.
I do use nicer thread now but its sewing the same etc.
I sew basic cotton cloth etc..
Though I sew other items too.

I know somethings off because I can't sew a seam and then pull the threads to "gather" etc...

I want to make sure I say.... it will sew but the seams just are so weird looking.
I quilted some straight lines on a cell phone cover and even a non sewer could be able to see the seems are just lying there?
If you go to my personal blog post here at this site, click on the cell phone cover, you can see the lines maybe?
( I dont think we are supposed to link to our sites in posts)

Thanks so much!
I hope I am not too clueless for you all to help me LOL.

[ladykemma2]

Ok I don't understand screws on a bobbin?
My bobbin is just a plastic clear circle?
Or am I calling the wrong thing a bobbin?..

take out the metal thingie that holds the plastic bobbin. it should have a screw.

[toile]

I had to take many parts off the machine to get to the bobbin.
Crazy set up in there.

Anyways whole removing everything, a bolt/nut came off.
To put it back is impossible?
It's in a long hidden area?
Even if I had a long skinny magnetic screwdriver what would hold the bold for me to screw the top in with LOL?
I tried to sew without this nut/bolt and it takes the top thread and winds it outside of the entire bobbin mechanism.
That bold forces a plate down and I assume then misaligns everything.

I think I am starting to see why it costs $100 to get a machine cleaned and tweaked LOL.

Is it better to pay $100 or just take that $100 and apply it to a new machine etc..?

If I someday can afford a new machine, do they make any that are more user friendly? Maybe where the bobbin is accessable etc..?
Do you have a machine recommendation?
This machine has frustrated me for 14 years and it would be nice to have one that runs smooth and doesnt cause frustrations etc..?

Thanks SO much for helping me!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't thank you enough

[ladykemma2]

go get a janome new home basic bottom of the line new one...chuckle.

the bobbin holder is right in front where you can get at it.

[toile]

I decided to look locally instead of trusting the $100 fee in the big city.
A man here can get it cleaned and do tensions and all for $49.

but let me go look at the janomes really quick
I cant do anything right now but maybe in January I can.

Thanks SOOOOO much for your help!