The lower tension is loose and bunched up the entire length. I have used each tension number on the tension wheel but no matter what the number the issue does not change. HELP! I LOVE my machine.

Usually, if the thread is bunching or looping under the fabric, the upper tension is too loose.. But if the bobbin thread is showing on the top of the fabric, the upper tension is too tight.

The tension is correct when both the upper and lower threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

...

Hello,
#1- tension settings, set this to "5" and leave it
#2- width control setting, 0 would be straight while 5 would be the full width of the stitch (would make a wide zig zag)
#3- Length control, larger the number, longer the stitch. (usually you will set this from 1.5 to 2.5)
#4- Stitch selector, match up the number with the stitch you want to sew. If you want to use the lower row of stitches (14-25) set the length dial to "ss". (ss stands for stretch stitch, such as for #14 (three rows of straight dashed lines) instead of just sewing one stitch forward, the machine will sew back and forth giving you a stretchy stitch/stronger)

Let me know if you need more help :) Chris

Take out bobbin holder on machine and u will see a small screw, turn it ever so slightly right and see if your bobbin tension tightens up,

let us know

the tension is wronge has the lower bobbin case been unwound and refilled)(check that this is threaded right as well)

I assume you mean it stitches 6 or 8 when set at 5.
Because the number shown on the wheel says "5" doesn't necessarily mean 5. It's just an approximation. You'll note that when turning the wheel there's tension. The numbers are just numbers. It isn't a micrometer, its a sewing machine. So, you can simply adjust to get the stitch you want then make a mark on the wheel at that point. You may end up between 4 and 5, or between 5 and 6. No matter. Wherever you get 5 per inch is where the adjustment is.

Did you bend the throat plate? I have done that and it was a nightmare. I took it off and gently hit it from the backside with a towel over it to bend it back the way it was. It worked fine.

#14 needle is way big for cotton napkin scrap. a #10 is good for most lightweight fabric. #14 is for sewing denim or levis, like that.

the tension problems on almost all machines regardless of price usually fall on the upper tension. the lower bobbin tension is factory set and it's rare you should ever need to mess with it.

if you have a drop in bobbin (top loading), tighten the adjustment screw all the way and then back it off 1/4 turn. if your machine uses a shuttle bobbin, tighten the adjustment screw all the way and then back it off in 1/4-turn increments until you can hold it in the air like a yo-yo and cause to bobbin case to fall slightly dipping your hand.

A dull needle and stitch length will also mess up your stitch. The idea is to narrow the problem down to one thing and one thing only -- UPPER THREAD TENSION.

So, if you have the right size needle for the job, with the right thread, and if your stitch length selection is correct (usually between 2 and 3 or 8-to-10 stitches per inch, the problem should be with your upper thread tension.

An easy way to fix this then is to remember: Loops on top, upper tension drop. Loops below, upper tension grow. If you get loops on top of your work, lower (drop) your upper thread tension to a lower number. If you get loops on the bottom, raise the upper thread tension.

Different stitches on the same machine will require different upper thread tension settings. Don't be afraid of it. Just remember the pneumonic: loops on top, tension drop, loops below, tension grow -- referring to upper thread tension.

have fun :)

Either the top tension is too tight or the lower tension is too loose.
sewman7

A good standard tension setting is usually around 4.5.
If you find it to be looping on the bottom, raise your top tension. If it's pulling bobbing thread to the top, lower your top tension.
For straight stitch, your stitch width should be set to zero, although on some machines (and I believe your Baby Lock to be one of them,) the stitch width setting will change your needle position.
Stitch length is simply a matter of preference.

-R

There is two other potential problems other than the stitch length. I have this model and if the bobbin is not the exat right one, then it will bunch. I have also seen it happen when the tension is too loose.