How do i thread a 1970's maybe early 80's singer sewing machine? I'm not sure if the product listed below is the exact one. It's old enough that the tutorials on youtube.com don't apply to it.

Question edited for clarity.

I was built before cell phones or desktop computers! Older sewing machines are more reliable that the new fancy electronic ones.

Broken thread is usually caused by old rotten thread, cotton breaks down, or you may have a bad batch. Or it is caused by incorrect threading, or incorrect tension (upper or even bobbin tension). Or the machine needs cleaning, servicing and timing.

Manual to check threading and tension.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/454760/Singer-1021.html#product-1022

Thread breaking in general

https://www.google.com/search?q=singer+1022+breaking+threads

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How to thread wernard st james sewing machine

If you look at the photo below of the St. James, you can probably see the thread path. Your machine would thread very similarly. Or look at some threading diagrams for pre-computerized Singer sewing machines.

St James by David Jones Ltd Sewing Machine 1970 Era EUR 52 33 (click on "see more" to see the close up)

1. 1990 - present. For sewing machines manufactured since about 1990, look for the model number on the handwheel side of the machine near the on/off switch or the electric cord receptacle.
2. 1970 - 1989. You will find the model number on the front panel of machines manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s.
3. 1960 - 1970. ...
4. Before 1960.

Machine Model Numbers ' Singer Sewing

How do find the model number for my Singer sewing machine Google Search

You're probably correct. The new Singers are not what they used to be...Singer was bought out a few years ago and many buyers have registered their regrets and disappointment with the new products and service.

http://evadman.blogspot.com/2011/12/singer-xl-400-futura-sewing-embroidery.html

Most complaints about sewing machine problems concern thread loops under the fabric, which are usually caused by the upper thread. Your problem is not as common. Generally, when thread problems occur on the top of the fabric, it is a bobbin issue.

Try a brand new needle. Make sure the needle, thread, and fabric are compatible. Also, check that the needle is installed correctly.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjV3sKLxKvNAhUjE1IKHdbNDb4QFggkMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schmetzneedles.com%2Flearning%2Fpdf%2Fschmetz-needle-chart.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHTR52AmqwzvyCjbXmD5Ch52Va5_Q

All About Needles

Remove the thread from the machine. Check that the machine is clean--no lint, dust bunnies, thread pieces in the bobbin area, stuck in the feed dogs, or under the needleplate.

ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading. Rethread the machine from the beginning. Check that the thread path is correct for the upper thread and that the bobbin case is loaded and threaded properly. Use the same thread for both upper and bobbin.

Most machine standard upper tension is set at the midway point. However, this is just a beginning point. The tension differs from one machine to another and may need adjusting depending on the fabric you are sewing.

Retest your machine.

If loops are still forming on the top of the fabric, then the bobbin tension may be too loose. Try tightening the bobbin tension (only 1/8th of a turn at a time!).

Understanding Thread Tension Threads

Sometimes it is a thread issue. Experiment with different brands of thread. Avoid old or bargain bin threads (the thread in bins at the fabric store are not the best, also Coats & Clark may not work well in your machine). Stick with better quality threads, ie Gutermann, Aurofil, Isocord, etc. Be sure to use the type of thread that is suitable for your project, ie do not use embroidery or cotton thread for sewing garment seams unless you want to be embarrassed when the seams start popping... Polyester used to be the bane of sewing projects but is now used for many items because the quality has improved and, in some cases, surpassed the former favorite cotton. Polyester is light weight but strong. Some machines just do better with one brand of thread over another.

You may also consider testing the machine with different types of fabric to see if it performs better with a particular fabric type or weight.

If it continues to be a problem, perhaps the bobbin case is damaged or malfunctioning. If you cannot find the answer to your problem, you may just need to take it for service.

http://jennys-sewing-studio.com/index.php/product-lines/singer-futura-quartet/75-singer-futura-quartet/155-faq-about-the-singer-futura-xl400.html



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IF IT WON'T SEW AND THE BOBBIN WON'T TURN FREELY THEN THE SIZE OF THE BOBBIN IS WRONG. MAKE SURE IT IS THE RIGHT HEIGHT AND WIDTH. THE RIGHT TENSION OF THE BOBBIN HAS TO BE RIGHT OR IT WON'T SEW RIGHT EITHER. IF THE BOBBIN DOESN'T WIND WHEN YOU ATTEMPTING TO REFILL IT THEN YOU HAVE A BOBBIN THAT IS THE WRONG HEIGHT.

http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/2645bb4d16795d9b408b835f7bc60cc89b29293f.pdf

Many manuals from the early 1900s are almost exactly the same. Your 24-30 is the same as a 24.

http://www.singerco.com/resources/threading.html

http://shop.ebay.com/sis.html?_kw=1970+Singer+Sewing+Machine+Zig+Zag+758+Manual+WOW&_nkw=1970+Singer+Sewing+Machine+Zig+Zag+758+Manual+WOW

found this on EBAY, hope it helps

Although your model may not be listed exactly, this link ought to provide other models similar enough to yours to be of assistance.
HERE
Your User Manual ought to have this information too

Check the position of the bottom piece that holds the bobbin carrier to the left so it rides smoothly on the rotating hook that carries the upper thread around the bobbin. I found my wife"s machine loose so the bobbin carrier was out of position and not riding on the ledge of the rotating part. loosen two screws and push it to the left and tighten.
If upper thread bunches below the material it needs more tension so it pulls back up through the material.
If the old singers were fords this is a yugo
(been fixing and adjusting her machines for years. ))